Guides · Drag racing · Checked 10 September 2026
Step by step
- 1
Book a Run What Ya Brung day
RWYB lets you run your own car or motorcycle on Santa Pod's quarter-mile strip. Tickets are pre-book only with none on the gate, and no race licence is needed, just a full driving licence.santapod.co.uk
- 2
Sort a helmet and check your car
A helmet that is fit for purpose is mandatory for everyone on track. Open-top or windowless cars need arm restraints, and vehicles must be fit for purpose and clean.santapod.co.uk
- 3
Sign on and run
Arrive between 8.30 and 9.00am. Sign on with your physical driving licence and track voucher, sign the indemnity, then queue in the fire-up road. Your timing slip shows reaction time, 60ft, 1/8 and 1/4 mile times and terminal speed.santapod.co.uk
- 4
Get a licence and join SPRC
To race at a permitted event you must be a Santa Pod Racers Club member and hold a race licence (Motorsport UK for cars). SPRC helps with ACU and Motorsport UK licence applications.santapodracersclub.com
- 5
Complete observed runs
New licence holders do 3 observed runs: a 60ft pass, a 1/8 mile pass, then a full 1/4 mile pass at an ET that fits the class. SPRC says these can be done at most RWYB events at Santa Pod.santapodracersclub.com
- 6
Enter an entry-level class
Sportsman ET is SPRC's introductory class for regular road cars, using a dial-your-own ET format. Cars capable of 9.99 seconds or quicker need a technical inspection before racing.santapodracersclub.com
The licence
None for Run What Ya Brung
RWYB: none (full driving licence only). Racing (cars): Motorsport UK RS Inter Club licence, which covers drag racing. Bikes: ACU licence.
For RWYB, bring your physical full driving licence. To race a car, apply to Motorsport UK online for a licence that covers drag racing, join the Santa Pod Racers Club, then complete 3 observed runs (60ft, 1/8 mile, then a full 1/4 mile) to the Race Director's satisfaction, which can be done at most RWYB events.
RS Inter Club £85 on Motorsport UK's licence page (no year shown). The SPRC guide (Nov 2020) quoted a 'Drag Race Interclub licence (currently £69)', which is out of date.
Official licence page · getstarted.motorsportuk.orgKit you need
- Helmet (RWYB) — 'A safety helmet that is fit for purpose is mandatory for ALL participants.'santapod.co.uk
- Arm restraints (RWYB) — Mandatory for open-top or windowless cars.santapod.co.uk
- Roll cage (RWYB, faster cars) — Strongly recommended for cars faster than 12 seconds. Mandatory (minimum roll bar) for cars faster than 9.00 seconds.santapod.co.uk
- Race kit (permitted events) — Motorsport UK's drag racing guide lists a helmet, fireproof overalls and FHR as mandatory. SPRC's 2020 guide says requirements depend on class: a Snell helmet, SFI/FIA-rated clothing, a neck brace if faster than 10.99 seconds, and arm restraints for open-top cars.getstarted.motorsportuk.org
What it costs
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| RWYB admission | £19 (including £3 booking fee) | santapod.co.uk |
| RWYB track sign-on | £50 | santapod.co.uk |
| Saturday Night Special admission / sign-on | £26 admission; £50–£60 sign-on (varies by time) | santapod.co.uk |
| RWYB passenger rides | £10 (unlimited on the day) | santapod.co.uk |
| RWYB helmet hire | £20 per day (non-refundable) plus £100 refundable deposit | santapod.co.uk |
| RS Inter Club licence (covers drag racing) | £85 | getstarted.motorsportuk.org |
Published figures from the sources shown, checked on the date above. Prices change; confirm with the organiser before you book.
Your first event
Coming up: go and watch one first
Drag racing: questions people ask
Do I need a licence for Run What Ya Brung at Santa Pod?
No race licence is needed, just a full driving licence. You must show the physical licence at sign-on.
How much does Run What Ya Brung cost?
Santa Pod lists admission at £19 including a £3 booking fee, plus £50 track sign-on. Tickets must be pre-booked.
Do I need a helmet for drag racing at Santa Pod?
Yes, a helmet that is fit for purpose is mandatory for everyone going on track at RWYB. Santa Pod's RWYB page lists helmet hire, but one event page says helmets are not available to hire, so bring your own or check before you go.
How old do you have to be to drag race?
RWYB drivers must be 18, or under 18 with a valid driving licence and a parent or guardian's countersignature. In competition, SPRC says Junior Dragster starts at 8.
How do I go from RWYB to proper drag racing?
Get a Motorsport UK licence (cars) or ACU licence (bikes), join the Santa Pod Racers Club and complete three observed runs, which can be done at most RWYB events. Road cars usually start in Sportsman ET.
Sources, checked 2026-09-10: getstarted.motorsportuk.org · santapod.co.uk · santapod.co.uk · santapodracersclub.com · santapodracersclub.com · santapodracersclub.com · getstarted.motorsportuk.org. Rules and fees change; the governing body’s own page is always the final word.