Nostalgia bracket racing

I think I would like to become involved in some bracket racing. I expect the first thing is to find some rules. Is there a National set of rules which all tracks follow? Is there anything directed at classic or nostalgia car bracket racing?

[This message has been edited by bob (edited 09-18-2001).]
 
Bob,

There are really two major sanctioning bodies with which most drag racing tracks and events are affiliated. They are the NHRA and IHRA. Both have rules for drivers and cars aimed at protecting the safety of spectators and drivers. There are more driver and vehicle regulations as the vehicle speed increases and time to complete the quarter mile decreases. The NHRA and IHRA books are available through those organizations, and are also available through mail order catalogs like Jegs and Summit.

Both sanctioning bodies use speed or time breaks to determine the level of vehicle safety equipment and/or driver requirements. Drivers and their vehicles are “Teched-in” or inspected for safety compliance in their class before they are allowed to race. Drivers in a stock type class may only need a helmet and working seat belts to participate, while faster cars may require a competition license, a roll cage and other certified safety equipment.

The individual tracks and type of event control the type of equipment and quarter mile times allowed in the various classes. A stock type class may require street tires and forbid anything other than stock equipment. In a pro class, a car may have to go faster than a certain time to compete and require slicks. There are usually classes in between with various requirements. It would make sense to call your local track or tracks and have them mail you their schedule and class designations for bracket racing. If you compete at an event, you generally go on their mailing list for upcoming events and class designations.

The people at most tracks are very helpful. You just have to ask. They will walk you through basics of the burn out, the tree, ET, RT and how to read your time slip. You may want to go on a test and tune day to get started. Track personnel and other racers have more time to help out on those days, and you will get more runs completed. Plus there is less of a crowd if you embarrass yourself, and believe me that can happen when you are first starting out and a little anxious. It seems like it all happens pretty fast during the beginning runs.

I hope this has answered some of your questions and you feel more comfortable starting out. This may be the start of years of enjoyment. Most racers are good sports and really enjoy the competition and environment. The ones that don’t are fun to beat.


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67 GS 525
66 GS Convertible
 
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