Dial-in

A dial-in is a driver's predicted time for completing a drag race, used as a handicap system to allow cars of different speeds to compete fairly against each other.

In bracket racing, the dial-in works like a golf handicap. Before each race, drivers must declare how fast they think their car will complete the quarter-mile or eighth-mile track. This prediction becomes their dial-in time, written on their windshield for everyone to see.

The handicap system creates exciting competition between mismatched vehicles. When a fast sports car faces a slower family sedan, the slower car gets a head start equal to the difference in their dial-in times. If the sports car predicts 12.5 seconds and the sedan predicts 15.0 seconds, the sedan launches 2.5 seconds earlier.

The goal isn't to run the fastest time possible—it's to run as close to your dial-in as possible without going faster. Running quicker than your dial-in is called a "breakout," and it results in automatic disqualification, even if you cross the finish line first.

Setting an accurate dial-in requires understanding your car's performance under current conditions. Smart racers consider factors like air temperature, track surface, and their car's recent consistency. Track conditions can change throughout the day, making dial-in strategy crucial.

Drivers base their dial-in predictions on previous runs, but they must be careful not to "sandbag"—intentionally setting a slower dial-in to gain an unfair advantage. While a conservative dial-in provides a bigger head start, it increases the risk of breaking out.

This system makes drag racing accessible to everyone, from modified race cars to bone-stock vehicles. Success depends more on consistency and strategy than raw horsepower, creating competitive racing regardless of your car's performance level.