How to Become an NHRA Race Car Driver

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), is the premier automobile racing division for drag racing and funny car racing in the United States. The events are often televised on the nation's leading sports cable network, ESPN. Many street racers across the country aspire to compete in the NHRA. However, joining the elite division is not a simple and effortless task. It requires a lot of dedication and practice in order to emerge as a successful race car driver in the NHRA.

Instructions

  1. Becoming a Driver in the NHRA

    • 1

      Watch NHRA races on television, perhaps recording select events. Observe the way these drivers compete. Attend NHRA races, or another drag-racing event in order to see the way these drivers prepare for events. Seek advice from experienced race-car drivers, even if they are not in the NHRA. Learn by asking questions and receiving wise answers from veterans of the sport, providing insight into the sport, therefore furthering your racing career.

    • 2

      Understand and familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the NHRA sanctioning body. Cars must follow NHRA guidelines in order to compete in their events.

    • 3

      Attend racing schools to further enhance skills under the direction and guidance of a qualified professional. The Roy Hills Drag Racing School teaches basic skills, such as the timing of starting the race. At the Doug Foley Drag Racing Experience, ride along with other drivers to get a feel for the speed of the vehicles. The school allows drivers to bring their own drag-racing car.

    • 4

      Purchase a drag-racing car. Learn a lot about a car just by owning one.

      Obtain experience in smaller forms of drag racing, such as a Pro Modified division, which are prevalent throughout most of the United States. While competing at this level, become acquainted with other drivers and mechanics and learn from them.

    • 5

      Communicate with corporations and companies, because adequate sponsorship is needed in order to be competitive on a consistent basis.

      Join a junior drag racing league or one of the NHRA regional divisions. Succeeding in the one of the NHRA regional divisions attracts attention, perhaps leading to an opportunity in the premier NHRA divisions.