Editing Drag racing (section)

== Racing organizations ==
[[File:Delivering timeslips.jpg|thumb|Chief Timer delivering timeslips to competitors after their passes]]
[[File:Blown Altered.JPG|thumb|Blown altered doing a burnout at [[Gimli Motorsports Park|Interlake Dragways]], Gimli, Manitoba]]

=== North America ===
The [[National Hot Rod Association]] (NHRA) oversees the majority of drag racing events in North America. The next largest organization is the [[International Hot Rod Association]] (IHRA). One of the major sanctioning bodies in drag racing.

The World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) WDRA is the first fully functioning sanctioning body created (one that actually sanctions facilities) since 1970.

Besides NHRA, IHRA, and WDRA, there are several other racing organizations were created over the past several decades. The Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA), founded in 2014, races 1/8 mile with events throughout the US. The National Mustang Racers Association (NMRA), started in 1999, is considered the leader in Ford motorsports events.<ref>What is NMRA?  https://www.nmradigital.com/drag-racing/c15</ref> The National Muscle Car Association (NMCA), is the longest running major street-legal drag racing association. The NMCA provides competitive and organized national event competitions from grassroots drag racers all the way to the powerful and fast VP Racing Fuels Xtreme [[Pro Modified|Pro Mod]] racers.<ref>What is NMCA?  https://www.nmcadigital.com/</ref>

There are also niche organizations for muscle cars and nostalgia vehicles. The Nostalgia Drag Racing League (NDRL) based in Brownsburg, IN, runs a series of 1/4 mile (402&nbsp;m) drag races in the Midwest for 1979 and older nostalgic appearing cars, with four classes of competition running in an index system. Pro 7.0 and Pro 7.50 run heads up 200 mile per hour (320 kilometre per hour) passes, while Pro Comp and Pro Gas run 8.0 to 10.0 indices. NDRL competition vehicles typically include Front Engine Dragsters, Altereds, Funny Cars, early Pro Stock clones, Super Stocks and Gassers.<ref name="NDRL Website">{{cite web|last1=Mullin|title=NDRL – Nostalgia Drag Racing League|url=http://www.nostalgiadragleague.com|access-date=3 January 2015}}</ref>

The [[National Electric Drag Racing Association]] (NEDRA) races [[electric vehicle]]s against high performance gasoline-powered vehicles such as [[Dodge Vipers]] or classic [[muscle car]]s in 1/4 and 1/8&nbsp;mile (402&nbsp;m & 201&nbsp;m) races. The current [[electric drag racing]] record is <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nedra.com/200mph_club.html |title=National Electric Drag Racing Association – Roger Hedlund 200 mph Club |publisher=Nedra.com |date=4 April 2012 |access-date=30 August 2019}}</ref> 6.940 seconds at 201.37&nbsp;mph (324.0736&nbsp;km/h) for a quarter mile (402&nbsp;m). Another niche organization is the VWDRC which run a VW-only championship with vehicles running under 7 seconds.

Prior to the founding of the NHRA and IHRA, smaller organizations sanctioned drag racing in the early years, which included the competing AHRA in the United States and Canada from 1955 to 2005.

=== Australia ===

The first Australian Nationals event was run in 1965 at Riverside raceway, near Melbourne. The Australian National Drag Racing Association ([[Australian National Drag Racing Association|ANDRA]]) was established in 1973, and today they claim they are the "best in the world outside the United States".<ref name="andra">[http://www.andra.com.au/subpage.asp?Menu=6&Page=History Australian National Drag Racing Association] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018144233/http://andra.com.au/subpage.asp?Page=History&Menu=6 |date=18 October 2009 }} ANDRA History</ref> ANDRA sanctions races throughout Australia and throughout the year at all levels, from Junior Dragster to [[Top Fuel]].

The ANDRA Drag Racing Series is for professional drivers and riders and includes [[Top Fuel]], Top Alcohol, [[Top Doorslammer]] (similar to the USA Pro Modified class), Pro Stock (using 400 cubic inch engines (6.5 litres)), Top Bike and Pro Stock Motorcycle.

The Summit Sportsman Series is for ANDRA sportsman drivers and riders and includes Competition, Super Stock, Super Compact, Competition Bike, Supercharged Outlaws, Top Sportsman, Modified, Super Sedan, Modified Bike, Super Street and Junior Dragster.

