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Racer Faqs

Woodburn Dragstrip has compiled a number of frequently asked questions and answers to help you better understand the rules, safety and technical guidelines of drag racing and increase your enjoyment at our facility. If the following information still doesn’t answer your questions please contact us at race@woodburndragstrip.com or call 503-982-4461.

Does Woodburn Dragstrip make the safety rules?

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) establishes rules for every type of vehicle that can run down the quarter-mile. All NHRA member tracks must follow these safety guidelines. Each year, a new NHRA Rulebook is published with revisions and updates. Rulebooks are available at the track for $10, and are highly recommended for anyone who is interested in participating more frequently or building a car.



I have a street car. What do I need to come out and test or race?

The basic items needed to pass tech inspection for the typical street car include good tires, a battery tie-down, radiator overflow catch-can, operable neutral-safety switch, seat belts, and a valid state driver’s license or NHRA competition license is required for all participants. Don’t forget to wear long pants, shoes, and a shirt!



What do I need to race my street bike?

Again, a valid state driver’s license or NHRA competition license is required. NHRA approved helmet, denim or heavier pants, a leather jacket, leather gloves, and leather shoes that rise above the ankle. If the bike runs quicker than 10.99 or faster than 120 mph, additional requirements apply.



Do I need a helmet?

A helmet is one of the first safety items that you may need to purchase. Any vehicle that runs faster than 13.99 seconds, and all motorcycles must have an approved helmet. Helmets must have a SNELL rating of 2010 or 2015, and they are good for 12 years. DOT helmets are not allowed.



Do I need mufflers?

Mufflers are not a requirement, as we do not have any noise restrictions. We only ask that in consideration of our neighbors that no race vehicles be fired up before 8:30am or 30 minutes after the last race car goes down track. .



Can I use nitrous oxide?

NHRA allows the use of nitrous oxide in bracket classes. Check the track’s specific class rules to be certain, but in most cases you can use nitrous. Nitrous bottles must be vented to outside the driver compartment if it is mounted in the same compartment as the driver. All bottles must be stamped with a DOT – 1800 pound rating.



What are some of the major safety items I will need as I go quicker?

The following is a list of major items that are required as specific ET’s and speeds. This list is a guideline, and we recommend consulting a current NHRA rulebook for specific details, specifications, and diagrams.
13.99 seconds
– Drive Line Loop with slicks (11.49 with street tires)
– Approved helmet
– Roll bar in convertibles 13.49 seconds & quicker
– SFI seat belts in convertibles
– SFI 3.2A/1 Jacket in vehicles equiped with non-OEM nitrous, turbos or superchargers
11.99 seconds
– Bellhousing Steel Valve Stems / Arm Restraints (open cars)
11.49 seconds
– Bellhousing
– Steel Valve Stems
– Auto Trans Locking-Type Dipstick
– Auto Trans Reverse Lockout
– SFI 3.2A/1 approved jacket
– Roll bar
– SFI approved seat belts
– SFI Flywheel
– Clutch
10.99 seconds or Super Street
– SFI Transmission Shield, or at 135 mph – Aftermarket axles
– SFI Harmonic Balancer
– Roll Cage with altered floor pans, or 135 mph – Window net required
– Ignition cut-off on all bikes / snowmobiles that exceed 135 mph
9.99 seconds 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 flexplate / flexplate shield
150 mph
– Parachute



Can I bring my children to the track. Where are they able to go with me?

A minor release form is available only at Racer Registration in the Tower for children under the age of 18 years who are going to be in the restricted area. Please note that only children 16 and older are allowed to be outside of any vehicle in the restricted area. Children under the age of 14 must remain inside the vehicle. The restricted area is defined as the head of staging lanes and extend down track and return road to the Timeslip Booth. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed on any motorized vehicles.



For Additional tech questions, please call our office at 503-982-4461.

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