Go Motorsport

Drag racing was invented in America, where car fanatics used to race their machines from one set of traffic lights to another on the ‘main drag’. It has evolved in the USA into a multi-million-dollar, corporate-backed sport, and there is a thriving scene too in the UK and the rest of Europe.

Today, it is the fastest, loudest and most spectacular motor sport of all. Most recognisable are the incredible Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Cars with jet fighter-like acceleration (0-300 mph in under five seconds!) In the UK, the MSA British Drag Racing Championship caters for Pro Mods – high tech chassis cloaked in replica old-school US car body shapes, for up to 12,120cc (nitrous oxide-assisted petrol engines) or up to 8610cc (supercharged methanol).

But drag racing also thrives at grass roots level, where competitors can use their road cars. The sport is particularly welcoming to low-budget racers, who will usually compete in handicap classes.

It’s a sport that rewards bravery, reaction times and mechanical ingenuity - so if you enjoy tinkering in your garage, this is definitely for you.

Where do the events take place?

Santa Pod, near Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, is the UK’s most famous venue, and hosts all rounds of the MSA series. There is also a thriving scene at Shakespeare County Raceway in Warwickshire.

How do the events work?

Cars compete in pairs, using a knock-out format to get to the final. They race down a quarter-mile (440 yards) course, in a straight line, and the winner of each race progresses to the next round.

So how do I start?

But what can I compete in?

Pretty much anything, from your road car upwards. There are numerous classes, split by engine size, amount of modification and even what type of fuel you use! There are handicap systems too, allowing drivers to compete on an equal footing.

Equipment Required

There are many good racewear stockists all round the country, and some at motorsport venues.