In 2015, after a dispute with ANDRA, Sydney Dragway, Willowbank Raceway and the Perth Motorplex invited the [[International Hot Rod Association]] (IHRA) to sanction events at their tracks. Shortly thereafter the Perth Motorplex reverted to ANDRA sanction. Although greatly assisted by ANDRA prior
to its construction, Springmount Raceway opted for IHRA sanction. The 400 Thunder Series targets professional racers to its races. Intended to be the premier Drag racing series in Australia it has never been able
to run a truly National series and has been on a steady decline since its inception. Most recently Top Fuel Australia (the organization that represents the Top Fuel owners) recently extracted itself from the 400 Thunder series. ANDRA recently launched a new National series that will initially cater for Top Doorslammer and Top Fue Motorcycle. This series will provide a greater National coverage than the 400 Thunder Series did and will soon add other Professional categories.
In 2021 Heathcote Park Raceway in Victoria was sold to new ownership and has since been sanctioned by IHRA for small regional events.

===Europe===
Drag racing was imported to Europe by American NATO troops during the Cold War.<ref name="francedrag">{{cite web |url=http://promotop.org/francedrag/modules/news/ |title=History |publisher=francedrag.com}}</ref> Races were held in West Germany beginning in the 1960s at the airbases at [[Ramstein Air Base|Ramstein]] and Sembach<ref name="germany">{{cite web |url=http://www.dragracinghistory.de/contents/history1949.html |title=Drag racing history in Germany |publisher=dragracinghistory.de }}</ref> and in the UK at various airstrips and racing circuits<ref name="uk">{{cite web |url=http://www.trakbytes.co.uk/6064.html|title=UK drag racing history 1960–1964|publisher=www.trakbytes.co.uk}}</ref> before the opening of Europe's first permanent drag strip at [[Santa Pod Raceway]] in 1966. In the 1990s some former russian and NVA airfields in former GDR were used for dragracing events. 

The [[FIA]] organises a Europe-wide four wheeled championship for the Top Fuel, Top Methanol Dragster, Top Methanol Funny Car, Pro Modified and Pro Stock classes. [[Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme|FIM Europe]] organises a similar championship for bike classes. In addition, championships are run for sportsman classes in many countries throughout Europe by the various national motorsport governing bodies.

One of the greatest tournament is the yearly [[:de:NitrolympX|NitrolympiX]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-19 |title=NitrOlympX - Wenn die Luft brennt und das Motodrom zittert |url=https://www.nitrolympx.de/ |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=NitrOlympX |language=de-DE}}</ref> on the [[Hockenheimring|Hockenheim]] racetrac.

=== New Zealand ===
Drag racing in New Zealand started in the 1960s. The New Zealand Hot Rod Association (NZHRA) sanctioned what is believed to have been the first drag meeting at an open cut coal mine at Kopuku, south of Auckland, sometime in 1966. In 1973, the first and only purpose built drag strip opened in Meremere by the Pukekohe Hot Rod Club. In April 1993 the governance of drag racing was separated from the NZHRA and the New Zealand Drag Racing Association (NZDRA) was formed. In 2014, New Zealand's second purpose built drag strip – Masterton Motorplex – opened.

The first New Zealand Drag Racing Nationals was held in the 1966/67 season at Kopuku, near Auckland.

There are now two governing bodies operating drag racing in New Zealand with the Florida-based [[International Hot Rod Association]] sanctioning both of New Zealands major tracks at Ruapuna (Pegasus Bay Drag Racing Association) in the South Island and Meremere Dragway Inc in the North Island which is now become the best drag strip in NZ. However, the official ASN of the sport, per FIA regulations, is the New Zealand Drag Racing Association.

=== South America ===

Many countries in South America are eighth-mile tracks.

Organized drag racing in Brazil is the responsibility of Club G3, a private organization. The events take place at Autódromo de Tocancipá.{{cn|date=December 2024}}

=== Brazil ===
In Brazil, local cars like [[Volkswagen Gol]], [[Chevrolet Opala]] and [[Chevrolet Chevette]] are the show makers for Brazilian dragstrips.

=== Caribbean ===
'''Curaçao'''

On the island of [[Curaçao]], organization of drag racing events is handled by the Curaçao Autosport Foundation (FAC)<ref name="curacao drag">{{cite web |url=http://www.curacaodrag.com/ |title=Drag racing on Curacao |publisher=curacaodrag.com}}</ref><br />
All racing events, including street legal competitions, happen at the Curaçao International Raceway.

