Summit et points series

2026

About Summit ET Bracket Series

The NHRA Summit ET Series is Thunder Valley Dragstrip's premier bracket racing championship program. Racers compete throughout the season to earn points, win class championships, and qualify to compete against other tracks and represent Thunder Valley at the NHRA Summit ET Bracket Finals.

Whether your goal is to race for fun, improve your skills, or chase a championship, the Summit ET Series provides competitive racing in a family-friendly environment. This page includes everything you need to get started—from registration and points to race procedures, technical requirements, and safety rules.

The Summit ET Series season begins on March 14th, 2026 and concludes on October 31st, 2026.
Qualification for the Summit ET Bracket Finals Team ends on September 5th, 2026.
To participate in the Thunder Valley Summit ET Points Series, registration is completed at the pit gate.
Before you can begin earning points, you must:
- Complete all required registration forms.
- Pay the appropriate points registration fee.
Registration Fees
- Super Pro / Footbrake / Sportsman: $25
To earn Summit ET Series points, every driver must compete using either:
- A valid NHRA Competition Number, or
- A Thunder Valley Permanent Number
The same competition number must be used throughout the season.
Competition numbers and class designations must be clearly displayed on the driver's side of the vehicle.
Points are awarded at every scheduled Summit ET Series event.
Points Structure
- 10 points for each round win
- 2 bonus points for winning the event
- 1 bonus point for finishing runner-up
Please note:
- Points are awarded to the driver, not the vehicle
- Points cannot be transferred to another driver or class
- A driver may not compete twice in the same eliminator unless otherwise announced
The Top 60 overall points earners will qualify to represent Thunder Valley at the NHRA Summit ET Bracket Finals..
Race of Champions
The points leaders for each class following the final qualifying event will represent Thunder Valley in the Race of Champions.
At the conclusion of the Summit ET Series season:
Awards will be presented to each class champion and runner-up.

Summit ET Handbook PDF

ET Finals Info PDF (coming soon)

SUMMIT ET SERIES CLASSES

Class Parameters

8.49 & Faster
$75 to enter
$40 to buy-back
12.99 & Faster
$65 to enter
$35 to buy-back
11.50-19.99
$45 to enter
$25 to buy-back
6.00-14.99
$60 to enter
$30 to buy-back
Open Class
$25 to Enter
$10 to buy-back
9.00 & Slower (1/8th Mile)
Minimum ET based on age:
8-9 years old - 10.90 & slower
10-11 years old - 9.90 & slower
12-13 years old - 8.90 & slower
14-15 years old - 7.90 & slower
16-17 years old - 7.50 & slower
$25 to enter
$10 to buy-back
$40 to enter

!!IMPORTANT NOTE!!

Dial-ins must be clearly displayed on the driver’s side of the vehicle
Posted dial-ins outside your class range will automatically be adjusted to the min or max ET for your class
Changing your dial-in after crossing the commitment line (bridge) will result in disqualification

Starting Line Procedures

Courtesy Staging
- Courtesy staging is mandatory in all classes.
- First offense: Warning.
- Second offense: Disqualification.
AutoStart
- Thunder Valley uses the NHRA AutoStart system.
- Once both drivers have pre-staged and staged, competitors have 10 seconds to fully stage.
- Timeouts during eliminations will result in an automatic round loss
AutoStart
- Deep staging is not permitted during competition in any class.
- Deep staging during a competition bye run will not result in disqualification.
Drivers are responsible for ensuring their dial-in is correct before entering the staging lanes.
Remember:
- Dial-ins must be clearly displayed on the driver's side of the vehicle.
- Staging indicates acceptance of the posted dial-in.
- Races will not be rerun due to an incorrect posted dial-in.
- Changing a dial-in after crossing the commitment line results in disqualification.
- If the posted dial-in is outside your class ET range, it will automatically be adjusted to the min or max for your class.

Summit ET Series Race Procedures

- Every effort is made to provide up to two time trials before eliminations.
- Late arrivals will receive at least one time trial when practical.
- Pairings are determined using the card draw system.
- First card drawn = Right Lane.
- Second card drawn = Left Lane.
Buybacks are available after first-round eliminations for:
- Super Pro - $40
- Footbrake - $35
- Sportsman - $25
- Motorcycle - $25
- Jr. Street - $10
- Jr. Dragster - $10
Drivers who purchase a buyback:
- Re-enter eliminations in the second round.
- Do not earn points for first round loss.
- Resume earning points beginning with Round Two.
First-round bye runs are determined by random draw.
Beginning with Round Two:
- Bye runs are awarded to the best winning reaction time.
- Ties are broken by the best package.
- Drivers will not receive a second bye until all remaining competitors have received one.
- Competition bye runs do not count.
- Bye runs do not carry over between events.
- Vehicle changes are not permitted after the first round.
- Drivers have 60 seconds to start their vehicle after the pair ahead crosses the finish line.
- If unable to start within 60 seconds, the opponent receives a bye run.
- Drivers who notify the starter that they are broken will not compete in that round.

Technical & Safety Rules

Technical and safety compliance is the responsibility of every competitor.
The information in these guides summarizes several important NHRA and Thunder Valley competition requirements. It is intended as a quick reference and does not replace the current NHRA Rulebook.

If your vehicle breaks down during time trials, you may switch to another vehicle with approval from the Race Director. The replacement vehicle must pass tech inspection and cannot already be entered in the same class.
Once eliminations begin, vehicle changes are no longer permitted. If your vehicle becomes disabled during eliminations, notify a track official immediately or have a crew member report to the tower.
For Footbrake and Sportsman competitors:
The following are prohibited:
- Delay boxes
- Throttle stops
- Two-step launch controls
The following are permitted:
- Electric, hydraulic, or air shifters
- One line lock
- Reverse-only transbrakes
Additional requirements:
- Delay boxes must be removed or disconnected.
- Nitrous-equipped vehicles must use a manual activation system (push button only).
- Electronic nitrous control devices are prohibited.
- The MSD ARC Control Module 7761 is prohibited.
- Down-track RPM controls and timing devices prohibited by the current NHRA Rulebook are not permitted.
Every competitor is responsible for ensuring their vehicle meets current NHRA safety standards and is operated safely throughout the event.
Drivers may be disqualified for:
- Crossing the centerline
- Contacting the retaining wall
- Violating current NHRA technical or safety regulations
Every vehicle must also have at least one functioning taillight, and the Thunder Valley Race Director has final authority regarding all technical, procedural, and safety decisions.
For complete technical specifications and safety requirements, refer to the current NHRA Rulebook before arriving at the track.