Basics of Drag Racing reprinted here with permission

by Tony DeMarcky, from Island Dragway, Great Meadows, NJ

What is a drag race ?

     In very simple terms, a drag race is an acceleration contest from a standing start between two vehicles over a measured distance. The accepted standard for that distance is either a quarter-mile or an eighth-mile. These contests are started by means of an electronic device commonly called a "tree". Upon leaving the starting line, each contestants vehicle activates a timer which is, in turn, stopped when that same vehicle reaches the finish line. The starting line to finish line clocking is the vehicle's E.T. (elapsed time).

Who can compete ?

     Virtually anyone can compete in drag racing. To drive a full sized vehicle, drivers are required to possess a valid state driver's license as a minimum. Certain performance levels/classes require a driver to possess a Competition License.
     In recent years, a new youth oriented program has developed. The JUNIOR DRAG RACING LEAGUE is open to children 8-17 years old. Competition is limited to the operation of a junior dragster only. Junior dragsters compete over an 1/8 mile course. Junior Dragster competitors are required to possess a valid Junior Drag Racing League competition license.
     Any driver 17 years of age or under must have a valid minor release waiver signed by their parent or guardian on file at the track.
     All vehicles must meet basic safety criteria (ie: good brakes, seatbelts, safety helmet). This applies to all type vehicles. Faster, all-out race cars must meet more stringent requirements as outlined in the NHRA Rulebook.

What is Bracket Racing ?

     Bracket racing is a form of drag racing whereby vehicles of different performance levels can compete on a potentially even basis. The anticipated elapsed times are compared for each vehicle, with the slower car receiving a head start equal to the difference of the two. With this system, virtually any two vehicles can be paired in a competitive drag race. For example: car "A" has recorded times of 17.78, 17.74, and 17.76, and the driver feels that a "dial-in" of 17.75 is appropriate. Meanwhile, his nemesis, driver "B", has recorded times of 15.27, 15.22, and 15.26 on the same track, and has opted for a dial-in of 15.25. Accordingly, car "A" will get a 2.5 second (17.75-15.25=2.5) head start over car "B" when the Tree counts down to each car's starting green light.
     Should a driver go quicker than their predetermined dial in, it is a "break-out", and grounds for disqualification. In the case of both vehicles breaking out, the win goes to the driver who broke out the least.
     Another form of disqualification is a foul start, or "red-light". This occurs when the driver reacts to the tree too quickly and drives away from the starting line before the green light activates.

I have never raced before, but want to try. What do I do ?

     When you come to the track, you will first meet our "gate personnel". First you will be required to sign a release waiver to enter the pit area. Minors 17 and under will be required to have a minor release form signed by a parent/guardian. You will then proceed to the ticket booth where you pay for admission and be issued a "tech card".
    After leaving the ticket booth, you should immediately complete as much of the tech card as you can in ink, and legibly please, before heading to "tech inspection". Tech inspection is where our inspectors check over your vehicle and make sure you have the minimum safety requirements. Having the card filled out neatly before you get to tech helps move things along much more quickly. At Bunker, tech is at the rear of the staging lanes.
     After passing tech, you will given a number and class designation for identification throughout the event. After being teched and numbered, you are ready to go. When they call your class to the lanes, proceed to those lanes for time trials/ elimination's. If you are unsure if your class was called, or don't know which lanes you were to report to, feel free to drive up to the back of the staging lanes and ask questions. REMEMBER: State law requires 5 MPH in any part of the facility other than the race track.
We strictly enforce this since their are usually many people walking about in the pit area.

OK, now you are teched, numbered, and in a lane. What next ?

     Please stay with your car in the staging lanes. As your lane starts moving, please move your vehicle up accordingly. Follow all instructions from the track personnel as you approach the "burnout box". This is the area where, if you are running slicks, you will do what is called a "burnout" to warm up your tires. If you are running street tires, it is a good idea to drive around the water, as street tread generally will drag water up to the starting line, and give you a poor start. The person in the burnout box will signal you when to start your burnout. Do not approach the starting line or start a burnout until instructed by start line personnel.
     After the "burnout" area, you will approach the starting line. In the center of the track, close to the starting line is a "christmas tree". That's the pole with all the pretty lites on it. Slowly approach the starting line until the "prestage" (the bug lights on top of the tree) and the "stage" (that's the second set of bug lights on top of the tree) are lit. At that point, you are set and ready to race. If there is anything wrong, or you are not ready, DO NOT LIGHT THE STAGE LIGHTS. When both cars are staged, the starter will throw the switch to activate the tree. If your car moves before the green light lites, you will get a "foul" or red-lite on your side of the tree. During elimination's, the first car to foul will get the red light.
     One important note: If all the red lights are flashing on and off, that signifies there is a problem on the track. If you are staged, immediately back out of the stage lights carefully, a very short distance, and shut off your vehicle. If you are not staged yet, stop and turn off your vehicle where you are. Getting back to the race: Once the tree counts down, you leave the starting line, and you're racing. Once you get to the finish line, immediately start slowing down, safely. There are a couple turnoffs, all to the right of the track. Take the one you can make safely. If you are in the left lane, do not cross over until you know exactly where the vehicle in the right lane is, and how fast he is moving. If you are unsure, just use the entire shutdown area and exit to the right at the end of the track. You will then come up the return road, and stop at the "time slip" booth, where you will get a printout of your run.

     That's it, in a nutshell!   Now it's time to go out to your local track and try it. Good Luck!

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Bunker Hill Dragstrip
No reproduction without consent please!
Dragstrip pictures courtesy of
Ron Stover