FAQ’s

Woodburn Dragstrip has compiled a number of frequently asked questions and answers to help you better understand the rules, safety, and technical guidelines of drag racing and increase your enjoyment at our facility. If the following information still doesn’t answer your questions please contact us at race@woodburndragstrip.com or call 503-982-4461

For Racers

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Does Woodburn Dragstrip make the safety rules?

Woodburn Dragstrip is an NHRA track and we follow NHRA Rules.  The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) establishes safe racing rules for every type of vehicle that can run down the quarter-mile. All NHRA member tracks must follow these safety guidelines. Each year, a new NHRA Rulebook is published with revisions and updates. Rulebooks are available at the track for $20, and are highly recommended for anyone who is interested in participating more frequently or building a car.

I have a street car. What do I need to come out and test or race?

The basic items needed to pass tech inspection for the typical street car include good tires, a battery tie-down, radiator overflow catch-can, operable neutral-safety switch, seat belts, and a valid state driver’s license or NHRA competition license is required for all participants running 9.99 and quicker or over 135 mph. Don’t forget to wear long pants, shoes, and a shirt!

What do I need to race my street bike?

Valid NHRA competition license is mandatory for riders of all motorcycles running 9.99 (*6.39) or quicker.  

Valid state or government issued driver’s license mandatory for riders of motorcycles 10.00 (*6.40) or slower. (see General Regulations).

NHRA-approved helmet, denim or heavier pants, a leather jacket, leather gloves, and leather shoes that rise above the ankle.

If the bike runs quicker than 10.99 or faster than 120 mph, additional requirements such a full leathers and more apply. See NHRA rules.

Do I need a helmet?

A helmet is one of the first safety items that you may need to purchase. Any vehicle that runs faster than 13.99 seconds, and all motorcycles must have an approved helmet. Helmets must have a SNELL or SFI rating of 2015 or 2020, and they are good for 12 years. DOT helmets are not allowed.

Do I need mufflers?

Mufflers are a requirement at our Thursday Street Legal Cruise-In along with license plates and DOT-type tires.  For all other racers, Mufflers are not a requirement, as we do not have any noise restrictions. We only ask that in consideration of our neighbors that no race vehicles be fired up before 8:30am or 30 minutes after the last race car goes down track. .

Can I use nitrous oxide?

NHRA allows the use of nitrous oxide in bracket classes. Check the track’s specific class rules to be certain, but in most cases you can use nitrous. Nitrous bottles must be vented to outside the driver compartment if it is mounted in the same compartment as the driver. All bottles must be stamped with a DOT – 1800 pound rating.

Can I bring my children to the track? Where are they able to go with me? Can they ride in the car?

Parents must sign a Minor Release & Waiver of Liability Agreement for any minor under the age of 18 to allow a minor to drive.  The form is available only at Racer Registration in the Tower. Please note that children under the age of 18 are not allowed to be outside of any vehicle in the restricted area. Children must remain inside the vehicle and they cannot sit in the bed of a truck. The restricted area is defined as the head of staging lanes and extends down track and return road to the Timeslip Booth. Children under the age of 16 and without a driver’s license are also not allowed on any motorized vehicles at any time, an exception is if they are competing in Jr Street or Jr Drag Racing Series.

Passengers: Are not allowed in cars running quicker than 14.00. Minors are not allowed as passengers.

For Additional tech questions, please call our office at 503-982-4461. Additional information is located in the NHRA Rulebook.

Woodburn Dragstrip – Basic Racer Guidelines

IT IS THE RACERS RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THE CAR IS LEGAL AND ALL RULES ARE FOLLOWED.

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Vehicles

  • ALL vehicles must pass basic NHRA technical/safety inspection.
  • Racers of vehicles quicker than 14.00 (8.60 1/8mile) are required to have an NHRA-approved (Snell SA 2015 or newer) helmet.
  • ALL convertibles quicker than 13.50 (8.25 1/8 mile) are required to have an NHRA-approved rollbar.
  • Pre-2008 Vehicles running quicker than 11.50 (7.35 1/8 mile) must have an NHRA-approved rollbar.
  • Drivers of vehicles quicker than 11.50 (7.35 1/8 mile) must have an approved racing jacket.
  • Drivers of vehicles quicker than 10.00 seconds (6.40 1/8 mile)   and faster than 135 MPH are required to have an NHRA competition license, as well as appropriate safety equipment as described in the NHRA rulebook.
  • All vehicles must be equipped with a coolant overflow bottle and a battery tie-down.
  • If the battery is relocated from the stock location, a shutoff switch is required on the back of the vehicle.

Motorcyclists

  • Motorcycle riders must have an approved full-face helmet, leather jacket, leather boots or shoes that cover the top of riders’ ankles, and leather gloves.
  • Motorcycle riders running 120 MPH or faster must have full all-leathers or SFI Spec 40.1/2 suit.
  • Riders of bikes/quads quicker than 10.00 seconds (6.40 1/8 mile) are required to have an NHRA Competition License, as well as appropriate safety equipment as described in the NHRA rulebook.
  • All vehicles must be equipped with a coolant overflow bottle and a battery tie-down.
  • If the battery is relocated from the stock location, a shutoff switch is required on the back of the vehicle.

General Attire

ALL racers are required to wear full-length pants, shirt with sleeves (no tank top), and closed-toe shoes with socks.
SHORTS ARE NOT PERMITTED.

Authorizations

  • Drivers must have a restricted wristband on their wrist prior to going through tech inspection.
  • Tech cards are to be completed prior to going through tech inspection.

Prohibited Items

  • No outside Alcohol is permitted on the property.
    Glass containers are not allowed on the property.
  • Drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, etc., are strictly prohibited on the property.

NHRA RULEBOOKS are available for sale in person at the Pro Shop or you can purchase them on the NHRA Racer website.

Direct links for different rulebooks can be found on our Racer Info page.