Bracket Racing

Bracket Racing is a form of drag racing where vehicles of different performance levels compete on a level playing field through a handicap system based on predicted finish times.

In Bracket Racing, drivers predict their elapsed time (ET) before the race, known as their "dial-in." The slower car receives a head start equal to the difference between the two dial-ins. Winning requires finishing as close as possible to your dial-in without going faster than it (called "breaking out").

This popular format emphasizes consistency and driving skill over raw horsepower, making it accessible to beginners. A driver in a modest street car can compete against faster vehicles if they accurately predict their times and react quickly at the starting line. This inclusivity has made Bracket Racing a staple at drag strips nationwide.