I get asked at least a dozen time a day before an event "What classes are running?"
Since we are a sanctioning body they are the same at every event if enough trucks show up to fill the class. They must remain the same because our insurance are for those classes along with our own diesel SFI techs who approve the trucks for competition.
So the classes are listed on our web site and the rules are downloaded for free so you can check your truck out as to what level to compete. I will give a short description of each class below but still go to our site and check the rules!
Drag Racing:
ET Bracket
This is a great class for the inexperienced or the experienced racer, the class is based on estimating your time to run either 1/4 or 1/8 mile depending on the track. As long as you don't redlight at the start you can run down the track and try to keep your times equal to the time you have chosen. We suggest most to run a few runs to test your truck or diesel vehicle to see what times you can run the track. Pick your best estimate and control your speed for the timed run at least four times.
Now I will tell you we have had 18 second trucks win this class along with some 12-13 second trucks so speed doesn't always matter. Reaction time at the lights helps you win this class and with your timed runs. Two years ago we had a copper 1983 Mercedes come in 2nd in the class and got paid more than what he paid for the car earlier that month.
It's a good way to get into the sport without damaging your vehicle by trying to go fast every time.
Quick Diesel - 12.0 Index
This class is similar but you must run 12.0 time in the 1/4 mile without breaking out (going faster than 12.0). Who can hold their truck closest to 12.0 with the quickest reaction times requires experience with your truck running down the track. It requires a truck that is a little faster and built for stability at high speeds.
This may be your next step up if you are wanting a faster truck and the need for speed.
Unlimited - Pro Stock
This is a heads up, go as fast as you can in the 1/4 or 1/8 mile track depending on the track. For those who want to go fast and feel their truck will out last the other competitor's trucks this class can be a lot of fun for the experienced driver/racer. It does require much more safety equipment for your truck including yourself so check the rules.
Many times I have seen a lot of 9 second trucks run fast then break after a couple of runs leaving the top finals to slower 10 second trucks. It's a gamble to see if that happens as the trucks are getting a little faster every year. But to get your truck to run that may times through the finals requires a racer much experience with their truck's capabilities.
Pro-Stock Diesel
Fiberglass bodied diesel-powered trucks and cars compete heads up to the finish in the 1/8 and/or 1/4 mile action. The diesel vehicles are tube framed with lots of safety equipment and requires NHRA/IHRA certification on the frames, equipment and license.
This class is for the experienced only and yes, we have seen a lot of these vehicles that did not pass tech so please read the equipment requirements before building these vehicles.
Top Diesel
Same as above but in a lighter class with tube frames and high-end diesel engines that run in the 1/4 or 1/8 mile depending on the track. These vehicles again require a lot of safety equipment and requirements for stability of the vehicle. Please check the rules before building one of these and it is for an experienced driver.
I wish we could say we have 20 plus Pro-Stock or Top Diesel vehicles but they are very few because of the expense of running and maintaining them.
So next time you think what classes are running check our site, and yes, the lower classes we require 8 trucks to make a class and the upper classes we require four vehicles.
I will cover the sled pulling classes tomorrow.
Since we are a sanctioning body they are the same at every event if enough trucks show up to fill the class. They must remain the same because our insurance are for those classes along with our own diesel SFI techs who approve the trucks for competition.
So the classes are listed on our web site and the rules are downloaded for free so you can check your truck out as to what level to compete. I will give a short description of each class below but still go to our site and check the rules!
Drag Racing:
ET Bracket
This is a great class for the inexperienced or the experienced racer, the class is based on estimating your time to run either 1/4 or 1/8 mile depending on the track. As long as you don't redlight at the start you can run down the track and try to keep your times equal to the time you have chosen. We suggest most to run a few runs to test your truck or diesel vehicle to see what times you can run the track. Pick your best estimate and control your speed for the timed run at least four times.
Now I will tell you we have had 18 second trucks win this class along with some 12-13 second trucks so speed doesn't always matter. Reaction time at the lights helps you win this class and with your timed runs. Two years ago we had a copper 1983 Mercedes come in 2nd in the class and got paid more than what he paid for the car earlier that month.
It's a good way to get into the sport without damaging your vehicle by trying to go fast every time.
Quick Diesel - 12.0 Index
This class is similar but you must run 12.0 time in the 1/4 mile without breaking out (going faster than 12.0). Who can hold their truck closest to 12.0 with the quickest reaction times requires experience with your truck running down the track. It requires a truck that is a little faster and built for stability at high speeds.
This may be your next step up if you are wanting a faster truck and the need for speed.
Unlimited - Pro Stock
This is a heads up, go as fast as you can in the 1/4 or 1/8 mile track depending on the track. For those who want to go fast and feel their truck will out last the other competitor's trucks this class can be a lot of fun for the experienced driver/racer. It does require much more safety equipment for your truck including yourself so check the rules.
Many times I have seen a lot of 9 second trucks run fast then break after a couple of runs leaving the top finals to slower 10 second trucks. It's a gamble to see if that happens as the trucks are getting a little faster every year. But to get your truck to run that may times through the finals requires a racer much experience with their truck's capabilities.
Pro-Stock Diesel
Fiberglass bodied diesel-powered trucks and cars compete heads up to the finish in the 1/8 and/or 1/4 mile action. The diesel vehicles are tube framed with lots of safety equipment and requires NHRA/IHRA certification on the frames, equipment and license.
This class is for the experienced only and yes, we have seen a lot of these vehicles that did not pass tech so please read the equipment requirements before building these vehicles.
Top Diesel
Same as above but in a lighter class with tube frames and high-end diesel engines that run in the 1/4 or 1/8 mile depending on the track. These vehicles again require a lot of safety equipment and requirements for stability of the vehicle. Please check the rules before building one of these and it is for an experienced driver.
I wish we could say we have 20 plus Pro-Stock or Top Diesel vehicles but they are very few because of the expense of running and maintaining them.
So next time you think what classes are running check our site, and yes, the lower classes we require 8 trucks to make a class and the upper classes we require four vehicles.
I will cover the sled pulling classes tomorrow.
