NHRA or IHRA

[Mike Carr]

Both have good and bad points. IHRA, most of their Divisional races are doubles (two races in one weekend). For someone that lives in an area like me (on the PA/OH line), it costs me a thousand dollars (or more) every weekend I would race, if I still did (exception is Norwalk and Columbus for NHRA; Pittsburgh for IHRA). Every other race is a three-hundred mile (or more) tow. At least in IHRA, I get two chances to race for that $1,000 expense (gas, tolls, hotel, entry, meals, etc). So if I had to choose between, say, Budds Creek Pro-Am or Maple Grove LODRS, I'm going to B.C. every time.

As far as cars go, my personal recommendation is to build an NHRA-legal car. That way, you can run both NHRA and IHRA. IHRA has several classes that are not included in NHRA (Stock GT, Pure Stock and Crate Motor). Plus, some S/SS Combos and Associations do not allow IHRA cars. So in that regard, I suggest building a 'traditional' Stocker.

Again, you will find a lot of good and bad with either of the HRA's. Find one that has a schedule, proximity, etc that works for you, where you live and choose one. Or, like I did, run some of both.