So You want to Start Drag Racing?
Getting started isn't as difficult as it may appear, whether you are intending to run a car or a bike, most of the information is the same.

Cars
Firstly, you may want to come along to a RWYB to evaluate your car's performance. Once you've done this you can decide which class you are going to compete in. Next, regardless of whether you are running a block stock Lada or a Top Fuel dragster you need a licence, so send off to the Motor Sports Association (MSA) for a licence form. At this point it is a good idea to join our drag racing club and register your vehicle. Once you become a member, part of your membership will include a drag racing rulebook, which then it is a good idea to read about your class regulations (firesuit, helmet requirements etc) and the basics of race craft.
(MSA minimum Licence requirement : Non-Race National B, Cost: £34)

Bikes
If you've read the cars section, it's pretty much the same. The only difference is your Licence which would be obtained from the Auto Cycle Union (ACU).
(ACU minimum Licence requirement: National, Cost: £42)

For any questions regarding the above:
Santa Pod Racers Club
P O Box 12
Rushden
Northants
NN10 0ZU
Tel: 01933 313625
Fax: 01933 355558
E-mail: paula.marshall@btconnect.com

Other Stuff you might need to know

Cars
This is the technical bit if your race car is intended to run quicker than 9.99 seconds on the quarter mile, then it will have to be chassis teched. All of the details of how your car should be constructed are within your current rulebook. However, if there are some points you are unsure about either call the SPRC office or one of our recommended chassis/race car builders (see Links page). Once you are sure your vehicle is OK then you can either call one of the technical crew (Geoff Martin, tel no: 01608 674121 or Mark Norton, tel no: 01865 400812, mobile 07881 456314) or come along to a tech day, which are normally held at either Santa Pod Raceway or Shakespeare County Raceway. Once your car has been teched, you will receive a chassis sticker and this will cost you £45 - this is paid only when your car has passed the technical inspection. Don't worry if your car doesn't pass, because the tech people will be able to advise you of any changes that maybe required, and, in most cases, these will be minor.

Bikes
Bikes are pretty much the same story, class and construction regulations are within the current drag racing rulebook. However, currently there are no chassis tech requirements. This may change in the future.

So onto the Racing stuff
Firstly, after you have got your vehicle, relevant racewear, gloves, leathers, helmet etc you need to enter the race event. At this point we will assume you have joined the club and registered your vehicle (not compulsory). The entry forms for all the permitted race meetings are available on our website (click heading 'Entry Forms').  You will need to download the relevant entry form and post back to us along with your entry fee (check entry form for fee) and a stamped addressed envelope if you wish your entry tickets and other race information to be posted to you.  If no stamped addressed enveloped is received then all entry tickets will be left at the main gate of the racetrack for you to collect.  Please ensure you check the official closing date for each event.  We cannot guarantee acceptance of your entry if received after the closing date and you will incur a late penalty charge if accepted.

Once you arrive at the track, hand over your racer tickets at the main gate and proceed to the pit area. You should then be met by a pit marshal who will show you where to put your vehicle for the weekend. Next up, scrutineering. Early on race day you will have to sign-on as the racer and any crew members (those who will help you and eligible for startline passes only). At signing-on you will also get your scrutineering slip stamped ((don't forget your MSA/ACU Licence and Club Membership card). Once signed on you take your relevant race vehicle to the scrutineer (please check class scrutineering time schedule). Whilst at scrutineering your vehicle will be checked by either an ACU (bike) or MSA (car) scrutineer for safety criteria (stop, start, steer, etc). Once scrutineered you will receive an acceptance sticker, which you must apply to your race vehicle for the remainder of the meeting.

After scrutineering, return to your pit bay and await your call for your class. This will be followed up by a visit from a pit marshal advising you to enter the fire-up road to make your run (in case you missed the PA announcements calling out your class).

As you are a new driver you will have to complete your observed runs. When you have signed-on earlier in the day you should speak to the Race Director to advise him which class you are in and that you will be completing your observed runs. What you have to do to have your Licence signed is as follows: firstly a burnout (if required) and a 60ft launch, secondly a burnout followed by an 1/8 mile pass and lastly a burnout and a full quarter mile run commensurate with the ET (elapsed time) for your intended class. Once completed the Race Director will sign your MSA licence and you are free to race against your opponents within your class.

It is worth mentioning that although it is not currently mandatory for bikes to carry out observed runs, this is at the Race Director's discretion and probably dependant upon which class of bike you intend to run in. You may be asked to complete the same as the cars (as detailed above) or asked to complete a solo pass to prove your competence with your particular machine.