HotRod Drag Week 2025

To participate you don't have to be 'fast' as determined by the 'interwebs' gurus. There will be a bunch of 13 and 14 second cars there. The event is truly not about winning, but rather participating and leaning on your build. It's easy to think that these events are only about winning a class with a 2000-4000hp car if you only watch the YT creators' videos. But more than 80% of the cars at every event run 10-14 seconds, and don't be fooled by the internet - all of these events need the all of the participants. HotRod is the best at highlighting ALL of the cars rather than 10-20 of the fastest guys.

I've entered every year since 2019, and I intend to run my junk there for as long as I can physically drive and build a car. I recommend coming up with reasons for what you need to do to get there, rather than reasons to not participate.

UC645 said:

I mean…. My only real worry is hotels or places to stay overnight. Parts are easy to change, but sleeping on rocks isn’t fun.

I haven’t really paid attention to that side of things, how much of a headache is it for you?

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Use an app. I have Choice Hotel and Hilton apps loaded on my phone. Hilton can be pricey depending on the location but not so bad other places. Choice can be fine, but also not fine. Bruce, Fleming442, and I had quite an experience in St. Louis/Madison. We chose a cheap Choice hotel in Cahokia Heights, IL. Cops in the parking lot chasing some fine local folks through the parking lot at 9 o'clock at night. The cops circled back and them telling us to not leave our cars in the lot overnight was enlightening. St. Louis - murder capital of the US - oofa. The previous night there was a gangland style shooting with 3 murders 3 blocks from the hotel. The hotel was cheap, but not a good value. We changed hotels to the northside of Madison for the last two nights.

I'll book the hotels by the end of April. Now I research the area and also speak to the locals about where to stay, and where not to stay. Prefer 1st floor with a room with a parking lot window or door - the car and trailer are directly outside the window.

If the tracks are near your home, then that's a no brainer - save the money and stay at your house when the route allows. I've never been that fortunate, I keep hoping that Empire and Lebanon Valley will become destinations some day, but I doubt they will.