Young drivers can start competing at an earlier age with the Youth class for ages 6-7. The other classes are: Novice (ages 7-9), Advanced (10-12), Master (12-17) and Elite (16-17). See below for more details about the new IHRA Junior Dragster class designations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

These changes encourage more participation from young racers and give them more time behind the wheel learning the sport of drag racing. Be sure not to miss out. Click here to sign up for IHRA Junior Dragster membership or email membership@ihra.com.

CLASS DESIGNATIONS

TRAINEE: Age 5 only; ET restricted to 19.90 seconds or slower with no exceptions. ET Trainee participants will make single passes down the dragstrip to get familiar with the car and track surroundings in a non-pressure environment.

YOUTH: Ages 6-7 only; ET restricted to 13.90 seconds or slower based on either ET dial-your-own or heads-up basis. Breakout rules apply. One warning will be issued if a competitor runs quicker than 13.70. If the competitor does this a second time at the same event, they will be disqualified from the event. Any competitor running quicker than 13.50 at any time will be disqualified for the remainder of the event.

NOVICE: Ages 7-9 only; ET restricted to 11.90 seconds or slower based on either ET dial-your-own or heads-up basis. Breakout rules apply. One warning will be issued if a competitor runs quicker than 11.70. If the competitor does this a second time at the same event, they will be disqualified from the event. Any competitor running quicker than 11.50 at any time will be disqualified for the remainder of the event.

ADVANCED: Ages 10-12; modified engines meeting IHRA rules accepted. Class based on either dial-your-own ET or heads-up Pro start. ET restricted to 8.90 or slower. Breakout rules apply. One warning will be issued if a competitor runs quicker than 8.70. If the competitor does this a second time at the same event, they will be disqualified from the event. Any competitor running quicker than 8.50 at any time will be disqualified for the remainder of the event.  

MASTER: Ages 12-17; must meet all requirements for Advanced. Licensing by IHRA or track official after 3 approved runs between 7.90 and 8.90; Rack & pinion steering, and steel brake lines are mandator. ET 7.90 or slower; One warning will be issued if a competitor runs an elapsed time of 7.70 or quicker or 85 mph or faster. If a competitor does this a second time at the same event they will be disqualified from the event. If a competitor runs 7.50 or quicker, they will be disqualified for the remainder of the event and their license will be suspended for 6 months from the date of the infraction.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

ELITE: Ages 16-17; ET restricted 7.50 or slower. Must meet all requirements for Masters in addition to the following: The chassis must be constructed of chromoly tubing and incorporate helmet bars with SFI 45.1 or 45.2 padding on the roll cage. All competitors must utilize an SFI 38.1 head and neck restraint system. All entries must have a rear wing mounted in a way in which the top of the wing is located above the top of the roll cage.

Licensing by IHRA or Track official after 3 approved runs between 7.50 and 7.90. Driver must have a valid state driver’s license in addition to making the required passes prior to being issued an Elite license.

One warning will be issued if a competitor runs an elapsed time of 7.40 or quicker or 90 mph or faster. If a competitor does this a second time at the same event they will be disqualified from the event. If a competitor runs 7.30 or quicker or 95 mph or faster, they will be disqualified for the remainder of the event and their license will be suspended for 6 months from the date of the infraction.