IHRA has developed a new program for our racers of tomorrow.  TCR allows youth ages 13 to 17 the opportunity to race against their peers in full-bodied street vehicles, with no need to buy a special vehicle.  A Co-Driver accompanies the TCR on all runs to act as a coach and to join in the fun.  The TCR program is an inexpensive way for families to get involved in drag racing and another chance for parents to cultivate a close working relationship with their children.

TCR participants receive an IHRA Rule Book, a year subscription to Drag Review magazine, and excess medical coverage good at IHRA Member Tracks at IHRA-sanctioned events.

All races are conducted over a distance of 1/8th mile with an ET dial-in format, limited to 11.00 seconds and slower.  TCR drivers may not compete in any other class.

IHRA Member Tracks must apply to be eligible to contest the program.  Not every track may qualify.

Requirements and Specifications

Co-Driver: The Co-Driver must be the driver's parent, legal guardian, or adult 25 years of age or older, with a valid state driver's license.  The Co-Driver must be seated in the passenger seat of the vehicle any time the Driver is in the driver's seat.  The Co-Driver must drive the vehicle in the pits, into the staging lanes, and on the return road past the time slip booth.

Driver: Youth ages 13 to 17 (up until they have achieved a State driver's license) may be licensed to compete in TCR.  All runs must be made with an approved Co-Driver. (See above)

A photocopy of every competitor's birth certificate and a signed Parent/Guardian Minor Release must accompany all license applications.

License: All competitors must be licensed by an IHRA Track Official.  The licensing procedure includes Vehicle Orientation, a Basic Driving Test, and a minimum of six approved runs, as follows.  An Official or Co-Driver must be in the vehicle at all times.

To satisfy Vehicle Orientation requirements, Licensee must demonstrate familiarity with all of the vehicle's primary controls such as pedals, steering, shifter, lights, etc. Drivers must perform this orientation test for each vehicle entered in competition.

Licensee must complete a Basic Driving Test, demonstrating the ability to start the vehicle, select gears, turn, brake, and stop proficiently.

The Official will make one run with the Licensee as a passenger.  This allows the Official to determine the safety and eligibility of the vehicle per Elapsed Time limits, and orient the Licensee to track fixtures, starting line, timing system, return road, timeslip booth, etc. 

The Licensee must make a minimum of three (3) approved runs with the Official as co-driver. The Licensee must then make a minimum of three (3) approved runs with the assigned Co-Driver, witnessed by the Official.  If passed, the Official and Co-Driver sign the driver's license.

Officials will deny a license to a driver they feel cannot handle the vehicle.

Driver may only drive vehicle from staging lanes, on the track, and on the return road as far as the time slip booth.  The Co-Driver must drive the vehicle at all other times.

Safety Equipment

Seat Belts: Mandatory for both driver and Co-Driver.

Vehicle

Must be a full-bodied car, truck, van, or SUV.  Convertibles, Jeeps, motorcycles and race cars are prohibited.  Vehicle must pass IHRA and State safety inspection.  Vehicle must be licensed.  Mufflers and street tires are mandatory.  Electronics are prohibited. 

Source: 2004 Official IHRA Rule Book