On Sunday, June 30, our esteemed bracket racers will be racing off for the iconic Wally! Schedule of events remains the same throughout the weekend.
The NHRA.tv Challenge is for E.T. bracket racers at NHRA member tracks. The winner of each event is rewarded with a special-edition pewter Wally trophy, the most coveted prize in drag racing.
Member tracks receive everything needed to stage the event, such as banners, participant decals, advertising and publicity material, and winners’ hats and trophies.
*Jr. Drag Racing League competitors are not eligible to compete in this program.
WHEN
Pit Gate Opens at 8:00 AM ET
Time Trials Begin at 10:00 AM ET
Eliminations immediately follow Time Trials.
*There will only be ONE time trial run on Sundays*
WHERE
Enter through the Main Gate off U.S. Highway 136
Pit on the East Side unless otherwise noted.
CAR & DRIVER COST
Super Pro – $65 ($70 gate)
Indy Beach Properties Pro ET – $55 ($60 gate)
Allgaier Performance Parts Sportsman – $40 ($45 gate)
Millennium Trailers Super Pro Bike – $40 ($45 gate)
Dearry Automotive Junior Dragster – $30 ($35 gate)
Indy Beach Properties Junior Street – $30 ($35 gate)
CREW AND SPECTATOR COST
Friday Night Camping – $20
Crew – $20
Spectator – $20
Kids 12 & Under FREE
PARKING
Enter through the Main Gate off U.S. Highway 136
Pit on the East Side unless otherwise noted.
Racer Payout Forms
Please fill out ONE (1) Racer payout form for the 2024 season.
FUEL PRICES
98 – $9.70
110 – $8.99
112 – $9.75
116 – $12.15
What is a Bracket Race?
By far the most popular form of drag racing is a handicapped form of competition known as E.T. Bracket Racing. In this form of racing, two vehicles of varying performance potentials can race on a potentially even basis. The anticipated elapsed times for each vehicle are compared, with the slower car receiving a head start equal to the difference of the two. With this system, virtually any two vehicles can be paired in a competitive drag race.
The accepted standard for that distance is either a quarter-mile (1,320 feet) or an eighth-mile (660 feet). A drag racing event is a series of two-vehicle, tournament-style eliminations. The losing driver in each race is eliminated, and the winning drivers progress until one driver remains.
A bracket drag race is a straight-line acceleration contest between two cars, usually starting at different times, from a standing start over a specified distance, usually a quarter-mile or an eighth-mile. Racers line up in front of a countdown device called a Christmas Tree. When they leave the starting line, timers record how long it takes them to reach the finish line. This is called elapsed time, or ET for short. Top speed is also recorded.
Getting Started
The best way to get your feet wet is to go to a “test and tune” session. Most tracks have them weekly, including Lucas Oil Raceway at our Wild Wednesday events. For a small fee, you can practice your starting line procedure, learn how the car reacts to tuning changes, and make passes down the track without the pressure of racing against someone.
You should also take time to watch how other racers do things, and most importantly, ask questions. Most racers will be happy to give you pointers on improving your technique.
Competing
When you’re ready to race against other people, you can compete in your track’s weekly series. Your car will be put in a category, or class, based on the elapsed time of your car. Top speed is not a factor in bracket racing. You will need to determine how quick you think your car will be. This is called the dial-in. When you are matched up with another car, the dial-ins are compared, and the slower car is given a head start equal to the difference between the two. To win, you want to run as close to your dial-in as possible without going faster, or “breaking out.”
Click here for the full “Drag Racing 101” brochure by Summit Racing Equipment.
