NHRA License
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,368
Likes: 93
From: Somewhere in the Mid 9's TX
NHRA License
Hey guys, I was wondering what you had to do to get a 9 second license?
I talked to Rose or Rosa from NHRA this morning , and this is what she told me. I need to download the medical release form from NHRA. Take it to my doctor and have a physical. After that, take the medical release form to the track. I need to advise the head track official, and make 6 passes. 2 of my runs have to be in the 9 second area, since I told her I don't always run 9's. Also, 2 drivers with similar NHRA licenses or a higher class license needs to witness the runs..
Does this sound accurate?
I talked to Rose or Rosa from NHRA this morning , and this is what she told me. I need to download the medical release form from NHRA. Take it to my doctor and have a physical. After that, take the medical release form to the track. I need to advise the head track official, and make 6 passes. 2 of my runs have to be in the 9 second area, since I told her I don't always run 9's. Also, 2 drivers with similar NHRA licenses or a higher class license needs to witness the runs..
Does this sound accurate?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,629
Likes: 15
From: York PA
That's correct, except for the (6) 9 sec passes
You'll be told to make
(2) launches to about 330'
(2) 1/8 + passes
(2) passes quicker than 10.00 or (2) passes faster than 135 mph
Both NHRA license holders & track manager sign your form afterwards.
You'll be told to make
(2) launches to about 330'
(2) 1/8 + passes
(2) passes quicker than 10.00 or (2) passes faster than 135 mph
Both NHRA license holders & track manager sign your form afterwards.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,368
Likes: 93
From: Somewhere in the Mid 9's TX
So it is the car+driver? I have a 6 point roll bar/5 point harness in my car, but I believe it is only certified to 10.0 or 135mph. I'm just curious since I don't plan on making more than about 10 passes total in 2012. Our lines take about 2 hours to get through and I don't compete in any races. I'm trying to figure out if it is worth it for me to get, or just make 2 runs a night and go home like I do most of the time anyway. Thanks guys.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,203
Likes: 104
From: Short Hills, NJ
Borrowing a legal/certified car might work but that still does you no good for those times that you'll be running your own car (into the 9s and/or over 135mph) with only a 6 point.
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Last edited by LS1LT1; Jan 24, 2012 at 02:15 AM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,368
Likes: 93
From: Somewhere in the Mid 9's TX
Well, darn. It looks like I am just going to make 1-2 hits a couple times this year and not get my license. I love to drag race, but I can't see myself hacking up the car for the minimal amount of time I will spend in it at the track since I already have a 6 point roll bar. Plus, I'm getting married this year, and the cam I spec'd drives with almost no lope(118+2LSA cam), so it is still the date car since the side bars come out.
I fully understand why NHRA, and IHRA have their rules in place. I choose to only run at a track that I feel safe at with my equipment. We have another 1/4 track about 1 hour outside of Houston(Hennessey) that opens up once a month, but I will not run it in the 140's out there.
Thanks for the replies, guys.
I fully understand why NHRA, and IHRA have their rules in place. I choose to only run at a track that I feel safe at with my equipment. We have another 1/4 track about 1 hour outside of Houston(Hennessey) that opens up once a month, but I will not run it in the 140's out there.
Thanks for the replies, guys.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 972
Likes: 11
From: Dawsonville, GA
I had my license years ago when I raced regularly. ('95-'01)
For an occasional blip down the track, it isn't worth all the hassle and safety gear.
Like was previously stated... not only do YOU need to be geared-up (jacket/pants/gloves/collar/etc) for 9-sec runs, but the car does too. (sfi balancer/cage/chute/window net/harness/flexplate/flywheel/trans shield/bellhousing/etc...)
For an occasional blip down the track, it isn't worth all the hassle and safety gear.
Like was previously stated... not only do YOU need to be geared-up (jacket/pants/gloves/collar/etc) for 9-sec runs, but the car does too. (sfi balancer/cage/chute/window net/harness/flexplate/flywheel/trans shield/bellhousing/etc...)
Last edited by Dragracer_Art; Jan 24, 2012 at 09:29 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
From: New York
I've been trying to get my license for years. Aside from the $200-$500 you spend on the jacket/pants/gloves/shoes/neck collar....the phsyical, if you dont' have insurance, if you're not going to race your car going 9.99, I'm really not sure if it's worth it. For me, I will NOT be putting a full cage in my c6 to get my license. It's also a little to risky for me to borrow someone else's car that IS certified to go 9.99. first, half the cars set up to go 9.99 or quicker are race cars- shoots, different transmissions, buttons & switches, etc. It is much different to drive/stage/ try to go straight with a car that is not a c6 that drives like a cadillac. Second, I would not want to be responsible for someone else's car should it not go straight or something break on the motor/trans/car itself. I have been going back and forth with this for years like I said and I really want to get my license but...it might be easier to go to drag racing school and pay the $700-1000 that it costs to get it.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,368
Likes: 93
From: Somewhere in the Mid 9's TX
Thanks Art and Shay. I have all the fireproof underwear, jacket, pants, neck collar, shoes, etc. I agree, it is not going to be worth it to make a few blasts down the track, when they let me have 2 and kick me out on the third. I don't trailor my car, I don't put slicks or skinnies on it, etc. I just drop the targa top, head out, then head back home the way I drive it daily. I know that getting in the the mid 140's, a 6 point rollbar and 5 point harness is not the safest in the world, but I figure that it is better than half the guys on here that run nothing(not nessecarily in this section, but the FI sections).
