Drag racing is the fastest, loudest and perhaps most spectacular of motorsports, pitting drivers and their cars against one another in pairs from a standing start. The standard course is a straight quarter-mile – sometimes shorter, never longer – and the racing format is instant-knockout.

How does Drag Racing work?

Numerous different vehicle categories range from road-going production cars to Top Fuel Dragsters. Some eliminators feature vehicles of equal performance capabilities competing head-to-head without handicaps. Other eliminators allow vehicles of unequal performance capabilities to race each other using a timed handicap system with staggered starts. First to the finish progresses to the next round; second to the finish is eliminated. It’s very decisive. The procedure repeats until a single winner is left standing in each eliminator.

Check out this video below and watch more great motorsport videos on Motorsport UK TV www.motorsportuk.tv:

How do I get started?

First, get a feel for the sport by watching some events at the UK’s only drag venue Santa Pod Raceway. Take the opportunity to have a chat with some of the competitors during less busy moments; they will be able to answer any questions you may have and offer some advice. If you want to compete in Motorsport UK Drag Racing you will need to join a drag racing club and take out an RS Inter Club Competition Licence, then get yourself a car…

What kind of car do I need?

There are more than two dozen classes for modified road cars and bespoke drag racers, all of which must comply with the relevant Motorsport UK regulations. These classes are determined by factors such as engine size, modifications and fuel type.

What equipment do I need?

As a minimum for competitive drag racing you will be required to wear a helmet and flame resistant overalls to approved standards. Details can be obtained through the organiser. It is possible to run a standard road-going production car. There are a large number of other classes catering for modified road and sports cars and bespoke drag race cars, all of which must comply with regulations specific to that class, which can be obtained through the organiser

General technical regulations are found in section S of the Motorsport UK Yearbook, although specific technical regulations for the various classes can be obtained from the organiser. Specific event or Championship regulations are found in Supplementary Regulations (SRs) also made available by the organiser.