License Question

bsimms89 · 02-02-2017, 04:33 PM

I am currently in the process of having a car built for super stock, currently I have only done some bracket racing in my street car in he 12 second range. This car will run into the 9's. I know to race I will have to get a Level 4 Type B license for between 7.5- 9.99 sec and over 135 mph, and to apply I have to do the half pass, 3 moderate passes and 2 full passes. My question is in regards to practice before taking the passes. If I take the car to a test and tune night at the tracks near me will I have to have the license just to run it down the track, or would I be allowed to make some practice runs before taking my runs for the license?

Chuck Norton · 02-02-2017, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsimms89

I am currently in the process of having a car built for super stock, currently I have only done some bracket racing in my street car in he 12 second range. This car will run into the 9's. I know to race I will have to get a Level 4 Type B license for between 7.5- 9.99 sec and over 135 mph, and to apply I have to do the half pass, 3 moderate passes and 2 full passes. My question is in regards to practice before taking the passes. If I take the car to a test and tune night at the tracks near me will I have to have the license just to run it down the track, or would I be allowed to make some practice runs before taking my runs for the license?

Saw your post. I faced the same dilemma when my S/S car was finished. I took it to a local track test 'n tune session with no class designation on the windows to make sure that I could get if off the line satisfactorily and could handle the normal S/S things like the trans brake, two-step, air shifter, and wheel stands. I had raced in Stock for thirty years at that point but the brake, the air shifter, and BIG wheelies were unfamiliar territory. Throughout the process of becoming accustomed to the car I made several 1000' passes, lifting after that cone on the track each time. No one said a thing as long as I didn't lay down a 9 second pass. When the time came to make the license runs, I felt very confident in meeting the requirements for that process.

Good luck with the car and the licensing.

c

jmcarter · 02-02-2017, 05:59 PM

What Chuck said is a solid approach, running an "unsanctioned" 9 second run is likely to get you on the wrong side of the track operator and you're going to need their cooperation in witnessing your licensing runs and signing off. If you're use to running 12's take it easy getting started, in fact I'd heartedly recommend going to take one of Frank Hawley's License classes. He's a gifted teacher who offers a ton of good advice and his entire staff is top notch. Two days of class and driving and you've got all the paperwork you need for NHRA and didn't make any mistakes that might hurt your new car. Simply not being familiar with the shifter, doing burnouts, using a brake and going 140 MPH can turn a simple error into a major problem.

FED 387 · 02-02-2017, 06:42 PM

Remember also to tell the track about your licensing runs they generally are are very accommodating and will stop the action so that you are the only car on the track at the time you will need to get the track mgr to sign your license runs as well as 2 other racers that have a license the same or greater than yours meaning a Pro stock or a super comp can be witnesses. also you can make your runs on a 1/8 mile track. What the witnesses are looking for is your abilities to handle the car your full runs should be representative for your class like in the 80-90% ET range or say 8.50-8.75 on a 8.30/or so but definitely not say a 10.00 run on an 850. If you have driven stockers befo you will do fine just concentrate on what you are doing. Also not knowing your age check into wether you need a physical and if you are over 55 you might need an EKG also. FED 387

FED 387 · 02-02-2017, 06:51 PM

Remember also to tell the track about your licensing runs they generally are are very accommodating and will stop the action so that you are the only car on the track at the time you will need to get the track mgr to sign your license runs as well as 2 other racers that have a license the same or greater than yours meaning a Pro stock or a super comp can be witnesses. also you can make your runs on a 1/8 mile track. What the witnesses are looking for is your abilities to handle the car your full runs should be representative for your class like in the 80-90% ET range or say 8.50-8.75 on a 8.30/or so but definitely not say a 10.00 run on an 850. If you have driven stockers befo you will do fine just concentrate on what you are doing. Also not knowing your age check into wether you need a physical and if you are over 55 you might need an EMG also. DONT worry about cutting a good light or red lighting either all that matters is what the time slips say it's all about the ET and the speed and how you handle the car FED 387

nickh · 02-02-2017, 07:20 PM

Great post and responses. I did the same thing when I had my 7 second camaro. Went out on test and tune night, did shut off passes got comfortable with the car.

