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 130 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 5 and 17 may compete as a driver, but drivers must become a participating member of the NHRA Summit Racing 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 Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League?
A: NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League membership is open to anyone, but drivers must be at least 5 years old.

​

Q: How much does it cost to join the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League?
A: Non-driving membership costs just $19 for an entire year. Participants (drivers) pay $34 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. For a non-driving membership form, CLICK HERE. For participant license and physical forms, CLICK HERE, or have your parents call 800-308-NHRA (6472) or 626-250-2490 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: Membership benefits include an official membership card, pin, patch, decal, and $525,000 Excess Medical Insurance.* In addition, Jr. Drag Racing League news and competition are covered extensively online in Jr. Dragster magazine. The official Jr. Drag Racing League Rulebook is also available online.

*$525,000; except for NHRA approved Alternate Sanction Organization (ASO): the limit is $510 as the ASO provides $15,000 excess medical insurance. Coverage may be different outside the United States. For important details about insurance coverage, CLICK HERE.

​

Q: How much does Jr. drag racing cost?
A: Participant membership in the Jr. Drag Racing League is $34 per year for drivers. All drivers must be league participant members. You must provide your own equipment; NHRA does not provide Jr. Dragsters or equipment. A new basic Jr. Dragster costs about $5,000 (used cars can be purchased for less). Additional costs include but are not limited to a 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 130 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 130 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 Mello Yello 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 130 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: CLICK HERE to view and download the current NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Rulebook. The Rulebook is also available for purchase at NHRAStore.com or by calling NHRA Membership Services, 626-250-2490.

​

Q: Is there a school where I can learn to drive?
A: NHRA is not affiliated with any 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 Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League community (Note: NHRA and the Jr. Drag Racing League do not provide sponsors for racers).

​

​

If your question is not answered in the Frequently Asked Questions, please send e-mail to the general Jr. Dragster email box. Due to the high volume of e-mail received, we cannot respond to each request immediately. Thank you for your patience.