The current Rules fro the NHRA Jr. Dragster Racing League can be obtained by clicking on

ATTENTION!!!!!ATTENTION!!!!! PLEAS NOTE THE FOLLOWING RULE CHANGE THAT WILL BE IN EFFECT FOR THE 2009 RACE SEASON AT LOST CREEK RACEWAY...

Here is the wording as it will appear in the 2009 Junior Drag Racing Rule Book:

Here are a few more rule changes for the Jr. Drags...

January 12, 2009

The Jr. Dragster rules will remain much the same for 2009. “Minimal changes were required. In fact, some changes are merely clarifications, such as in the helmet-bar wording,” said Don Taylor of the NHRA Tech Department. “In particular, NHRA was very sensitive to creating additional economic impact on the racers in these difficult times.”

 Below is a summary of some of the changes. See the 2009 NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Rulebook, which was mailed to members in late December, for more details and the complete text of each specific section.

BALLAST

Discovery of loose or disguised ballast will result in disqualification from the event, regardless of whether infraction occurs during qualifying or eliminations. Additional penalties may be imposed in the sole and absolute discretion of NHRA.

 ROLL CAGE

Effective July 1, 2009, for all cars: Helmet bars (3/4-inch OD x .058-inch chromoly tubing or 3/4-inch x .083-inch mild steel, or 1/2-inch x .090-inch flat strap) are required between the secondary upper roll-cage hoop and the upper roll-cage rear braces on each side of the car. If the center-to-center distance between the upper roll-cage rear braces exceeds six inches, then an additional helmet bar is required between the back braces. The helmet bars are to be installed at a height above the shoulder hoop that will keep the driver’s helmet inside of the upper roll cage.

 A steering crossmember (1/2-inch x .058 chromoly tubing or .083-inch mild steel) or plate or net must be installed across the upper framerails so as to retain the driver’s feet/legs in case of upset/incident. The steering crossmember, plate, or net must be located within six inches (forward or behind) of the driver’s knees. If a crossmember is used, it must be either welded or aircraft clamped (no hose clamps). If a plate is used, it must be either welded or bolted in place unless it is located and fastened below the upper framerails.

 WIND DEFLECTOR

Wind screen or deflector must be a minimum of four inches tall.

 HELMET

A full-face 2000, 2005 or SFI 24.1, 24.1/2005, 31.1, 31.2, 31.2A, 31.1/2005, 41.1, 41.2, 41.2A, or 41.1/2005 helmet and shield mandatory (goggles prohibited).

 NECK COLLAR/HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINT DEVICE/SYSTEM

A head and neck restraint/device is permitted. The device/system must meet SFI Spec 38.1 and must display a valid SFI label. The head and neck restraint device/system, when connected, must conform to the manufacturer’s mounting instructions, and it must be configured, maintained, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

 A head and neck restraint device/system may be used with or without a neck collar. If the device/system is used without a neck collar, a head sock or skirted helmet is mandatory.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN FULL COMPLIANCE!

Frequently Asked Questions

You've got questions, we've got answers

Q: What is the National Hot Rod Association?
A: The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) was formed in 1951 by car enthusiast Wally Parks with the purpose of giving hot rodders a safe place to race. Today, NHRA is the nation's largest motorsports sanctioning body with 80,000 members and 140 member tracks across the United States and Canada.

Q: What is a Jr. drag race?
A: A drag race is an acceleration contest between two vehicles over a measured distance, usually a quarter-mile (1,320 feet). Jr. Dragsters compete over a distance of no more than an eighth-mile (660 feet).

Q: Who can race a Jr. Dragster?
A: Anyone between the ages of 8 and 17 may compete as a driver, but drivers must become a participant member of the NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League and get permission from parent(s) or legal guardian(s) before they can race.

Q: How old do I have to be to join the NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League?
A: Jr. Drag Racing League membership is open to anyone, but drivers must be at least 8 years old.

Q: How much does it cost to join the NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League?
A: Non-driving membership costs just $15 for an entire year. Participants (drivers) pay $25 per year.

Q: How do I sign up?
A: To register you, your parent(s) must fill out an application and, if you want to drive, fill out the parental consent forms. If you don't have the application or forms, CLICK HERE, call (626) 250-2490 or (800) 308-NHRA (6472), or write to NHRA Membership Services, P.O. Box 5555, Glendora, CA 91740 to request them.

Q: What do I get when I sign up?
A: With your membership, you'll receive a one-year subscription to Jr. DRAGSTER, the official publication of the Jr. Drag Racing League, plus a membership kit that contains a Rulebook, an official membership card, and cool League stuff. (Contents of kit may vary.)

Q: How much does Jr. drag racing cost?
A: Membership in the Jr. Drag Racing League is $25 per year for drivers (note: all drivers must be League members). You must provide your own equipment; NHRA does not provide Jr. Dragsters or equipment. A basic Jr. Dragster costs about $5,000. Additional costs include but are not limited to helmet and other required safety equipment, maintenance, fuel, entry fees, and optional equipment. Equipment will vary in cost according to what type of equipment you choose to purchase. Contact the companies that sell the equipment to see what is available and what it will cost. Entry fees vary per event.

Q: Where can I race?
A: You can race at many of NHRA's 140 member tracks across the United States and in Canada. For a listing of NHRA member tracks, go to the member track directory

Q: Is there a track near me?
A: There are currently 140 NHRA member tracks throughout the United States and Canada, many of which hold Jr. drag racing events. For a listing of NHRA member tracks, go to the member track directory.

Q: Where can I find a schedule of events?
A: Unlike the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series for Professional drivers, there is not a national series of Jr. races — most are held at local tracks across the country. Many of the 140 NHRA member tracks throughout the United States and in Canada hold Jr. drag racing events. So to find a Jr. race, you simply need to find a track near you. For a listing of NHRA member tracks, go to the member track directory.

Q: How can I get a Rulebook?
A: A current Rulebook is included in the purchase of an NHRA membership. The Rulebook is also available for purchase at store.nhra.com, or by calling NHRA Membership Services, (626) 250-2490.

Q: Is there a school where I can learn to drive?
A: There are no schools or other type of formal training where you can learn to drive a Jr. Dragster. Before you get involved in the sport, you may want to attend a Jr. race at one of your local NHRA tracks to see what all is involved with it. Go through the pits and ask Jr. racers/parents and other officials their advice for getting started. To find a track near you, go to the member track directory.

Q: Can I get a sponsor?
A: Yes, any participant can seek sponsorship from companies interested in advertising their services to the NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League community (note: NHRA and the Jr. Drag Racing League do not provide sponsors for racers).