The Starting Line is a biweekly column for our Sportsman drag racers. Every other week we will feature a frequently asked question and have it answered by a panel of experienced sportsman racers, led by Ben Knight. Having questions answered by multiple racers will give our new racers several perspectives on the information they want. If you have a sportsman related question, submit it to editor@dragbike.com.
How do I decide what class to enter? Most tracks have a street class and pro bike class but I sometimes see streetbikes racing in the pro bike class with the bar bikes.
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That will depend on what type of bike you have. You’ll definitely want to enter an ET class, but it would depend on your equipment. If you have a street bike than choose Street ET, if you have a drag bike (wheelie bars) then choose Pro ET. There will be plenty of friendly racers around who can help you determine the best class too. Don’t be affraid to ask questions. |
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Part of this depends on what kind of bike you’re bringing to the track. I’ve met first time racers that rode their street bike to the track. I’ve also met racers that just bought a big slick, wheelie bar bike because it was really cool and wanted to learn how to race. If you’re bringing a street bike and don’t have a lot of experience, I would suggest entering the street ET class at least for the first few races until you get comfortable racing. If your bike has a slick and/or wheelie bars, then you’ll probably be entering the pro ET class. Check the rules of each class for each racing organization and track that you want to race. They can differ between what’s allowed in each class. You may have bought a bike with a delay box. That is allowed at some tracks but is not allowed at other tracks. You’ll typically see a lot of street bikes competing in Pro ET classes at tracks/organizations that do not allow delay boxes like the MIROCK series. You’ll see fewer street bikes competing in Pro ET classes that allow delay boxes like NHDRO and Manufacturer’s Cup. |
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We’ll see you in two weeks for another addition of the Starting Line.
PREVIOUS ISSUES
Volume 1 – Issue 1 : What is the best advice for someone going down the track for the very first time?