[Sam12345]

How does drag racing strips work? Do you just go to a track at any time, pay an entrance fee and race? Or do they only operate on special days? Oh and what is the closest 1/4 mile dragstrip to West Los angeles? Thanks!

[wj4]

Originally Posted by Sam12345

How does drag racing strips work? Do you just go to a track at any time, pay an entrance fee and race? Or do they only operate on special days? Oh and what is the closest 1/4 mile dragstrip to West Los angeles? Thanks!

Seems like you're new to the sport. No, you don't go any time. They have special days for it..you gotta look into it. One of the most popular tracks is Fontana aka 'Fontucky'..the downside is that you gotta get there pretty early..some folks go line up at about 6AM to enter the gate as they close down the entrance after X cars get in.

Palmdale's 1/4 closed down a year or so ago so that's one is out of the question. I remember all the high school kids used to go there when they got in free by showing their ID.

There's a flat fee, usually. Around $10-20 for all you can run. I've never had good experience with lining up and usually get about 3-4 runs in. Some of my friends used to go to Palmdale on good days and run until they were tired.

You're pretty limited to 1/4 tracks, unless you can settle for 1/8, then you can hit up Irwindale.

You should also check out a REAL track that is tons more fun than drag racing...either auto crossing or Willow Springs.

[Sam12345]

Originally Posted by wj4

Seems like you're new to the sport. No, you don't go any time. They have special days for it..you gotta look into it. One of the most popular tracks is Fontana aka 'Fontucky'..the downside is that you gotta get there pretty early..some folks go line up at about 6AM to enter the gate as they close down the entrance after X cars get in.

Palmdale's 1/4 closed down a year or so ago so that's one is out of the question. I remember all the high school kids used to go there when they got in free by showing their ID.

There's a flat fee, usually. Around $10-20 for all you can run. I've never had good experience with lining up and usually get about 3-4 runs in. Some of my friends used to go to Palmdale on good days and run until they were tired.

You're pretty limited to 1/4 tracks, unless you can settle for 1/8, then you can hit up Irwindale.

You should also check out a REAL track that is tons more fun than drag racing...either auto crossing or Willow Springs.

Oh wow man thank you so much. I just want to race a couple friends of mine and get my 1/4 mile time. Oh and as for the real track, i dont have the cash for lessons and classes!
Thanks for the info though.

[wj4]

There's no lessons needed, just know your limit. They have classes anyways....beginners obviously won't be in the same group as the pros.

At least it's good that you thought of a track and isn't going on the street at midnight racing.

[Sam12345]

hey man could you give me some more information? I am a little confused still. I looked up california speedway and it says it is $70, but i dont know if thats for the track or for the dragstrip.

Basically i am in West los angeles, westwood to be specific.I have never been to a track before but have gone on numerous canyon runs, so i am very confident in handling my car. I would love to track my car but was always under the impression lessons are needed. So basically i can go, pay and go down the track? That is cool :-)
Oh yea and to finish off my questions, where would be the closest track to me?

Very sorry for numerous questions. You just seem informed and i want to use you for that. haha

[wj4]

Originally Posted by Sam12345

hey man could you give me some more information? I am a little confused still. I looked up california speedway and it says it is $70, but i dont know if thats for the track or for the dragstrip.

Basically i am in West los angeles, westwood to be specific.I have never been to a track before but have gone on numerous canyon runs, so i am very confident in handling my car. I would love to track my car but was always under the impression lessons are needed. So basically i can go, pay and go down the track? That is cool :-)
Oh yea and to finish off my questions, where would be the closest track to me?

Very sorry for numerous questions. You just seem informed and i want to use you for that. haha

That's because California Speedway is not a dedicated track to amateurs. There are few days where they have the 'open all' runs..those days people would be camping out from very early just to get in the gates first. In the summer, they would bring coolers and snacks too 'cause it's HOT.

There's no tracks close to you. You're probably looking at driving at least 40 miles to find one. The 2 tracks that I'm aware of for drag in the L.A.-O.C. area are the 1/8 at Irwindale and on special days, the 1/4 at Fontucky.

I know that they do Nascar at Fontucky, but I'm not sure if they offer private driving courses like auto x and such. Their first 'street legal' event was in Jan. of 08. I'm pretty sure there should be one more around summer time.

If you want to go to Willow Springs, it's best that you sign up with a group..ie Speed Ventures. I believe Lawrence is trying to recruit more E90post members to go with him on an upcoming event at Willow Springs or Streets of Willow..I forget which. It's around $150-200 for a full day usually.

[Sam12345]

Originally Posted by wj4

That's because California Speedway is not a dedicated track to amateurs. There are few days where they have the 'open all' runs..those days people would be camping out from very early just to get in the gates first. In the summer, they would bring coolers and snacks too 'cause it's HOT.

There's no tracks close to you. You're probably looking at driving at least 40 miles to find one. The 2 tracks that I'm aware of for drag in the L.A.-O.C. area are the 1/8 at Irwindale and on special days, the 1/4 at Fontucky.

I know that they do Nascar at Fontucky, but I'm not sure if they offer private driving courses like auto x and such. Their first 'street legal' event was in Jan. of 08. I'm pretty sure there should be one more around summer time.

If you want to go to Willow Springs, it's best that you sign up with a group..ie Speed Ventures. I believe Lawrence is trying to recruit more E90post members to go with him on an upcoming event at Willow Springs or Streets of Willow..I forget which. It's around $150-200 for a full day usually.

Oh thank you so much for all your help! I looked up Lawrences event and am a bit uncertain, to many people posted bad things about the people he is running with. 1 question though, what is the average cost of 1 days track? The day of the track is $130, i am wondering about helmet, average gas, tires?? , and just extra things like that.
Thanks a ton
-Sam

[justakid88]

willow springs =)