Conference Finals FAQ
Q: How many races do I have to run at my local track to be eligible for its team?
A: NHRA requires a minimum of one race. However, each track determines the structure of/requirements for its team, so tracks may require more than the one race and/or have other guidelines for joining their teams. Contact your NHRA member track for details on its requirements.
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Q: How do I register for the Conference Finals?
A: Conference Finals registration is done online through the host tracks, Bandimere Speedway and Bristol Dragway. A link to the online registration site is sent to all member tracks closer to the events, so contact your local track for the link.
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Q: Can I race at both Conference Finals events?
A: Yes.
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Q: Can I renew my competition license at the Conference Finals?
A: No. Due to the requirement of a doctor’s signature on participant licensing forms, no membership/participant cards may be renewed at the Conference Finals. Therefore, racers whose participant cards have expired or will expire prior to the start of the events must renew before heading to Tulsa, Okla., or Bristol, Tenn. All racers must have a current license to compete. You can download the forms on NHRARacer.com and/or contact the National Field Office at 626-914-4761 to apply for or renew a license.
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Q: Can I make licensing runs during the Conference Finals?
A: No.
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Q: Will 5 year olds be allowed to make exhibition runs during the Conference Finals?
A: Yes, if time permits. However, these runs cannot be guaranteed.
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Q: I recently celebrated a birthday -- which age group will I be in at the Conference Finals?
A: Racers can compete in the age group that matches his or her age on Jan. 1 of the year in which the event is taking place OR his or her age on the first day of the event. No driver may participate at this event who is younger than 6 years old at the time of the event or whose 18th birthday was prior to Jan. 1 of the year in which this event is being held. All drivers must adhere to the e.t. limit outlined in the NHRA Rulebook for the category in which they are competing: Racers running in the 6-9 age group must dial 11.90 or slower (those under 8 restricted to 13.90; 8 and above restricted to 11.90); racers running in the 10, 11, and 12 age groups must dial 8.90 and slower; and racers running in the 13, 14, 15, and 16-17 age groups must dial 7.90 or slower.
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With the 2023 Jr. Drag Racing League Conference Finals, presented by Right Trailers, quickly approaching, NHRA would like to send out a few helpful reminders to ensure that all of our racers and families have a fun and safe time at the track. With only days left until the pits will be filled with competitors, now is the time to run through your checklists and make sure everything is ready to go out and win a Championship.
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As always, all rules and procedures outlined in the NHRA 2023 JDRL Rulebook will be in effect and enforced throughout both Conference Finals. If you need to look over the current policies or brush up on rules affecting your car and class, please visit www.NHRAracer.com. In addition, we have included a list below of some of the more common issues that our competitors run into during the Conference Finals.
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All safety equipment MUST meet current SFI standards and be in date.
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All motorized pit vehicles must be operated by an adult of 16 years of age with a state-issued driver’s license. NO EXCEPTIONS
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All drivers must have a valid NHRA JDRL license with a current physical and birth certificate on file.
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Drivers must remain FULLY RESTRAINED until the vehicle has come to a complete stop off the track (No removal or loosening of safety belts or restraints).
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Helmets must remain ON & FULLY TIGHTENED until the vehicle has come to a complete stop off track.
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The driver’s head/helmet must always remain inside of the roll cage, from the ready line to the return road.
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All ballast must be secured and placed according to NHRA specifications. Loose ballast is prohibited.
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Manipulation of the timing or AutoStart systems is strictly prohibited.
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No unsportsmanlike conduct at any time during the event, either on or off track.
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Dial-ins must be clearly visible and AFFIXED to the car. Dial-in boards MAY NOT be held.
Our goal is to provide everyone with a safe, fair, and fun Conference Finals experience. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures outlined above, as well as the 2023 JDRL rulebook. Violations may be grounds for disqualification at the sole discretion of the Race Director. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to your Division Director for clarification.