IHRA: How to start your drag racing career

One of the best things about IHRA drag racing is its accessibility – and we don't mean how accessible the cars and drivers are at a meet, because if you've attended an IHRA event, you already know how fan-friendly the weekend is.

No, we're talking about how accessible the racing itself is – that most anyone with a driver's license and a well-maintained car, truck, SUV or motorcycle can give drag racing a try.

Practically all the IHRA-affiliated tracks offer weekends targeted at the amateur racer, and many have a midweek "Test 'n Tune" night that allows a beginner to get his or her feet wet. Before you know it, you'll be lined up against a vehicle similar to yours, and you'll be racing.

The IHRA class that you'll likely start in is "Street ET."  

IHRA inspectors will give your vehicle a safety check, but whether it's a Honda or a Hummer, a Jeep or a Jaguar, they will find a place for you.

One of the IHRA tracks that embraces newcomers is Orlando SpeedWorld Dragway, which features Friday Night Frenzy, a Test 'n Tune session that costs only $12 for general admission and $10 for a TNT tech card. "If you wish to complete your IHRA license," the track advertises, "this is the perfect night to do it!"

How do you find a track near you? Go to IHRA.com, click on "Tracks," and you'll find a list of IHRA-affiliated tracks in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Australia and New Zealand.