Dragstrip Etiquette

Here are a few simple rules of Etiquette that you need to observe to make sure that you, and everyone around you has a safe and fun time at the track.

Make sure your entry numbers and dial-in (when applicable) are visible from the tower. Most Tech inspectors will put the entry number on the car for you, but if they don’t, make sure it is clearly marked and large enough to see from the tower. (3″-4″ Tall)

When you get ready to race make sure you get in the right staging lane. This will keep you from running in the wrong class. (racing a junior dragster with your T-Bird). If you aren’t sure ASK.

Once you are in the staging lanes, stay with your car.

When it’s time for the cars in your staging lanes to race, the official at the front of the lanes will direct you. It is very, important to pay attention and watch the track officials at all times for directions.

After you have been paired up and you pull up to the timing tower, watch the official at the water box. He/she will check to make sure your windows are rolled up, seatbelts are on, and if it is after dark, that your parking lights are on.

Don’t enter the burnout area until you are instructed to do so by a track official. Entering the burnout area before you are instructed to, can get you removed or even banned from the track.

Don’t start your burnout until directed to by the official. He/she usually gives you some sort of hand signal to let you know you can begin. Make sure your vehicle is on the pad and facing straight ahead.

Don’t do a Top Fuel-style burnout (spinning the tires through the starting line and down the track) This can also get you removed or banned from the track.

As a general rule, the first car into the staging beams should light only the pre-stage light. When the second car is pre-staged, then either vehicle can move forward into the staging lights. Lighting both staging lights before your opponent pre-stages is just bad manors and is considered pushy and rude.

When the light turns green, stay in your lane at all costs.

At the completion of your run if you are in the right lane, and the track turn off’ lane’s are on the left side of the track, the car in the left lane has the right of way. If the turns off lanes are on the right side, you have the right of way. Don’t EVER turn in front of another car! If you do, you could be turning in front of a car that is still under power. How would you like getting hit by someone running 125 miles per hour? (Nothing More to say…)

At the end of your run exit as quickly as you can safely. Proceed up the return road, and stop at the timing shack and pick up your time slip. Wait until you get back to your pit stall to read it. There are a lot of people walking around. Drive carefully and go slow!