==== Aruba ====
On the island of [[Aruba]], all racing events, including street legal competitions, happen at Palomarga International Raceway.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aruba.com/things-to-do/palomarga-international-raceway-park |title=''aruba.com'' |publisher=Aruba.com |access-date=30 August 2019}}</ref>

'''Barbados'''

On the island of [[Barbados]], organization of drag racing events is done by the Barbados Association of Dragsters and Drifters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baddmotorsports.com|title=The Barbados Association of Dragsters & Drifters – BADD|website=The Barbados Association of Dragsters & Drifters – BADD|access-date=25 July 2016}}</ref> Currently the drag racing is done at [[Bushy Park, Barbados|Bushy Park]] racing circuit<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bushyparkbarbados.com/|title=Bushy Park Barbados|website=www.bushyparkbarbados.com|access-date=26 July 2016}}</ref> over 1/8 mile, while "acceleration tests" of 1/4 mile are done at the Paragon military base.

'''Saint Lucia'''

On the Island of [[Saint Lucia]], organization of drag racing events is done by no-one. All local groups are tie ups. Currently races are held at the US Old military base also known as the "Ca Ca Beff", "The Base" near the [[Hewanorra International Airport]] in Vieux Fort.

'''Dominican Republic'''

On Santo Domingo, organization of drag racing events is done by Autodromo Sunix and they happen at the Autodromo Sunix, close to the Airport SDQ.

=== South Asia ===
Organized drag racing is rapidly growing in [[India]]. The country's first drag race meet was organized by ''Autocar India'' in Mumbai in 2002. Since then there have been many drag racing events in India. The most popular event is Elite Octanes' Valley Run which is held at Ambey Valley air strip in [[Lonavla|Loanavla]] every year.

The biggest drag series event was organized by India Speed Week with three different locations around India. After the series two riders were chosen to represent the country 2017 initiative to bring 11 times world drag racing champion Rickey Gadson to India. The initiative was executed during the Valley Run 2017 event, which gave the participants a platform to perform at the highest level globally. Rickey Gadson, as an extension of the initiative invited two of the top performing drag racers to visit USA to train and get an opportunity to represent India at the World Finals of drag racing held on 16–18 November 2018 in [[Valdosta, Georgia|Valdosta]] GA, USA.<ref name="autocarindia.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.autocarindia.com/motor-sports-news/indian-riders-to-compete-in-world-finals-of-motorcycle-drag-racing-410209|title=Indian riders to compete in World Finals of Motorcycle Drag Racing|website=Autocar India}}</ref><ref name="dragbike.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dragbike.com/man-cup-indian-riders-to-compete-at-world-finals/|title=Man Cup: Indian Riders to Compete in World Finals|date=26 October 2018}}</ref> As a result, the two riders performed in their maiden event outside India. Also during the event, Amit Sharma, the fastest drag racer in Indian drag racing history, produced a time slip of 8.87 sec's – the fastest ever by any Indian.<ref name="india">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060409/asp/look/story_6060932.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060516202455/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060409/asp/look/story_6060932.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 May 2006|title=Men in Drag|work=The Telegraph|location=[[Kolkata|Calcutta]]}}</ref>

Drag racing is also gaining popularity in [[Pakistan]], with private organizations sponsoring such events. The [[Bahria Town]] [[Public housing|housing project]] recently organized a drag racing event in [[Rawalpindi]] with the help of some of the country's best drivers.<ref name="Pakistan">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812045118/http://thenews.com.pk/news.asp?cat_id=6&page=1|title=The News International: Latest News Breaking, Pakistan News|archive-date=12 August 2010|website=www.thenews.com.pk}}</ref>

[[Sri Lanka]] has seen an immense growth in drag racing due to legal meets held by the Ceylon Motor Sports Club, an FIA sanctioned body. In recent years, exotic cars and Japanese power houses have been taking part in these popular events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.lk/2014/08/13/cmsc-slaf-drag-race-on-24-august/|title=CMSC – SLAF Drag Race on 24 August|access-date=17 April 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426003046/http://www.ft.lk/2014/08/13/cmsc-slaf-drag-race-on-24-august/|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>

=== Japan ===
Drag racing is widely performed in Japan as the racing sport.{{cn|date=December 2024}}

=== South Africa ===
Drag racing is an established sport in South Africa, with a number of strips around the country including [[Tarlton International Raceway]] and ODI Raceway. Drag racing is controlled by Motorsport South Africa and all drivers are required to hold a valid Motorsport South Africa license.<ref name="msa2010">{{cite web|title=2010 MSA Drag Racing Handbook|url=http://www.tarltonrace.com/2010/2010%20MSA%20Drag%20Racing%20Rulebook.pdf|access-date=31 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203231846/http://www.tarltonrace.com/2010/2010%20MSA%20Drag%20Racing%20Rulebook.pdf|archive-date=3 December 2010}}</ref> Drivers can compete in a number of categories including Top Eliminator, Senior Eliminator, Super Competition Eliminator, Competition Eliminator, Pro Street Bikes, Superbike Eliminator, Supersport Shootout (motorcycle), Street Modified, and Factory Stock.<ref name="msa2010" />

