What to do

Entering a Street/Grudge event at Hidden Valley is where the majority get their first taste of drag racing. Entry to the event can be done on the day by paying as you go in the gate. Your entry fee at Street/Grudge meets admits the driver, you can also pay to allow entry for pit crew to assist you.

When you get to the track, after paying your entry fee, just follow the road into the pits. Unless you have work to do it is advisable to get into the line up for scrutineering as soon as possible.

Only a few requirements are needed to compete at Street/Grudge meets ... a three point lap sash belt (as minimum), an approved helmet, long sleeves and pants, shoes and socks. Bikes need an approved helmet, leather jacket and long pants as a minimum.

You will also need an ANDRA Divisional Drag Racing license, available at the track for $5 (at this time). This is valid for the day of issue only.

After going through scrutineering and having a race number allocated, sit back, relax and wait for the driver briefing to be called

After the briefing when you will be reminded of the rules and special events for the night, drive your car into the staging lanes. Make note of where the race director and officials tell you to line up and remember to keen the centre Emergency lane free at all times.

Officials take an equal number of cars from each lane. When it's your turn, proceed towards the start line. Hidden Valley has dished concrete "burnout pads" for each lane. Do not do static burnouts. Statics on the concrete burnout pads and asphalt damages the surface, which will bring down the wrath of officials!

As you approach the start, there are three sets of photocells in each lane. The first is the PRE STAGE beam, which controls the top light on the Xmas tree. This does nothing more than let you know you have eight inches to go to the STAGE LIGHT, the second light on the tree. The race cannot be started until this light is on. The final beam is the GUARD BEAM which starts the timers if the stage beam has not been cleared. This applies only to very low cars such as dragsters.

When your vehicle is properly staged, you're ready to give your full attention to the Xmas tree. After the amber lights are two more lights, a green GO light and a red FOUL light. When the stage light is on, your front tire is interrupting the stage beam across the track. If that beam is re-opened before the green light comes on, the red FOUL light comes on. While this doesn't matter in trials, in racing it means "you lose!"

The finish line has a series of two photocells. The first is 66 feet before the finish line. The second is the finish line itself. The first and second lights start and stop the speed traps to measure your speed across the finish. The second set of photocells stop the ET clocks and provides the elapsed time for the run.

After completing the run, return via the main Hidden Valley straight. Remember if you are in Lane 1 (closest to the spectators) give way to the driver to your right, in Lane 2. Don't try to cross his path until safe to do so. There is always the possibility that he may not stop. Stay to the left of the return road. If you believe you are dropping fluid do not venture onto the return road, pull over to the side and the fire marshals will assist you. Oil on the Hidden Valley circuit means costly repairs to the bitumen surface.

Speed past the tower is limited to 20km/hr. Please be aware of other competitors and pit crew.

Timing slips can be collected at the printer located in front of the control tower or at the scrutineering shed. Listen to the meet director during the drivers briefing for the location of the printer on the night.

Having completed the run, pick up your time slip from the printer. All details of the run are shown - reaction time, e.t., speed in mph and kph and in racing, the amount from your dial-in. Both lanes are shown on the time slip.