Now in its 38th year, the Original Hot Rod Drags, proudly supported by the NSRA, brings the classic hot rod culture to the Santa Pod strip. From Pre-’73 RWYB and invited race classes to the Wild Bunch and evening fireworks, it’s a celebration of hot rod heritage you won’t want to miss. On-site camping makes it a weekend to remember, and a chance to relive the golden age of drag racing.
Want to check out our admission prices? We’ve kept them simple, fair, and packed with value.
There’s never a dull moment at Santa Pod events. View what will be on during the day.
See what else is happening at Santa Pod Raceway this year, from drag racing to festivals.
On-site you’ll find caterers, shops, ample parking, and camping facilities.
Take your own car down the track for £45 for the day with unlimited runs. Open to pre-1973’s vehicles only, (sorry, no rear engined cars or bikes). Please note: Admission ticket required in addition to your RWYB Track Voucher. Helmets are now mandatory for everyone going on track!
Nitro and Methanol Nostalgia Funny Cars, Fuel Altereds & Front Engine Dragsters, quicker than 7.50.
Old School Classic Altered Racers - A tribute to the days when wheelbases were short, power was big and nitro was king.
The Gasser Circus is a group of like minded racers, who gather together to celebrate and keep alive the traditions and most importantly the cars of the legendary Gasser Wars of the 1960s.
If it's bad and blown, it's a Supercharged Outlaw! The class is open to supercharged dragsters, altereds and doorslammers.
Nostalgia slingshots, altereds and dragsters.
Spectacular Heads-up drag racing from sit-up-&-beg style Fords - Anglia, Popular, Fordson or Prefect.
Roger Goring's Ford Mustang-bodied jet car is capable of 6 second passes at over 200mph down the quarter mile. It is the only centre-driven Jet Funny Car outside the USA and is propelled by a General Electric J85 turbojet engine.
Lee Bates in the Raptor Nostalgia Fuel Altered.
Andrew Flavell's Nostalgia Funny Car.
Mark Luton driving Roy Wilding's slingshot
Adam Clayton's Nostalgia Fuel Altered.
Dougie Hill's slingshot dragster.
Wendy Baker's nostalgia funny car.
Christian Zulauf's 32 Bantam Altered from Switzerland
Robin Read's nostalgia dragster.
Robbie Grabham's Altered
Ford Sipp's slingshot dragster.
These are trophies awarded by the NSRA committee. The cars don’t have to be the shiniest or prettiest, they certainly don’t have to be the quickest but they are judged to have been representative of the ‘Spirit of the Event’. The only criteria is that they must have been put through their paces on the quarter mile at some point over the weekend.
There will be a cracklefest with cars lining up and all firing up together.
There are no trophies or judging but if you want to park your car up for like minded people to admire then head on over to the Show Car Parking area.
Yesterday's Dreams will be at Hot Rod Drags, displaying on the Friday and crackling on Saturday and Sunday, get up close and personal with this stunning slingshot.
Unlike other motorsport venues, the public are able to walk around the pits and watch the crews work on their cars and bikes.
The sky won’t know what hit it. Our fireworks display is the perfect way to end the day, so bring a drink, grab a view, and enjoy the show.
All the fun of the fair with Dodgems, Waltzers, Arcades, Candy Floss and Sideshows! Tokens available individually or in bundles.
Fri 1pm, Sat 3.55pm, Sun2pm
There will be a flypast by a WWII Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight each day.
FRIDAY NIGHT
A 50,s rockabilly/rock n roll band. The members of PJ & the Tempests have each been playing for at least 20 years.
SATURDAY NIGHT
One of the busiest, one of the most in demand, and probably the best rock covers band playing the Midlands today. If you want to have a great night out and see a great show with one of the best bands on the circuit today, then don't miss Devoted To Rock. (Free with your sporting event multi-day ticket)
There are licensed bars and caterers on site selling food and drink. You can pay for items on site from our catering units and Pod Shop with contactless card payment or cash. There are cash machines in the catering area and Pod Shop. View Caterers
There will be traders at the show selling anything from clothing to stickers and collectables.
