An Amateur "Day at the Races" Birmingham

While the professional and other faster classes get all the attention on TV and in the press, there are far more casual and weekend racers for whom it's just an enjoyable hobby. Many potential first-time amateur drag racers are put off by their lack of knowledge as to what to do. Assuming a 13.0 second or slower car (most unmodified road cars), it is relatively easy to have an enjoyable day at the track.

Getting Ready

The first requirement is locating a nearby drag strip. Despite this being a predminantly US sport, the UK provides its own raceways located in Poddington, Northants; Stratford-upon Avon and York. Contact these racing venues to find out what dates/times they put on races for street cars, and the cost to race. Watching is of course cheaper so be sure to mention you'd like to race your vehicle. Also, be sure to get the two most important times - the time they open and the time racing starts (usually 2-3 hours later). The difference is so amateurs can have "practice runs" to determine what times their cars will be capable of achieving.

There are two reasons to try to arrive just as the track is opening. First, the "pit area", where all cars that will race initially congregate, offers better spots (closer to the track) early on. Secondly, there is a greater opportunity to get more practise runs in.

What to Bring

An automobile racing crash helmet and white shoe polish in an applicator-type container (discussed later). Alcoholic drinks are not allowed. Snacks and some beverages are acceptable. Many people bring a camera to capture the action. Many amateur enthusiasts enjoy bringing friends, especially in another vehicle, to enjoy the racing with and to assist with picture-taking. Earplugs are also a wise choice, as are glass cleaner and paper towels.

When you First Arrive

Depending on the track, you may need to have the car inspected (known as "teched"). Gate attendants (where you enter and pay) are used to this question, and know whether a street car needs to be inspected or not. If your car does not require an inspection, you can simply head staright for the pit area. If however an inspection is required, you will need to allow an official to look over the car to ensure that is meets the necessary requirements (for example, seat belts, a correct helmet, street-legal tires, a correct exhaust, and other street-legal items). If your vehicle passes inspection, the official will then use his white shoe-polish (or other substance) to paint an identifying number on your upper-passenger windshield, and also possibly on a side window. You may then proceed to the pit area. Be sure to save the stub and/or inspection pass presented, since you will be asked for it before being allowed to race.

The Pit Area

Unlike NASCAR in the US, the pit area in amateur drag racing is a huge parking lot. If your car didn't need require inspection, you will need a numbe...