NHRA Racing Rules - FireBird Motorsports Park

All cars and motorcycles must meet NHRA Rules and pass technical inspection.
This is general information only and you should always refer to the current 2025 NHRA Rulebook.pdf

Streetcar Guidelines

License

Drivers 16 and 17 years of age must have a valid waiver signed by both parents to participate as a driver or passenger. Virtually anyone can compete in drag racing.

Drivers 18 years of age and over are required to have a Valid State Driver License and must be capable of the safe operation of their vehicle.

Vehicles running 6.39 E.T. (Elapsed Time) and quicker require an NHRA Competition License and the chassis must have a current NHRA Chassis Certification.

Helmets

Drivers of all 8.59 or quicker cars, including motorcycles, must wear a helmet meeting Snell or SFI Specifications.
Full-face helmet mandatory for all cars 9.99 (1/4 mile)/6.39 (1/8 mile) or quicker. See individual Class Requirements for additional requirements, such as Stock Eliminator. Shield mandatory 7.49 (1/4 mile) and quicker.

Drivers of NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and E.T. cars (13.99 or quicker) (*8.59) must use a helmet meeting Snell SA2010, M2010, or SFI 31.1/2010, or 41.1/2010 Specs.

Drivers in supercharged, front engine, open-bodied cars and Funny Cars must wear a helmet meeting Snell SA2015, SAH2020, or SFI 31.1/2015.

14.00 seconds Elapsed Time & slower (8.60 1/8 mile)

Good tires, no missing lugnuts
Solid battery hold down
Radiator overflow reservoir
No leaks
No cracked/broken glass
Functioning neutral-safety switch
Functional seat belts
1 operational tail-light minimum
Valid state driver's license or NHRA competition license for all participants.
Passengers allowed (must be 18 with a valid driver’s license, or 16 with notarized minor release)
The driver and Passengers must wear full-length pants; short- or long-sleeved shirt; closed shoes; and socks. No shorts. No tank tops. No open-toe or open-heel shoes or sandals. Synthetic clothing not recommended.

11.50 to 13.99 (7.36 to 8.59 1/8 mile)

Driveline loop (with slick tires)
Snell 2015 or newer helmet
Full-Face helmet in open cars/ convertibles
SFI single-layer fire jacket in vehicles with non-OEM turbochargers, superchargers, or nitrous oxide
Roll bar in convertibles (13.49 or faster)
SFI seatbelts in convertibles (13.49 or faster)
Steel valve stems (11.99 or faster)
Arm restraints in open cars and convertibles (11.99 or faster)
No passengers allowed

10.00 to 11.49 (6.40 to 7.35 1/8 mile)

SFI 1.1 or 1.2. flywheel / clutch (manual trans)
SFI 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, or 9.1 flywheel shield (manual trans)
SFI single-layer fire jacket
6-point roll bar
SFI approved seat belts
SFI 4.1 transmission shield (10.99 or faster / 135 MPH or faster)
Locking trans dipstick tube (10.99)
Aftermarket axles and axle retainers (10.99)
SFI harmonic balancer (10.99)
Roll cage w/altered floor pans – window net required (10.99 or 135 MPH)
Ignition cut-off on bikes/ snowmobiles exceeding 135 MPH
No passengers allowed
Speeds of 150 mph or higher will require a HANS device

Street-Legal Style Drag Rules (AAA Rules)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN AAA RULES MORE

9.99 seconds or 135 MPH

NHRA Chassis Certification
NHRA Competition License
SFI 3-layer jacket & pants
SFI neck collar & gloves
SFI 29.1 / 30.1 flex plate shield (Auto trans)
SNELL or SFI Full face helmet
Parachute (150 MPH)
Helmet shield (7.49 seconds)
No passengers allowed
Speed of 150 mph or higher will require a HANS device and Parachutes

Drag Racing Basics

1. Arrival Steps and Tech Inspection

You'll be given a tech card upon payment and entry. Once you are through the gates come in and find a spot to pit for the evening.
Fill out your tech card PRIOR to going to the tech inspection area.
Once your tech card is filled out, take your tech card, driver's license, vehicle, and any safety gear to the tech inspection area. After a tech inspector inspects your vehicle and gear, they will sign off on your tech card. (If you would like instruction on your first pass down the track, let the race/tech crew know.) Once your car is inspected you may take your tech card and your driver's license to the waiver booth, sign the waiver, and receive your racer wristband. From there head back to the pits and wait to be called to the staging lanes for your class to be called or for time trials to begin.

