We enjoy all forms of sanctioned drag racing, and recently weve even shared our enthusiasm by introducing you to several types of entry-level classes in organizations such as the NMCA, the NMRA, and IHRA. But what we havent shared with you is a clear breakdown of the cost and effort these little-guy racers endure to make the big race. So on our recent outing to the NMCA Hot Rod Power Festival season finale in Commerce, Georgia, we handpicked a few cars from the insanely fast 8-second race cars to the daily-driven 13-second runners to examine what it takes to keep some of these grassroots racers in business. We checked out their rides, poked our heads into their tow rigs and trailers (if they were lucky enough to have one), and quizzed each racer about what it really takes to go racing.
We quickly found out that racing really isnt all that cheap if you follow any series. But if youre good enough and can make it through a few rounds and manage to take a win or even a runner-up, the contingency money thats available can definitely help offset some of the cost. Then again, if youre just looking for a good time, your local grudge night will allow you to blast down the quarter-mile for far less investment in time and money.
Check out our finding in the sidebars below.