This Girl Travels

To Explore, Inform & Inspire!

  • Travel
    • Family Travel
    • Hotels
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Girlfriend Getaways
    • Adventure
    • Theme Parks
  • Destinations
    • USA
    • Disney
    • Caribbean
    • Canada
    • Mexico
    • Europe
    • Asia
  • Cruises
  • Weddings/Honeymoons
    • Destination Weddings
    • Honeymoons
  • Product Reviews
    • Car Reviews
    • Travel Gear
    • Travel Apparel
  • Blog
  • 100 Things to Do in the North Georgia Mountains
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
    • About Karon
    • Contributing Writers
  • Media Kit

Drag Racing: High-Speed Action for All

By Karon Warren

It’s no secret that I love drag racing; after all, I grew up with the sport. My father was a sportsman racer (the category for non-professional drag racers), so my parents took us kids to the track from the time we were babies. I grew up watching my dad work on his race car, both at home and at the track, and cheered him on as he sped down the track. I also loved climbing in the stands to watch the “big boys” — the professional drag racers — as they competed to see who would turn on the win light first.

Now that I’m a parent, I have introduced my children to drag racing. The main reason for doing so is because I wanted them to see and learn about the sport their grandfather loved, but I also wanted them to have the opportunity to love it as much as I do. So far, at ages 6 and 10, they do. But I think all families should consider taking their kids to experience drag racing. It’s such a family-oriented sport, and it provides a much more personal experience than NASCAR racing does. In fact, here are my top five reasons to attend a drag race.

1. Take the Family.

As previously mentioned, drag racing is a family-oriented sport. I grew up in the sport, watching my dad race, just like many other drag racing fans. But you’ll also see lots of families within the racers as well. For instance, NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Funny Car driver John Force competes against his own daughter Courtney, a fellow Funny Car driver. His daughter Brittany also races, although as a NHRA Top Fuel driver. But this is just one example. Walk the pits at the race track, and you’ll see many families working together on cars, cheering one another on, lining up together at the starting line.

drag racing

Grabbing a photo with NHRA Funny Car driver John Force

2. Get Up Close and Personal.

NASCAR likes to tout its experiences that allow fans to get close to the action, like watching crews work on cars in the garages. But these experiences are expensive and limited in number. On the contrary, at most drag races, every race ticket is a pit pass, meaning every fan can walk right up to the cars and watch as the crews work. For the professional categories, the work area is cordoned off, but you are still within 5 feet of the car. And, many times, you’ll see the driver right there as well, posing for pictures and signing autographs.

3. The Kids Won’t Get Bored.

Many people ask me what the difference is between NASCAR and NHRA drag racing. The simple answer is, NASCAR drivers compete on round tracks for an extended distance, say 500 miles. These races generally take three to four hours to complete. Drag racing consists of four rounds of competition, with each round featuring two drivers racing head to head down a quarter mile track (the actual distance can vary based on category and track, but this is the general rule. At smaller local and regional tracks, competitors may race down an eighth-mile track.) As a result, kids are much more engaged with drag racing because the action continually changes between car classes.

drag racing In addition, there can be periodic breaks in the action, allowing children to relax a bit before refocusing as the action resumes. During these breaks, families can wander the pits – the “garage” area of the track where crews work on cars – and watch the crews in action. You even may score a photo opp or autograph with your favorite driver when he or she comes out to greet fans. There also are many activities set up, such as trying your skills at a racing simulator game, grabbing a souvenir picture at a photo booth in a sponsor tent, and shopping at the many merchandise trailers. 

4. It Won’t Break the Budget.

Unlike many other sporting events, tickets to drag racing events are much more affordable. At local or regional races, tickets start at approximately $10, with many venues offering free kids tickets based on age (generally 10 or 12 and younger). At national events, tickets cost approximately $50, and, for many events, kids get in free with an adult ticket. In addition, for many venues, general parking is free. You’ll find drag racing tracks throughout the country; just search “dragway” and your city or state. You also can follow the NHRA Drag Racing Series at tracks around the country. Check the website for current schedule and locations. 

Funny Car drag racing5. Your Adrenaline Will Be Pumping.

If you love speed, you’ll find plenty of it at the drag races. In the NHRA nitro fuel classes, the cars are pumping out more than 11,000 horsepower (compared to 200 to 400 hp for a regular car), churning out speeds of more than 300 mph in less than 4 seconds! You won’t find that kind of action anywhere else in the world of racing. As the cars fly by, you feel the earth shaking in every inch of your body, the engines roaring in your ears (even with the recommended ear protection), and the scent of burning nitro and rubber in the air. There’s nothing else like it, and for millions of drag racing fans like me, you can never get enough of it.

Have you or your family ever attended a drag race? If so, tell us what you thought about it in the comments below.

Share this Post!

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share on Pinterest Feed

Filed Under: Adventure, Family Travel

About Karon Warren

A freelance writer for more than 15 years, Karon Warren has covered a variety of topics, most notably travel, weddings and lifestyle. She loves discovering new people, places and experiences that epitomize the amazing wonders found in this world and sharing their stories with her readers. When she is not out exploring, Karon resides in the North Georgia Mountains with her husband and two children. You can learn more about Karon at www.karonwarren.com. Also, catch up with her on Twitter as well as Instagram.