I appreciate the info. I'd be getting it if I were more serious about racing, but all I want to do are set personal bests now and then, so I probably will not get it.
I appreciate the info. I'd be getting it if I were more serious about racing, but all I want to do are set personal bests now and then, so I probably will not get it.
Last edited by winters97gt; Jan 25, 2012 at 03:07 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,203
Likes: 104
From: Short Hills, NJ
I've seen tracks boot people after only ONE pass, be it a 9.9x with only a 6 point or even just an 11.45
with no roll bar at all). And I've even seen/heard of people still getting warned even after running to only the 1/8th or 1000 foot mark and lifting because the officials saw that the car had 'the potential' to run under based on the sixty foot and 1/8th mile numbers.
The rules are there for a reason, I'm sure we've all pushed them at one time or another but if we really want these tracks to stay open and still be there for us to play at in the future then we really have to comply.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Alpharetta Georgia
9.99 or faster
Much good information so far. As you have heard it is a tough decision to run consistent 9 second times. Much safety equipment and a license required. Paul Jr and I both have or NHRA license and went through the process outlined in a previous post. We have run as fast as 9.53 at 145.13MPH. This year we are going to dial the car back to 10.00 in the 1/4 and 6.50 in the 8th.
Most of the safety equipment we are glad to have and will use it all. /there is just too much that can go wrong even at 10.00. I also don't know of any situation where you can't win as much money at 10.00 as you can in the 9's. It also seems easier to be consistent at 10.00 and with all the index and bracket racing we do that is what counts.
If we do want to take advantage of some good air and try a pass full out most tracks will let it slide for a run or two as long as you don't abuse it. Hope that helps.
Most of the safety equipment we are glad to have and will use it all. /there is just too much that can go wrong even at 10.00. I also don't know of any situation where you can't win as much money at 10.00 as you can in the 9's. It also seems easier to be consistent at 10.00 and with all the index and bracket racing we do that is what counts.
If we do want to take advantage of some good air and try a pass full out most tracks will let it slide for a run or two as long as you don't abuse it. Hope that helps.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 7
From: Lahaina Hi
I have had my license for 8 years,not worth the hassel.No more money for the win , just get to run the car faster.
The car will break more and the 10 sec class has nicer racers running in it I think.
I have to pay 150.00 every 3 years for my chassis cert and every 2 years I have to renew the medical,if you miss that you have to make the 6 passes all over again.I think they give you up to a year to renew or you are screwed.It took me 3 mths to get in my 6 passes so just take your time if you are going to commit.I also think you will find it cheaper to go to Onterio Calif and do the driving school.It takes me about 50.00 per pass to run in the 9's tires and intery fuel so on add it up.
The info for the passes is listed at NHRA where the medical is ,all the info is on the sheet you need to down load that has to be signed off by the track mgr and 2 other drivers,that takes time to put together each time you are at the track.Also if one of the sign off's miss your run they won't sign you off and you have to start all over for that run.
The car will break more and the 10 sec class has nicer racers running in it I think.
I have to pay 150.00 every 3 years for my chassis cert and every 2 years I have to renew the medical,if you miss that you have to make the 6 passes all over again.I think they give you up to a year to renew or you are screwed.It took me 3 mths to get in my 6 passes so just take your time if you are going to commit.I also think you will find it cheaper to go to Onterio Calif and do the driving school.It takes me about 50.00 per pass to run in the 9's tires and intery fuel so on add it up.
The info for the passes is listed at NHRA where the medical is ,all the info is on the sheet you need to down load that has to be signed off by the track mgr and 2 other drivers,that takes time to put together each time you are at the track.Also if one of the sign off's miss your run they won't sign you off and you have to start all over for that run.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
Likes: 11
From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Paul is right and i"m a good example. I have all the safety equipment to run 9.s except I only have a 6 point cage and then i would need a license.
I have run 9.60 with a very soft tune and low launch rpm, i really don"t know how fast it would go with very little work but for me it not worth the extra money and inconsistency to run under 10.0. I can go to any track and hook and like Paul said there no extra money for running faster.
I have run 9.60 with a very soft tune and low launch rpm, i really don"t know how fast it would go with very little work but for me it not worth the extra money and inconsistency to run under 10.0. I can go to any track and hook and like Paul said there no extra money for running faster.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
Likes: 11
From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
What if I told you guys at the ZPEEDFEST event I'm running at the Beach Bend Park for the National Corvette Museum I rewrote the rule book.You"ll need a 6 point bar at 10.50 and a cage at 9.50...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,368
Likes: 93
From: Somewhere in the Mid 9's TX
If my car was an auto and saw a trailer, I would be the first person to get in line for a license since I know clicking off easy 9's wouldn't be a problem, but I can't do that all the time. After the posts by everybody, and me looking in to it further, I have to pass. Not worth it for me.
Thanks again for all the replies, guys.
Last edited by winters97gt; Jan 26, 2012 at 03:21 AM.