If you are a trader interested in trading at Santa Pod Raceway find Information here.
On site camping is included with all multi-day admission tickets to Santa Pod Raceway. Tents, caravans and motorhomes are all welcome. More camping info here.
We’re pleased to be offering a free courtesy bus to and from Rushden Lakes for those who’d like to visit for a few hours.
The Pamper Pod is equipped with mirrors, electric points, dressing tables and chairs, you can freshen up in the morning or get dolled up for the evening. So whether you want to straighten that frizz, create some curls or apply that lippy, come along to the Pamper Pod and make yourself ready.
Take a piece of Santa Pod home with you and visit the Pod Shop where you can find a wide range of merchandise, clothing, souvenirs, sundries and camping equipment.
Book online or by phone only, the earlier you book, the better the price. The best trackside value money can buy!
Gates open 8am - End of racing
Early ends 4th SeptemberGates open 8am - 5pm
Early ends 4th SeptemberGates open Friday 8am - Sunday 5pm
Early ends 4th SeptemberGates open from Midday
Weekend Ticket RequiredPre-1973 Vehicles only
Gates open 8am - End of racing
Early ends 4th SeptemberGates open 8am - 5pm
Early ends 4th SeptemberGates open Friday 8am - Sunday 5pm
Early ends 4th SeptemberGates open from Midday
Weekend Ticket RequiredPre-1973 Vehicles only
All tickets are Pre-Booking Only – No tickets will be available on the gate.
The start line times are for guidance only and may vary with track, weather or racing conditions. The organiser deems the right to alter these times without further notifications.
| Friday | ||
| Time | Activity | Location |
| 08:00 | Gates open for the 38th Hot Rod Drags | Site |
| 08:30 | Pod Shop Opens | Pod Shop |
| 09:30 | Track opens for Pre-1973 RWYB | Track |
| 13:00 | Battle Of Britain Flyover - Dakota | In The Sky! |
| 13:00 | Lunch Break on Track | Track |
| 13:30 | RWYB Resumes | Track |
| 17:00 | Track closes for RWYB | Track |
| 17:00 | Fuelers Bar Opens | Fuelers Bar |
| 17:30 | Outlaw Outcasts Qualifying 1 | Track |
| 17:35 | Gasser Circus Qualifying 1 | Track |
| 17:45 | Outlaw Anglia Qualifying 1 | Track |
| 18:05 | Wild Bunch 1 | Track |
| 18:25 | Supercharged Outlaws 1 | Track |
| 18:40 | Nostalgia Cannonball Test Session | Track |
| 20:00 | Live DJ - Grant Pinney | Fuelers Bar |
| 22:00 | Live Band - PJ And The Tempests | Fuelers Bar |
| Saturday | ||
| Time | Activity | Location |
| 08:00 | Gates open | Site |
| 08:30 | Pod Shop Opens | Pod Shop |
| 09:30 | Track opens for Pre-1973 RWYB | Track |
| 10:00 | First Rushden Lakes Courtesy Bus | Pod Shop |
| 10:30 | Gasser Circus Qualifying 2 | Track |
| 10:40 | Outlaw Anglia Qualifying 2 | Track |
| 11:00 | Wild Bunch 2 | Track |
| 11:00 | Fuelers Bar Opens | Fuelers Bar |
| 11:20 | Supercharged Outlaws 2 | Track |
| 11:35 | Nostalgia Cannonball Qualifying 1 | Track |
| 11:50 | OSCARS Exhibition 1 | Track |
| 11:55 | Outlaw Outcasts Qualifying 2 | Track |