Track and fellow racers were great in accomodating me in keeping track clear, witnessing and signing off on paperwork, make sure you get a track official to sign off as well.

Made mid 8 second passes on motor, turned on NOS in two full passes into the sevens. Did not want to go faster than 7.50 kept it moderately sane on full passes...LOL

bsimms89 · 02-10-2017, 03:45 PM

Thanks for the advice, I have actually already considered frank Hawleys classes and looked into it, it just sucks that he isn't having anything in the northeast until like august at maple grove, if I did that I would like to to the one where you use your own car but that means I'd either have to travel pretty far or wait until august

Ed Wright · 02-10-2017, 10:03 PM

Have you looked into Scotty Richardson's schools? He may have something in your area. Great guy.

bsimms89 · 07-12-2017, 03:12 PM

I know I'm reviving an old thread. But my car was just finished being build, and i called Frank Hawley the earliest they can get me in is early September, I am planning on taking my license runs through them.

Like before I am still wondering if I head to a test and tune night and go easy on it to get some practice in is there a chance the officials will give me a hard time since I don't have the license yet and it'll be pretty clear my car can do faster. I'm just trying to get an answer as its a couple hours each way to the nearest track and I don't want to drive all the way there to get told that they won't let me do any runs.

ss3011 · 07-12-2017, 04:16 PM

I brought my car to my home track , Milan Dragway , after getting the car Teched in I went and talked to the Track Manager . She was so helpful in setting me up with the required runs , and also found several Racers to sign for the runs . At the end of the day , I had completed all the runs , and had the signed documents . I sent them in to Division 3 headquarters and was able to get a temporary license so I could legally run the car , while I was waiting for the official license which comes from NHRA in California . My local track was very helpful , the whole process was easy .

02-02-2017, 04:33 PM	#1
bsimms89 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 70 Likes: 29 Liked 70 Times in 19 Posts	License Question I am currently in the process of having a car built for super stock, currently I have only done some bracket racing in my street car in he 12 second range. This car will run into the 9's. I know to race I will have to get a Level 4 Type B license for between 7.5- 9.99 sec and over 135 mph, and to apply I have to do the half pass, 3 moderate passes and 2 full passes. My question is in regards to practice before taking the passes. If I take the car to a test and tune night at the tracks near me will I have to have the license just to run it down the track, or would I be allowed to make some practice runs before taking my runs for the license?

02-02-2017, 05:59 PM	#3
jmcarter VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Richmond Hill GA (and Port Ludlow WA) Posts: 4,294 Likes: 2,371 Liked 3,172 Times in 971 Posts	Re: License Question What Chuck said is a solid approach, running an "unsanctioned" 9 second run is likely to get you on the wrong side of the track operator and you're going to need their cooperation in witnessing your licensing runs and signing off. If you're use to running 12's take it easy getting started, in fact I'd heartedly recommend going to take one of Frank Hawley's License classes. He's a gifted teacher who offers a ton of good advice and his entire staff is top notch. Two days of class and driving and you've got all the paperwork you need for NHRA and didn't make any mistakes that might hurt your new car. Simply not being familiar with the shifter, doing burnouts, using a brake and going 140 MPH can turn a simple error into a major problem. __________________ Jim Carter 2340 Super Stock 2340 SST/2340 Stock Set another place at the table