Comments

  1. Robin Masshole Mommy says

    July 29, 2016 at 6:50 am

    That sounds like so much fun! I have never seen drag racing in real life, but I would love to someday.

  2. Rebecca Bryant says

    July 29, 2016 at 9:03 am

    Ok husband would have a blast here. My mom said i use to go to races all the time but since i was little i don’t’ remember but they do look like a fun time to be had.

  3. Vera Sweeney says

    July 29, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    This would be so much fun to take the kids to do!! We are every competitive so it would be a fun activity!

  4. karen says

    July 29, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    Yes to your adrenaline pumping!! What a really cool activity and with so much action! Love that you are a part of this and your kids are exposed to all the adventure!
    Karen | GlamKaren.com

    • Karon Warren says

      July 29, 2016 at 9:37 pm

      Thanks, Karen! Yes, the kids do love it!

  5. Terri Steffes says

    July 29, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    I haven’t been but it is usually because of the noise level. My daughter has a hearing loss. It sounds like fun, though!

    • Karon Warren says

      July 29, 2016 at 9:36 pm

      Hi, Terri! They have great noise protection for spectators to cut down on the noise. If you go, be sure to pick some up. I also would recommend sitting near the finish line where it’s not so loud.

  6. Jessica Knott says

    July 30, 2016 at 1:15 am

    Wow, drag racing would be amazing to watch in real time. I know a few family members who would love nothing more than to go to on; how fun!

  7. Wendy says

    July 30, 2016 at 12:58 pm

    My boys would absolutely love this. When I saw your FB post I thought you were having the kids drive. LOL. I should take them to something like this.

    • Karon Warren says

      August 8, 2016 at 8:39 pm

      Ha! If it were up to my son, he would be driving a junior dragster, which is the car kids as young as 5 can start driving. We just need the budget to fund it. Any takers? 🙂

  8. Jill Conyers says

    July 30, 2016 at 6:38 pm

    I’ve never attended drag racing but my brother loves it.

  9. Ana De- Jesus says

    July 31, 2016 at 9:43 am

    I have never been drag racing before or even seen it in action but it does look like a lot of fun. Ir will be someting to put on my bucket list.

  10. Ana Cristina Mariño says

    July 31, 2016 at 5:48 pm

    I’ve always wanted to go to a race!! But I’ve never had the chance. My dad took my brother once to a race. I think i’ll join them next time. It is so nice that this sport had been in your family through generations!

  11. Roxanne says

    July 31, 2016 at 10:00 pm

    What an awesome inside look at the drag races! My FIL used to go all the time- he was a huge fan!

  12. Yvonne Sowell says

    August 1, 2016 at 12:56 am

    That sounds super fun! I wasn’t a big race person, and my husband has been racing since he was 11. Now he races a mini-sportsman. It has become a family thing to go to the South Alabama Speedway every two weeks to watch him and our nephew race.

    Even took my baby to the races! Wrote about it here. =)
    http://www.yvonnesowell.com/home/peanuts-my-first-time-at-the-race-tracks5917013

  13. Shirley says

    August 8, 2016 at 9:34 am

    What a great sport! I love all vehicles so I’d love to actually watch a race live. I know my daughter would enjoy it too

  14. Arin says

    August 8, 2016 at 11:39 am

    What a fun, interactive day for the fam! They’ll definitely remember it for years to come, those are always the most special memories! Vroom!

Follow This Girl!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Post Archives

Join TGT & Don’t Miss a Thing!

Enter your email address to receive weekly updates from our blog.

We will never spam you or share your email address.

Twitter: thisgrltravels

  • Thankful to @ChereCoen for this fantastic profile of me & “100 Things to Do in the North Georgia Mountains Before Y… https://t.co/FB53W0lsxY 09:30:10 AM March 22, 2023 from Twitter for iPhone ReplyRetweetFavorite
  • TODAY! Get 30% off “100 Things to Do in the North Georgia Mountains Before You Die” by ordering direct from… https://t.co/Wsl3QbJSM0 01:48:45 PM March 14, 2023 from Twitter for iPhone ReplyRetweetFavorite
  • RT @karonwarren: Today is #ReadAcrossAmerica Day, making it a great time to order & read “100 Things to Do in the North Georgia Mountains B… 05:08:04 PM March 02, 2023 from Twitter for iPhone ReplyRetweetFavorite
  • RT @CarnivalPR: Carnival Cruise Line Expands Popular Europe Offerings in 2024: https://t.co/ikvfO0QUOp https://t.co/cWRrSJ4UTF 03:16:20 PM March 02, 2023 from TweetDeck ReplyRetweetFavorite
  • RT @CarnivalPR: Carnival Cruise Line Adding Fourth Ship to Galveston, Offering Longer Cruises With Carnival Miracle: https://t.co/ngVIml5ki… 03:15:20 PM March 02, 2023 from TweetDeck ReplyRetweetFavorite
@thisgrltravels

This Girl Travels Copyright © 2023