RESULTS POINT STANDINGS ENTRY FEES & PAYOUTS TRACK RULES NHRA RULE BOOK FAQ'S NHRA FORMS HEADS UP RACING TRACK RENTAL VP FUEL PRICING
2009 Drag Racing Information
These are basic safety rules to be able to race at Houston Raceway Park. For detailed information regarding NHRA categories and rules obtain an official NHRA Rule Book. For more information about Houston Raceway Park regulations contact us at (281)-383-7223.
Elapsed time requirements are for quarter mile times. Some may include eighth mile equivalent times in parentheses. Rules are subject to change.
- A valid state driver's license is required for all drivers.
- All drivers are required to wear long pants, a shirt with sleeves (no tank tops) , and closed toe shoes (no sandals).
- All vehicles are required to have at least one functional taillight.
- Drivers in cars running 13.99 (8.59) seconds or quicker, and all dune buggy type vehicles running 14.00 (8.60) and slower are required to wear a helmet meeting SNELL 95 or SFI 31.1, 31.2, 41.1, or 41.2 Specs
- Drivers running 10.00 (6.40) to 11.49 (7.35) must wear a jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.3/1.
- Drivers running 9.99 (6.39) to 7.50 (4.50) or any vehicle exceeding 135 mph are required to wear a jacket and pants meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/5 and gloves meeting SFI Spec 3.3/1.
- A valid NHRA Competition license is required for any vehicle running 9.99 (6.39) or quicker.
- All motorcycle riders are required to wear a full face helmet meeting above Specs, leather jacket, leather boots/shoes above the ankle, and leather gloves. Full all leathers or SFI Spec 40.1/2 suit is mandatory on all motorcycles running 120 mph or faster.
- A seat belt is mandatory in all cars. A three inch driver restraint system meeting SFI Spec 16.1 is mandatory in all cars running 11.49 (7.35) or quicker, and in convertibles running 13.49 (8.25) or quicker and all dune buggy type vehicles.
- A roll bar is required on all cars running 11.00 (7.00) to 11.49 (7.35) and in convertibles running 11.00 to 13.49 and in all dune buggy type vehicles running 12.00 and slower. See the NHRA Rule Book for more detailed information.
- A roll cage is mandatory in all cars running 10.99 (6.99) and quicker or any car exceeding 135 mph. See NHRA Rule Book for more information.
- A driveshaft loop is required on all cars running 13.99 (8.59) seconds and quicker, except vehicles running 13.00 and slower equipped with street tires.
Alcoholic Beverages
Participating drivers and crewmembers are not permitted to consume alcoholic beverages while the Participant is still racing. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in RESTRICTED AREAS!
Auto Start
Once both vehicles are pre-staged and the first vehicle stages, the second car has seven seconds to stage before the tree is automatically activated. This predetermined amount of time is referred to as "Time Out". If the second car fails to stage before the system "Times Out" it will be given a red light
Burn Outs
All burn outs must be within the designated areas only and using water only. Crewmembers are NOT permitted to hold or touch the vehicle during the burn out. Only those vehicles allowed to do so by the 2009 NHRA Rulebook are permitted to cross the Starting Line during their burn out.
Disqualification for the Event
All standard disqualification rulings and guidelines of event operations, as covered in the 2009 NHRA Rule Book, will be utilized while conducting all HRP drag racing events. Additional rules involving possible disqualification may be imposed at the absolute discretion of the Track Officials. Penalty for cheating: Track Discretion. Penalty depends on severity of infraction. Decision will be made by Track Manager and/or Race Director.
Disqualification for the Season
Any racer in possession of illegal equipment in their car (first offense) will be permanently disqualified from the Points Program for the 2009 racing season.
Firearms/Glass Containers
No firearms or glass containers are ever permitted inside Houston Raceway Park. Violation of this provision WILL RESULT IN
REMOVAL FROM THE PARK AND POSSIBLE ARREST.
PIT VEHICLES, ATV's, SCOOTERS & BICYCLES:
Use of Pit Vehicles is a privilege NOT a right. Your privilege
may be revoked at the tracks’ discretion.
No one under the age of 16 is allowed to drive pit vehicles, golf carts,
ATV's, scooters or bicycles at any time, even if it is being used to tow a race
car. These vehicles are not to be used as recreational vehicles while at Houston
Raceway Park.
Support vehicles must carry the corresponding race car number with class
designation. Misuse of pit vehicles will result in the vehicle being impounded
and the racer associated with the pit vehicle may be disqualified. Anyone under
the age of 16 found operating a pit vehicle will loose any event points for
that race. If a second offense occurs, the racer will loose event points, and
racing privileges will be suspended for one (1) week, at the discretion of the
Competition Director. Parents should enforce this rule with all minors under
the age of 16.
No roller blades, skates or skateboards allowed at any Houston
Raceway Park
event.
Reruns
In the event of a malfunction of the timing system, the competitors involved will make a rerun of the race.
Restricted Areas
Competitors and Crewmembers may enter portions of the Restricted Areas only while wearing the proper wristband. Wristbands are given after the proper waiver is signed at the Pit Booth or Tech Station. Restricted Areas include the Staging Lanes, Starting Line, Race Track, Return Road, Short Shoot, and other areas marked as Restricted.
Spectator/Crew Refunds
Should an activity cause the race to be cancelled prior to completion of First Round, you will be entitled to 100% credit for a future event
All sales are final. No refunds. Houston Raceway Park is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets.
Starting Line Area
Crew member’s access to the Starting Line area will be based on the type of event and type of racing. The number of crew members allowed on Starting line will be determined by track official. Crew member must stay in designated areas.
Trans Brake Testing
There will be no testing of Trans Brakes anywhere including the Pits, Staging Lanes or in the tunnel
Warm Ups
Any time the vehicle is running, whether the vehicle is parked on the pavement or on jack stands, the driver or crewmember MUST REMAIN IN THE VEHICLE. Vehicles may be warmed up in the pits, 15 miles per hour speed limit MUST be observed.
Warm ups in shut down area of track is NOT allowed.