=== Russian Federation ===
Drag racing in Russia started in 2004 in Moscow when the Russian Automotive Federation (RAF) sanctioned it as an official motorsport. Drag Racing became popular in Russia after "The Fast and the Furious" film in 2001, but competitions were illegal before 2004. The most outstanding drag racing event of the early years was "DRAG BITVA" (Drag Battle) which took place in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia from 2005 to 2008. Krasnoyarsk is located in the middle of Russia, so it was the best place to bring all the fastest cars from all over the country. Due to the financial situation "DRAG BITVA" was canceled in 2009 and never came back. It was difficult times for drag racing in Russia from 2009 to 2014, but it was supported by enthusiasts in every region. There were a lot of competitions but it was not as big as "DRAG BITVA". In 2014 Dragtimes company in partnership with SMP Racing became the Russian Drag Racing Championship (SMP RDRC) promoters, since then Drag Racing in Russia became more professional. From the very beginning to 2014 only streetcars were allowed to compete in Russia. Now it's also allowed to run promods and dragsters in SMP RDRC. Thanks to the efforts of SMP RDRC promoters in 2019 the first professional dragstrip in Russia "RDRC Racepark" was built. It's located near Moscow in 40 kilometers of downtown at the former airfield Bykovo. It gave many opportunities to test the cars and make new records. Before the track was built, competitions took place on straight parts of circuits, so it was not allowed to prepare the whole 1/4 mile, only 1/8 and the tracks were available for drag racers except racing weekends of local or national events. From the very beginning one of the main ideas of the promoters was to increase the quality and reach of live broadcasts, so SMP RDRC became the first racing series with its video production and remains so to this day.

Russian Championship has four classes:
* Pro ET (Bracket class) – most of the participants here are running streetcars (e. g. BMW M5, Audi RS6, Porsche 911, Nissan GT-R, Lamborghini Huracan, etc.). It's allowed to run the car without a roll cage. Breakout for the class is 9.6 sec.
* Street – full-body streetcars. Roll cage and all FIA or SFI safety equipment is mandatory. The class includes a lot of different cars (e. g. Toyota Supra, Audi TT RS, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8, Honda Civic, Porsche 911 Turbo S, VAZ 2110, etc.). Breakout for the class is 8.6 sec.
* Pro Street – full-body streetcars and 3/4 chassis cars. Breakout for the class is 7.6 sec.
* SuperPro Street – door slammers, promods, dragsters, 3/4 chassis cars. The only limitation in the class is breakout which is 6.8 sec.

Regional Series also have four classes divided by ET:
* Stock – Breakout 11.9 sec.
* Super Stock – Breakout 10.9 sec.
* Super Gas – Breakout 9.9 sec.
* Super Comp – Breakout 8.9 sec.

The national record belongs to 4-time national champion Dmitry Samorukov: 6.325 seconds at {{convert|328.76|km/h|abbr=on}}. It was set in a special record run in 2016 on Dodge Viper Doorslammer in Grozny, Chechen Republic at "Fort Grozny" racetrack.

Dmitry Samorukov was the first Russian participant of the FIA European Championship on a newly built Chevrolet Camaro in the most competitive Promod class in 2019. After six stages of the competition, he took 10th of 38 places overall.

Russian driver Dmitry Kapustin on Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 is holding the European record of AWD streetcars: 7.182 seconds at {{convert|312.77|km/h|abbr=on}}. The record was set in a qualifying run in Grozny, Chechen Republic at "Fort Grozny" racetrack in 2018.

1/2 mile races are also popular in Russia. "Unlim 500+" is the main 1/2 mile race in Russia. It's a supercar and sportscar festival where only 500+ hp cars are allowed (e. g. Nissan GT-R, McLaren 720S, Lamborghini Aventador, Porsche 911, Ferrari 488, etc.). The national record on 1/2 mile distance also belongs to Dmitry Samorukov on Nissan GT-R R 35: 13.305 seconds at {{convert|346.48|km/h|abbr=on}}. The record was set on a test and tune day at the "RDRC Racepark" track in 2020.