NHRA Stock, Factory Stock, Super Stock and Top Sportsman’s and Top Dragster

NHRA Stock and Super Stock classes are both highly completive Sportsman classes that combine a high degree of mechanical expertise and driving skill.  All have handicapped start to level the playing field where your qualifying performance is used to set Dial In and qualifying position.  Learning the differences makes for entertaining day as a spectator.

Super Stock vehicles may look like ordinary passenger vehicles, but they are highly modified race cars.  The category features primarily late-model sedans and vintage muscle cars.  Entries are classified using a system that divides factory shipping weight by NHRA-factored horsepower.  Significant engine modifications are permitted, but the vehicle must retain the correct engine block, cylinder heads, and carburetor.  Cars are handicapped using an index system and the breakout rule is enforced.

Stock cars are similar to Super Stockers, but the rules regarding everything from engine modifications to body alterations are much stricter.  Virtually any car is eligible to compete and entries are classified using a system that divides factory shipping weight by NHRA-factored horsepower.  Bodies must be unaltered and retain a full factory interior.  Tires are limited to a maximum 9-inch-wide rear slick.  Engines must be correct for the make and model vehicle and must retain stock cylinder heads, intake manifold and carburetor.  Modifications are limited to a basic balancing and rebuild with only a few performance enhancements.

Top Sportsman. Essentially a pair of categories for fast E.T. racers, Top Dragster presented by Racing RVs (open-wheel entries) and Top Sportsman presented by Racing RVs (full-bodied cars) feature a qualified field of 32, 48, or 64 entries. Competitors may choose their own dial for eliminations provided it is not slower than 7.99 seconds (8.19 in Divisions 6 and 7). Eliminations in both classes are run using a traditional bracket racing format with a full three-amber Christmas Tree start, and the breakout rule is enforced. It is not uncommon for entries to run in the sixes at more than 200 mph