02-02-2017, 06:42 PM	#4
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,416 Likes: 522 Liked 330 Times in 178 Posts	Re: License Question Remember also to tell the track about your licensing runs they generally are are very accommodating and will stop the action so that you are the only car on the track at the time you will need to get the track mgr to sign your license runs as well as 2 other racers that have a license the same or greater than yours meaning a Pro stock or a super comp can be witnesses. also you can make your runs on a 1/8 mile track. What the witnesses are looking for is your abilities to handle the car your full runs should be representative for your class like in the 80-90% ET range or say 8.50-8.75 on a 8.30/or so but definitely not say a 10.00 run on an 850. If you have driven stockers befo you will do fine just concentrate on what you are doing. Also not knowing your age check into wether you need a physical and if you are over 55 you might need an EKG also. FED 387 Last edited by FED 387; 02-02-2017 at 06:44 PM. Reason: Spelling

02-02-2017, 06:51 PM	#5
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,416 Likes: 522 Liked 330 Times in 178 Posts	Re: License Question Remember also to tell the track about your licensing runs they generally are are very accommodating and will stop the action so that you are the only car on the track at the time you will need to get the track mgr to sign your license runs as well as 2 other racers that have a license the same or greater than yours meaning a Pro stock or a super comp can be witnesses. also you can make your runs on a 1/8 mile track. What the witnesses are looking for is your abilities to handle the car your full runs should be representative for your class like in the 80-90% ET range or say 8.50-8.75 on a 8.30/or so but definitely not say a 10.00 run on an 850. If you have driven stockers befo you will do fine just concentrate on what you are doing. Also not knowing your age check into wether you need a physical and if you are over 55 you might need an EMG also. DONT worry about cutting a good light or red lighting either all that matters is what the time slips say it's all about the ET and the speed and how you handle the car FED 387

02-02-2017, 07:20 PM	#6
nickh Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Houston,Texas Posts: 819 Likes: 3,512 Liked 642 Times in 192 Posts	Re: License Question Great post and responses. I did the same thing when I had my 7 second camaro. Went out on test and tune night, did shut off passes got comfortable with the car. Track and fellow racers were great in accomodating me in keeping track clear, witnessing and signing off on paperwork, make sure you get a track official to sign off as well. Made mid 8 second passes on motor, turned on NOS in two full passes into the sevens. Did not want to go faster than 7.50 kept it moderately sane on full passes...LOL

02-10-2017, 03:45 PM	#7
bsimms89 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 70 Likes: 29 Liked 70 Times in 19 Posts	Re: License Question Thanks for the advice, I have actually already considered frank Hawleys classes and looked into it, it just sucks that he isn't having anything in the northeast until like august at maple grove, if I did that I would like to to the one where you use your own car but that means I'd either have to travel pretty far or wait until august

02-10-2017, 10:03 PM	#8
Ed Wright Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sand Springs, OK Posts: 8,132 Likes: 896 Liked 390 Times in 170 Posts	Re: License Question Have you looked into Scotty Richardson's schools? He may have something in your area. Great guy. __________________ Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA

07-12-2017, 03:12 PM	#9
bsimms89 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 70 Likes: 29 Liked 70 Times in 19 Posts	Re: License Question I know I'm reviving an old thread. But my car was just finished being build, and i called Frank Hawley the earliest they can get me in is early September, I am planning on taking my license runs through them. Like before I am still wondering if I head to a test and tune night and go easy on it to get some practice in is there a chance the officials will give me a hard time since I don't have the license yet and it'll be pretty clear my car can do faster. I'm just trying to get an answer as its a couple hours each way to the nearest track and I don't want to drive all the way there to get told that they won't let me do any runs.

07-12-2017, 04:16 PM	#10
ss3011 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 909 Likes: 70 Liked 239 Times in 114 Posts	Re: License Question I brought my car to my home track , Milan Dragway , after getting the car Teched in I went and talked to the Track Manager . She was so helpful in setting me up with the required runs , and also found several Racers to sign for the runs . At the end of the day , I had completed all the runs , and had the signed documents . I sent them in to Division 3 headquarters and was able to get a temporary license so I could legally run the car , while I was waiting for the official license which comes from NHRA in California . My local track was very helpful , the whole process was easy .