FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is ET Bracket Racing?

An E.T. bracket race is a form of drag racing that allows for a handicap between predicted speed of the two vehicles.

Each vehicle chooses a dial-in time before the race, predicting the elapsed time the driver estimates it will take his or her vehicle to
cross the finish line. This is generally displayed on one or more windows or placard so the starter can adjust the "Christmas tree"
starting lights accordingly; the slower vehicle in the race is given the green light before the faster vehicle by a margin of the
difference between their two dial-in times, so that if both were perfect, the vehicles would cross the line dead even. If either vehicle
goes faster than its dial-in (called running out or breaking out), it is disqualified regardless of who had the lower elapsed time; if both
vehicles break out, the one who breaks out by the smallest amount wins. This eliminates any advantage from bending the rules by
putting a slow dial-in time on the windshield to get a head start.

The effect of the bracket racing rules is to place a premium on consistency of performance of the driver and vehicle rather than on
raw speed, which in turn makes victory much less dependent on large infusions of money, and more dependent on mechanical and
driving skill, such as reaction times, shifting abilities, and ability to control the vehicle. Therefore, bracket racing (using the
aforementioned handicapping system) is popular with casual weekend racers. Many of these recreational racers will drive their
vehicles to the track, race them, and then simply drive them home.

This format allows for a wide variety of vehicles racing against each other. While traditional drag racing separates vehicles into a
wide variety of classes based on power and weight, bracket racing classes can be simpler, and can accommodate any vehicle with
basic technical inspection. Race events organized in this way are sometimes called "run what you brung."

I have never tried Drag racing before. Where do I start?

Well, first thing is to show up at the track!!! Whether you decide to come and watch first, or jump right in, come on down and
join us for the fun and excitement. Upon arrival at the track, just tell the gate personnel if you are a spectator or participant.

If you choose to participate, either in competition or time trials, you will purchase a "tech card" from the track personnel. Fees
for this vary from track to track. This card is what the track technical personnel will use to verify that you meet the
requirements set forth by the sanctioning body.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me, or contact your local track for more information.

What kind of motorcycle can race?

Most all types of motorcycles are welcome to participate in the racing. Whether you ride a Sport Bike, Cruiser, Chopper, or full
blown drag bike, come and join us. All are welcome. The only exception would be any scooter type device, pocket bikes, or
bikes with automatic and/or CVT type transmissions. After all, this is drag racing. There is no "minimum time" that a competitor
must run in order to compete, but lets keep it real...would you want to run against a bike that takes 15 seconds to make a run?
Most all of todays motorcycles are capable of running 7 to 10 second on an 1/8th mile track. See the ET Bracket Racing
explanation below on how different type vehicles are made equal through the use of handicaps.

Track technical staff reserve the right to refuse any vehicle from participating due to safety concerns. They will graciously tell
you what you must do in order to meet the requirements.

What is a "Dial In"?

A Dial In is the amount of time a driver declares it will take them to complete full distance of the track. Upon arriving at the track,
drivers will participate in "time trials" to identify their vehicles potential for that given day and conditions. Upon completing the
time trials, and before racing competition, drivers will declare their elapsed time.

Example, if a driver completes three time trials, and their vehicle runs a 7.50, a 7.52, and a 7.53, the driver may choose to
declare a "Dial In" of 7.51. Remember, you must choose a "Dial In" that will decrease the other competitors handicap, but will not
put yourself at risk of "Breaking Out", or running faster than your dial in.

What is "Breaking Out"?

A competitor "Breaks Out" when they run a time faster than their declared Dial In. For example, if after your time trials, you declare
a dial in of 7.50 seconds, and you make a pass in 7.499 seconds, the win will be awarded to your competitor if they do not Break
Out as well.

In the event of a Double Break Out, the competitor who breaks out the least will be awarded the win. So, if you break out by running
a 7.45 on a 7.50 dial in, and your competitor breaks out by running a 6.99 on a 7.0 Dial In, the win will go to your competitor.

It is important however, to adjust your Dial In to minimize the handicap between the two vehicles at the starting line. Declaring too
low of a Dial In will give your competitor a huge advantage, while declaring too high of a Dail In puts you at risk of Breaking Out.

MAINE MOTORCYCLE DRAG RACING ASSOCATION