Drag racing is probably the simplest, easy-to-understand form of motorsports there is -- or ever was. In simple terms, you line up two cars side by side, signal "go," and each driver steps on the gas. It’s a contest to see which driver, which engine, and which car is quicker.

Drag racing became extremely popular in the late 1940s, when America’s post-war prosperity saw more people buying automobiles, with a lot of them making modifications to make their cars faster.

That led to street racing, and a growing number of people, mostly teenagers, getting arrested, injured or killed as a result.

In 1951 Wally Parks and some other Southern California hot-rodders formed the National Hot Rod Association to get street racing off the public roads. They organized events at dry lake beds and abandoned airport runways, where the racing could be controlled and the risk minimized.

Today, more than 50 years later, thousands of people drag race every week the safe, professional way at NHRA sanctioned race tracks. They use safety-approved equipment and race responsibly in organized events that include medical and emergency crews, timing equipment, refreshments and even trophies or prizes.

Unfortunately, thousands of people are also street racing. And hundreds are being injured or killed.

Statistics:
The numbers don’t lie. Street racing is growing in popularity, and so is the death count.

In 2001, the number of fatal crashes as a result of street racing increased 87% according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In San Diego, the number of street racing cases prosecuted increased 97% from 1999-2001.

In Florida, injuries related to street racing went up 222% from 1999-2001.

With numbers like that, it’s no wonder new laws are being written to penalize anyone who races on the street. Depending upon the state, here’s a list of what can happen to people who street race:

Del Worsham, CSK Red Funny Car Driver

"Too many people don’t understand the power of an automobile. Cars are cool, they’re fun, and it’s neat to go fast and race somebody. But if something breaks, or something goes wrong, the last place you want to be is on the street."

"The NHRA has programs at tracks all over America. They check out your car, show you how to race, and give you a time slip so you can see how your car’s running. If you don’t care about times but you just want to beat somebody, you can do that too. The main thing is, you’ll be racing responsibly. You won’t have to worry about hurting yourself or some innocent bystander, and you won’t have to worry about getting arrested."

Race the Right Way.

If you want to race, there are more than 140 NHRA member tracks in North America ready and waiting. The minimum requirements are usually the following:

If you want to go fast in your sport compact, muscle car, truck, hot rod, dune buggy or even your motorcycle, race on the track. Never on the street.

To find the NHRA track in your area, visit www.nhra.com/streetlegal or contact:

NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION
2035 Financial Way
Glendora, CA 91741
(626) 914-4761; fax: (626) 963-5360