Drag racing Netherlands: The Ultimate Guide for car enthusiasts
Do you like beautiful sports cars?
Then you really should visit a drag race in the Netherlands – ideal for all speed lovers.
But what about drag racing in the Netherlands? Are there events? Can you participate yourself?
In this blog, we race along the drag racing scene in the Netherlands.
- What is drag racing (how it works and rules)
- These are the Dutch Dragrace events in 2024
- Why the NK drag racing is in danger
- Taking part in drag racing yourself Can you apply to take part in drag racing?
- These are the talented Dutch drag racers to keep an eye on!
The Basics of Drag Racing: A Speed Review
Motorsport drag racing is an acceleration contest between two vehicles. The goal is to cross the finish line as fast as possible on a straight track. The driver who crosses the finish line first wins. A drag racing event is made up of a series of separate races between two vehicles. In these elimination rounds, competing vehicles, divided into different classes, race against each other.
The classification of a car into different classes is determined by certain criteria. These include engine size, fuel type, vehicle weight, permitted modifications and aerodynamics, time class or race type.
Drag racing events Netherlands in 2024
There are several events where you can admire drag races; one of the few places where there are legal drag races is at the TT circuit in Assen. Drag races can be admired during the SUPERCAR MADNESS on 19 May.
Drag races can also be admired at the TT circuit during Japfest (20 May). Another venue you can turn to is at Vliegveld Twente, where the Spring event on 6 July also holds 1-on-1 drag races.
NK Dragracing in jeopardy?
The Dutch Championships in drag racing were held at Drachten Airfield for 50 years. From 1975 to 2023, the Dutch Championships were always at Vliegveld Drachten, but the airport no longer wants to host it. This because of rubber residue left on the runway, which is not desirable for aircraft.
Currently, there is not even a single race track left in the Netherlands for drag racing. The drag racing scene is trying to realise a race track at Vliegveld Lelystad, but unfortunately this has not been successful so far. So wait and hope for the Dutch drag racers.
Participating in Dragrace Events
Should you have the dream of competing in a drag race yourself, there is good news! Almost anyone can participate in a drag racing event.
If you hold a valid driving licence and a KNAF or FIA licence, you can participate!
The Royal Dutch Motorsport Federation (KNAF) is the official motorsport federation in the Netherlands. They state that you must be able to guarantee the safe operation of the participating vehicle. The vehicle must meet basic safety criteria (brakes, seatbelts, etc.). This applies to most street vehicles. Semi-race and all-out race cars must meet stricter requirements as described in the KNAF Section Regulations on Drag Racing.
Key Dutch Drag racers to follow in 2024
Michel Tooren: Known for his achievements in the Pro Modified class with his ’63 Plymouth Valiant. Tooren has impressed with his consistently fast times and technical prowess, both on national and international tracks. His approach to the sport and continuous improvements to his car make him an interesting driver to follow.
David Vegter: Vegter is another well-known name in the Pro Modified scene. With his striking car and consistent performance at European tracks, he has built a reputation as a strong competitor. His ability to compete with the top, even in a highly competitive class, makes him an exciting driver to follow.
Marck Harteveld: Harteveld also races in the Pro Modified class and is known for his technical knowledge and ability to push his car to the limit. His passion for the sport and the technical aspects of drag racing make him not only a formidable competitor, but also an interesting figure in the drag racing community.
The Future of Dragracing in the Netherlands
Although there is now no track available to hold NKs for drag racing in the Netherlands, there are still some car events where drag racing can be watched. There is hope to get a permanent race track at Lelystad Airport, but there is little progress on this so far. So it is mainly a case of wait and see, and unfortunately in the Netherlands you have to make do with a few events.
So the future will have to tell.