2. Staging Lanes and Burnouts

Once your class has been called to the designated staging lane, you will bring your car and all safety equipment to the appropriate lane. Once you reach the front of the staging lanes, wait for the race crew member to signal you when it's time to pull into the water box for your burnout. If you are not going to do a burnout, drive around the water. If you are doing a burnout drive through the water until the race crew tells you to stop, DO NOT start your burnout until the race crew member signals you to start your burnout

3. Staging

Once the scoreboards are clear, you may pull up near the starting line. Wait for the signal of the starter before pulling into the pre-stage beam and lighting the pre-stage bulbs. Courtesy staging is recommended (both pre-stage lights must be activated before either may advance into the stage beams). If you go too far and need to back up, back all the way out, and pull forward into the beams again. Never back into the beams. Once both lanes are staged, the tree will activate the amber lights.

4. Shutdown Area and Turnoffs

The scoreboards mark the 1/4-mile finish line, along with bright orange cones on the wall. Right lane cars must wait for left lane cars to turn off the track before crossing over to the left side of the track. There are multiple turnoffs, so when in doubt, keep going, DO NOT TURN AROUND ON THE TRACK FOR ANY REASON. Stop at the ticket booth on the left-hand side just past the bridge on your way back to the pits to receive your time slip.

Off-Course Rules

The speed limit in the pits is 10 MPH. Spectators and other participants and their crew members share this area and safety is our priority. Please follow the speed limit rule.
Burnouts, launches, etc. are not allowed anywhere but on the drag strip. This is a zero-tolerance offense, and you will immediately be asked to leave the property.
Children under the age of 16 are prohibited from driving any pit vehicles at any time, this includes golf carts, scooters, minibikes, pedal bikes etc.
Pit parking is for drag racers, and one tow or support vehicle. All other vehicles are to be parked in general parking. There’s limited space in the pits so we cannot accommodate any additional vehicles. If unauthorized vehicles are found in the pits, we may ask to have them moved. If we cannot locate the driver, we may have it towed to the general parking.
Crew members must sign the liability waiver and wear the waiver wristband before entering restricted areas. Children under 14 are not allowed in restricted areas.
Be respectful toward and follow directions from GoFast Entertainment and Firebird Motorsports Park staff members, track crew, and safety crew. If you are disrespectful or do not follow directions you may receive a warning, and possible removal from the property.
Any participant suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave immediately.
No driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. And driver suspected by a track official or crew member to be under the influence will be asked to leave immediately. If running in competition, it will be considered a forfeit

Competition/Class Racing Guidelines

License

Helmets

Drivers of all 8.59 or quicker cars, including motorcycles, must wear a helmet meeting Snell or SFI Specifications.

Full-face helmet mandatory for all cars 9.99 (1/4 mile)/6.39 (1/8 mile) or quicker. See individual Class Requirements for additional requirements, such as Stock Eliminator. Shield mandatory 7.49 (1/4 mile) and quicker.

Drivers of NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and E.T. cars (13.99 or quicker) (*8.59) must use a helmet meeting Snell SA2010, M2010, or SFI 31.1/2010, or 41.1/2010 Specs.

Drivers in supercharged, front engine, open-bodied cars and Funny Cars must wear a helmet meeting Snell SA2015, SAH2020, or SFI 31.1/2015.

Auto Trans Reverse

Lockout Any non-OEM (i.e. aftermarket) automatic floor-mounted transmission shifter must be equipped with a spring-loaded, positive reverse lockout device to prevent the shifter from accidentally being put in reverse gear. A functional neutral safety switch is also required.

Roll Bars

Unless otherwise required by your class, 6-point roll bars are required on convertibles running quicker than 8.25. Roll Bar required on all cars (including T-tops) running quicker than 7.35.

Roll Cages

Roll Cages are required for convertibles running 6.99 or faster than 135mph. Roll Cages are required on all cars running 6.99* or faster than 135mph.

One exception: full-bodied cars running between 6.40 and 6.99, with unaltered firewalls, floor and body (from firewall rearward – wheel tubes permitted) can compete with just a roll bar.

Vehicles running 6.39 E.T. (Elapsed Time) and quicker require an NHRA Competition License and the chassis must have a current NHRA Chassis Certification.

LIQUID OVERFLOW

Catch-can mandatory for coolant overflow; one-pint (16-ounce) minimum capacity. See General Regulations 1:7.

NITROUS OXIDE

Commercially available nitrous oxide permitted, including supercharged and turbocharged engines. Nitrous bottle(s) in driver compartment must be equipped with a relief valve and vented outside of driver’s compartment. Bottle(s) must be stamped with a DOT-1800 pound rating and permanently mounted (no hose clamps or tie wraps). Hoses from bottle(s) to solenoid must be high-pressure steel-braided or NHRA-accepted hoses. Commercially available, thermostatically controlled, blankettype warmer accepted. The use of a torch or any other external heating of bottle is prohibited and will result in disqualification from the event. Any subsequent violations of this rule will result in additional penalties in NHRA’s sole and absolute discretion.

Drive-shaft loop

For cars with driveshafts that contain universal joints: For all full-bodied and open-bodied cars running between 7.50 (*4.50) and 13.99 (*8.59) in place of a crossmember located behind but within 6 inches of the center of the front universal joint: A front driveshaft loop is required on all cars, except vehicles running 11.49 (*7.35) seconds or slower equipped with street tires.

