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What is the High School Class?
The High School class is a recognized National Hot Rod Assocation (NHRA) and International Hot Rod Assocation (IHRA)
Elapsed Time (ET) or Bracket Style drag racing class. In this class the handicap starting system allows a
1986 Chevette to compete against a 2008 Corvette or Mustang, with the Chevette having an equal chance of winning.
It all boils down to driver skill.
Where Can You Race?
High school races are held on NHRA and IHRA sanctioned tracks located in Mission, Prince George, and Ashcroft,
with Division Six finals held at any NHRA and IHRA Division 6 tracks. Racing at non-NHRA and IHRA sanctioned
tracks is not encouraged and is disallowed for BCSSMA member schools.
Who Can Compete in the High School
Class?
To be eligible, a student must be enrolled in a recognized secondary school
program in a school district that has a drag
racing policy in place. He or
she must be 19 years of age or younger at the start of the racing season (March
1), have a valid drivers license with an "N" classification and have
completed all the necessary district and track consent forms. For
additional information, have your sponsor teacher contact the BCSSMA through
this web site.
Who Will I Compete Against?
You will compete against other secondary school students.
How Can I Practice?
Time trials, or practice runs, are run before elimination races begin each race
day. Time trials allow novice drivers to practice their starting skills and
calculate their "dial in time".
What Costs Are Involved?
Depending on the track, there will be a daily Driver entry fee and Spectator fee.
Mission: Driver - $40, Crew - $5; Ashcroft: Driver - $25, Crew - $10. Pricing
may be higher if tied to a National Open or Specialty event.
How Do I Know if My Car is Fit to Race?
If your car does not pass the mandatory NHRA or IHRA Tech. Inspection, which takes place
before every race, it is probably not safe to drive on any public road. However,
the inspector looks for several specific things as well as general condition;
these include the following:
Steering, brakes, tires and lug nuts, seatbelts and the neutral safety switch.
The vehicle's cooling system must contain only water and there must be a coolant
overflow container of not less than one litre/US quart. Also, the battery must
be properly anchored to the vehicle. Bungie cords and snap-straps are not
allowed for this purpose.
Do I Need Any Special Equipment?
For most street cars, no modifications are necessary. Hubcaps and centre caps
must be removed or bolted to the rim. All drivers must wear an approved helmet
with a Snell rating of 2000 or newer.
Will I Break My Car Racing It?
With most street vehicles, anything that fails at the track was just about ready
to break anyway. Properly racing a well maintained street vehicle will not
place undue stress on it. Remember, it is driver skill and consistency
that wins races, not speed and power.
What is the Maximum Speed I Can
Achieve During a Race?
High school cars may not run quicker than a 12.00 second ET (a stock Corvette
ZR-1, Dodge Viper or 5L Mustang cannot achieve this in the quarter mile).
Can I Modify My Car to Run Quicker or
for Safety?
Yes, but it must meet BCSSMA rules and NHRA or IHRA specifications as per the rule book
published every year. NHRA and IHRA Rule Books are available at many Auto Parts
outlets and online.
What Can I Change?
Open exhaust, Slicks, Line lock, Turbocharger, Supercharger, Intake manifold,
Cylinder heads, Pistons, Cam shaft: as you can see, you are limited more by your
budget and the "12 second" rule than anything else.
What is Not Allowed?
Nitrous oxide, Transmission brake,
Electronic starting aids and Multi-stage rev limiters are
not allowed in high school class.
What if I Do Not Own My Own Vehicle?
You may compete with someone else's vehicle (car or light truck) provided you
have the proper consent forms signed by the registered owner. Many schools
have "school" cars for those students not having vehicles.
Can I be Competitive With a Standard Transmission?
Yes, although the majority of cars are automatic, some with shift kits and
hi-stall torque converters.
Any additional questions can be directed to the Technical Department at tech@highschooldragracing.org
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