First-Time NHRA Race Guide: What to Bring & Expect

If you're heading to your first NHRA race, prepare yourself: watching drag racing on TV and experiencing it in person are two completely different things.

You can hear the cars on TV.

At the track, you feel them.

The sound, vibration, smell, energy and access to the teams make an NHRA weekend unlike almost any other sporting event.

I've spent a lot of time at racetracks across the country, and one of my favorite things is watching someone experience Nitro for the first time.

So, if your first NHRA race weekend is coming up, here's what I wish every first-time fan knew.

Yes, It's Really That Loud

Let's start with the obvious.

NHRA drag racing is loud.

Really loud.

And when the Nitro cars fire up, you'll understand why everyone warned you.

Bring hearing protection. Earplugs are great, and over-ear hearing protection can be especially helpful for kids or anyone sensitive to loud noises.

Don't wait until the cars are already running to decide you need it.

Trust me.

You're Going to Feel the Cars

This is the part that's almost impossible to explain until you experience it.

When a Top Fuel dragster or Funny Car launches, you don't simply hear it.

You feel it.

The vibration goes through your entire body.

It's one of those experiences that makes first-time fans look at each other with the same expression:

What just happened?!

That's when you understand why people become hooked on Nitro racing.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

An NHRA weekend involves a lot more walking than you might expect.

You'll probably move between the grandstands, pits, midway, hospitality areas, food vendors, merchandise trailers and different viewing areas throughout the day.

This is not the weekend to break in brand-new shoes.

Wear something comfortable.

Your feet will thank you later.

Dress for the Weather, Not the Instagram Photo

Race weekends can mean long days outside.

Depending on the location and time of year, you could deal with heat, cold, wind, sun or changing temperatures throughout the day.

Check the forecast before leaving and dress accordingly.

Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are almost always smart additions.

If temperatures are expected to drop after sunset, bring another layer.

And yes, you can still make the outfit cute.

Just make it racetrack functional too.

Check the Track's Rules Before Packing

Every venue can have different policies regarding bags, coolers, food, drinks, chairs, cameras and other items.

Before heading to the track, check the specific venue's current rules.

Don't assume something allowed at one racetrack will automatically be allowed at another.

A few minutes of checking beforehand can save you a long walk back to the car.

Get There Earlier Than You Think You Need To

Don't show up five minutes before the cars you want to see.

Part of the NHRA experience happens before racing even begins.

Arriving early gives you time to park, get through the gates, understand the layout, explore the pits and find your seats without feeling rushed.

It also gives you more time to experience one of the best parts of NHRA racing:

The access.

GO TO THE PITS

Yes, that deserved capital letters.

If you're attending your first NHRA event, don't spend the entire day sitting in the grandstands.

Walk through the pits.

NHRA offers fans an incredibly close look at the teams and cars.

You can watch crew members work, see cars being serviced between runs, visit team areas, check out merchandise and potentially see your favorite drivers.

If you've only watched racing from the stands or on television, seeing everything happening in the pits gives you an entirely different appreciation for the sport.

Watch a Nitro Warm-Up

This is another first-timer must.

If you have the opportunity to watch a Nitro team warm up a car in the pits, do it.

But have your hearing protection ready.

Standing nearby while a Nitro engine is running is an experience you won't forget.

And there's a good chance you'll understand exactly why seasoned race fans start backing away at a certain point.

You'll learn quickly.

Don't Ignore the Sportsman Categories

It's easy for a first-time fan to focus entirely on Top Fuel and Funny Car.

They're incredible.

But don't overlook the rest of the racing.

NHRA events can feature multiple professional and sportsman categories, depending on the event.

Spend some time watching different classes.

You'll see everything from incredibly fast professional machines to racers competing in cars that may look much more familiar.

There's a lot more happening at an NHRA event than the Nitro categories alone.

Talk to People

One of my favorite parts about racing is the community.

Race fans love racing.

Ask questions.

Talk to the person sitting next to you.

Chat with people in the pits when appropriate.

If you don't understand something, don't be afraid to ask.

Most people in motorsports are more than happy to explain what's happening—especially when they find out it's your first race.

Give Yourself Time to Explore

There's usually plenty happening away from the starting line.

Walk through the midway.

Visit sponsor displays.

Check out merchandise.

Explore the pits.

Grab food.

Watch what's happening behind the scenes.

Take pictures.

An NHRA weekend isn't something you need to experience from one seat.

Move around and take it all in.

Bring a Portable Phone Charger

You're going to use your phone.

A lot.

Photos, videos, social media, texting friends, checking schedules and figuring out where everyone wandered off to can drain your battery quickly.

A portable charger is one of those little things you'll be very happy you packed.

Especially if you're spending the entire day at the track.

Stay Through the Later Sessions If You Can

If the event schedule includes racing later in the day or at night, stay for it.

There's something different about watching drag racing after the sun goes down.

The flames become more visible.

The atmosphere changes.

And Nitro cars under the lights?

Worth it.

Don't Try to Capture Everything on Your Phone

You're going to want videos.

Take them.

But at least once, put your phone away.

Watch a Nitro car make a full pass without looking through your screen.

Hear it.

Feel it.

Watch it.

Some experiences are better when you're actually present for them.

What Should You Bring to Your First NHRA Race?

Your exact packing list will depend on the venue and weather, but a few basics are worth considering:

• Hearing protection

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Hat

• Comfortable shoes

• Portable phone charger

• Weather-appropriate layers

• Water, if permitted by the venue

• Small bag or backpack, if permitted

• Your tickets and any necessary parking information

Again, always check the specific track's policies before you go.

Most Importantly: Experience the Whole Weekend

Your first NHRA race isn't just about watching cars go down the track.

Walk through the pits.

Meet people.

Watch the crews work.

See a Nitro warm-up.

Explore the midway.

Watch different classes.

Stay late if you can.

And pay attention to everything happening between the runs.

Because that's what makes experiencing NHRA racing in person so different.

The racing may happen a quarter-mile at a time, but the experience is so much bigger than those few seconds.

And fair warning:

You might leave your first race already planning your next one.