Battery Relocation

If the battery is not in the stock location, and relocated to the trunk, for example, you must have an external cut-off switch on the back of the car which cuts off the electrical system and must also stop the car from running.

Seat Belts

All cars must be equipped with an accepted quick release type driver seat belt. All cars in competition requiring a roll bar or roll cage, or as outlined by Class Requirements, require a Driver Restraint System as outlined below.

Driver Restraint Systems

A quick-release, 3-inch shoulder harness meeting SFI Spec 16.1, including crotch strap, is mandatory in all cars in competition required by the rules to have a roll bar or a roll cage. Driver restraint system must be clearly labeled as meeting SFI Spec 16.1 and be dated by manufacturer. System must be updated at two-year intervals from date of manufacture. All seat belt and shoulder harness installations must be mutually compatible, originally designed to be used with each other, and produced by the same manufacturer. Cars using OEM or OEM type seat may route crotch strap in front of seat instead of through seat. Only those units that release all five attachment points in one motion are permitted. When arm restraints are worn with a restraint system that utilizes a “latch lever”, a protective cover must be installed to prevent arm restraint from accidentally releasing the latch lever. Protective cover not needed if system uses “duckbill” latch hardware. All harness sections must be mounted to the frame, cross member, or reinforced mounting, and installed to limit driver’s body travel both upward and forward. Seat belts may not be wrapped around lower frame rails. Under no circumstances are bolts inserted through belt webbing permitted for mounting. Check manufacturer’s instructions.

Wheels & Lug Nuts

All wheels must have ALL lug nuts in place and securely fastened. All street tires must have minimum 1/16 inch tread depth. Vehicles with slicks must have open ended lug nuts. The thread engagement on all wheel studs to the lug nut, or lug bolts to wheel hubs, must be equivalent to or greater than the diameter of the stud/bolt. Length of the stud/bolt does not determine permissibility. (Example: A 7/16-inch stud must be thoroughly engaged through the threads in the hex portion of the lug a minimum of 7/16-inch.)

Off-Course Rules

The speed limit in the pits is 10 MPH. Spectators and other participants and their crew members share this area and safety is our priority. Please follow the speed limit rule.
Burnouts, launches, etc. are not allowed anywhere but on the drag strip. This is a zero-tolerance offense, and you will immediately be asked to leave the property.
Children under the age of 16 are prohibited from driving any pit vehicles at any time, this includes golf carts, scooters, minibikes, pedal bikes etc.
Pit parking is for drag racers, and one tow or support vehicle. All other vehicles are to be parked in general parking. There’s limited space in the pits so we cannot accommodate any additional vehicles. If unauthorized vehicles are found in the pits, we may ask to have them moved. If we cannot locate the driver, we may have it towed to general parking.
Crew members must sign the liability waiver and wear the waiver wristband before entering restricted areas. Children under 14 are not allowed in restricted areas.
Be respectful toward and follow directions from GoFast Entertainment and Firebird Motorsports Park staff members, track crew, and safety crew. If you are disrespectful or do not follow directions you may receive a warning, and possible removal from the property.
Any participant suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave immediately.
No driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. And driver suspected by a track official or crew member to be under the influence will be asked to leave immediately. If running in competition, it will be considered a forfeit

13.99 seconds (8.59 1/8th)

Drive Line Loop with slicks
Approved helmet (Full face in open cars), see below
SFI 3.2A/1 Jacket in vehicles equipped with non-OEM nitrous oxide, turbochargers or superchargers

13.49 seconds (8.25 1/8th)

Roll bar in convertibles
SFI seat belts in convertibles

11.99 seconds (7.49 1/8th)

Steel Valve Stems
Arm Restraints (open cars)

11.49 seconds (7.35 1/8th)

SFI 1.1 or 1.2 Flywheel / Clutch
SFI 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 or 9.1 Flywheel shield
SFI 3.2A/1 approved jacket
6-point roll bar
SFI approved seat belts

10.99 seconds (6.99 1/8th) or Super Street

SFI 4.1 Transmission Shield, or at 135 mph
Locking transmission dipstick tube
Aftermarket axles and axle retainers
SFI Harmonic Balancer
Roll Cage with altered floor pans, or 135 mph – Window net required
Roll Cage Padding
Ignition cut-off on all bikes / snowmobiles that exceed 135 mph

9.99 seconds (6.39 1/8th) or Super Gas or 135 mph

NHRA Chassis Certification
NHRA Competition License
SFI jacket & pants 3.2A/5
SFI neck collar & gloves 3.3/1
SFI 29.1 flex plate / 30.1 flex plate shield (AT equipped cars)
Full Face Helmet meeting Snell or SFI specifications
Oil Retention Device

150 mph

Parachute and HANS Device are required