rpm BARONA drags

5-4-24 barona drag strip

Since year one of rpm nationals we’ve been asked about running later overheads, the answer at rpm nats at Santa margarita ranch has always been “no”. Simply put rpm at the ranch will always be a flathead v8 and banger only race, that was our original goal and we’re stuck in our ways but since “you asked for it” we decided to look into a venue that can accommodate faster cars. What we found was BArona drag strip in San Diego county, it has that old timey feel but is setup with all the safety requirements to run faster cars. So we’re introducing the “rpm Barona drags” .

1963 and earlier era correct, early small block Chevy, Pontiac, Cadillac, Buick, y block, hemi, gmc, etc powered cars as well as flathead v8 and bangers will be welcome. Cars must be 1940 or older and no parts later than 1963, this includes no modern electronics, no modern slicks (towel city, radir or hurst pie crusts recommended, no smooth wall or wrinkle wall) bias rears if not running a recap slick, no radial fronts, no nitrous cheater systems, no billet, no tweed interiors, no visible disc brakes, no independent suspension, etc. all vehicles must aesthetically appear as though they showed up at the track ready to race in a 1964 or earlier time period.

******here’s how to enter******

just like our flathead only race up at The ranch, race entries will be by submissions and pre approval only. Submissions will open on February 1st 2024 Please make sure your car fits the requirements and if you would like to race review the classes below. Pick the class you would like to enter than send an email to us at rpmnationals@gmail.com , in the email include good pictures of your car taken outdoors from all sides, as well as some info about it, engine- make/cubic inch/year, transmission, rear end. Also be sure to include your full name and the class you’d like to enter. Entries submitted by March 31st will get a participant only event shirt, entries after that may still be accepted but won’t receive a shirt. ****note just entering doesn’t guarantee a spot to race*** we will pick the cars that not only fit the criteria of the event best but also make the best competition in each class. If you don’t get approved to race but would still like to attend the event we encourage it as we will also have a car show area by the track.

there will be 9 classes at this event, the first 6 being the same as those at rpm nationals-

4 cylinder flathead street car

v8 flathead street car

4 cylinder ( flathead block) street car with power adder ( overhead conversion or blower)

v8 (flathead block) street car with power adder (overhead conversion or blower)

4 cylinder (flathead block) full race, sprint cars, rails, belly tanks, and/or power adder cars also running nitro

v8 ( flathead block) full race, sprint cars, rails, tanks, early altereds, and/or power adder cars also running nitro

*****the late overhead classes——— for those running engines up to 1964*****

street car

street car with blower

full race

to make a class we will need at least 6 entries, if there aren’t at least 6 in your class you may get bumped up to run the next class above yours.

******tech requirements******

barona is an Nhra track, all cars must pass tech inspection before being allowed to race. if you’ve ran at rpm nationals in the past with a standard 4cyl or Flathead street car the requirements will be similar, except a more modern helmet, and for open cars a long sleeve shirt and arm restraints (style that loop/Velcro over the lap belt are fine) if you are running a faster or ohv car it will need to meet all nhra requirements, including roll bar/cage, wrist restraints for open cars, blower restraints, no flammable material in the drivers area, etc. there’s a good basic brake down of the nhra rules here https://st.hotrod.com/uploads/sites/21/2018/03/NHRA-Racing-Safety-Rules.pdf

if you have any questions or concerns about passing tech please send us an email ahead of time at rpmnationals@gmail.com

*****SPECTATORS******

the spectator gate (the north of the 2 gates) will open Saturday morning at 8am, for general parking. Spectator ticket price is $25 and allows full access to the pits, also allows camping Saturday night at no extra charge. If you would like to camp Friday the track does charge an additional $20. If you have a 1972 or older vehicle and would like to park in the car show area use the South Gate (racer / vendor entrance) no extra fee to put a car in the show area. Our pals in the lifters cc will be helping out with parking, traditional hot rods/customs down by the stage area and street rod/muscle car era cars down the row.

******location******

barona drag strip 1750 wildcat canyon road, lakeside, ca. 92040