| 12:00 | RWYB Resumes | Track |
| 12:55 | Firestorm Jet Funny Car | Track |
| 13:00 | Lunchbreak on Track | Track |
| 13:10 | Crackle Car Fire Up | Pod Shop |
| 13:30 | RWYB Resumes | Track |
| 14:30 | Gasser Circus Qualifying 3 | Track |
| 14:40 | Supercharged Outlaws 3 | Track |
| 14:55 | Outlaw Anglia Qualifying 3 | Track |
| 15:15 | Wild Bunch 3 | Track |
| 15:35 | Outlaw Outcasts Qualifying 3 | Track |
| 15:40 | RWYB Resumes | Track |
| 15:55 | Battle Of Britain Flyover - Dakota | In The Sky! |
| 16:30 | Dinnerbreak on Track | Track |
| 17:00 | Supercharged Outlaws 4 | Track |
| 17:15 | Nostalgia Cannonball Qualifying 2 | Track |
| 17:30 | OSCARS Exhibition 2 | Track |
| 17:35 | Wild Bunch 4 | Track |
| 17:55 | Gasser Circus Qualifying 4 | Track |
| 18:05 | Outlaw Anglia Qualifying 4 | Track |
| 18:25 | Outlaw Outcasts Qualifying 4 | Track |
| 18:30 | Last Rushden Lakes Courtesy Bus from Rushden Lakes | Rushden Lakes |
| 18:30 | RWYB Resumes | Track |
| 19:25 | RWYB Ends | Track |
| 19:25 | Firestorm Jet Funny Car | Track |
| 19:30 | Cracklefest | Track |
| 20:00 | Fireworks Display | In The Sky! |
| 20:00 | Live DJ - Grant Pinney | Fuelers Bar |
| 22:00 | Live Band - Devoted To Rock | Fuelers Bar |
| Sunday | ||
| Time | Activity | Location |
| 08:00 | Gates open | Site |
| 08:30 | Pod Shop Opens | Pod Shop |
| 09:30 | Track opens for Pre-1973 RWYB | Track |
| 10:00 | Crackle Car Startup | Pod Shop |
| 10:30 | Gasser Circus E1 | Track |
| 10:40 | Outlaw Anglia E1 | Track |
| 11:00 | Wild Bunch 5 | Track |
| 11:00 | Fuelers Bar Opens | Fuelers Bar |
| 11:20 | Outlaw Outcasts E1 | Track |
| 11:25 | Supercharged Outlaws 5 | Track |
| 11:40 | Nostalgia Cannonball Qualifying 3 | Track |
| 11:55 | OSCARS Exhibition 3 | Track |
| 12:00 | Firestorm Jet Funny Car | Track |
| 12:05 | Crackle Car Startup | Pod Shop |
| 12:05 | RWYB Resumes | Track |
| 12:50 | Outlaw Anglia E2 | Track |
| 13:00 | Lunchbreak on Track | Track |
| 13:30 | Gasser Circus Quarter Finals | Track |
| 13:35 | Supercharged Outlaws 6 | Track |
| 13:50 | Wild Bunch 6 | Track |
| 14:05 | Outlaw Outcasts Quarter Finals | Track |
| 14:10 | Outlaw Anglia Quarter Finals | Track |
| 14:00 | Battle Of Britain Flyover - Dakota | In The Sky! |
| 14:20 | RWYB Resumes | Track |
| 14:30 | Crackle Car Startup | Pod Shop |
| 15:00 | Firestorm Jet Funny Car | Track |
| 15:05 | Gasser Circus Semi Finals | Track |
| 15:05 | Outlaw Anglia Semi Finals | Track |
| 15:10 | Outlaw Outcasts Semi Finals | Track |
| 15:15 | Nostalgia Cannonball Finals | Track |
| 15:30 | OSCARS Exhibition 4 | Track |
| 15:35 | Wild Bunch 7 | Track |
| 15:50 | Supercharged Outlaws 7 | Track |
| 16:05 | RWYB Resumes | Track |
| 16:55 | RWYB Ends | Track |
| 16:55 | Outlaw Outcasts Final | Track |
| 16:55 | Gasser Circus Final | Track |
| 16:55 | Outlaw Anglia Final | Track |
| 17:00 | Track Closes & Show Closes | Track |
Everything you need to know before race day: event schedules, ticket info, what’s on, and how to plan your visit. Check here for quick answers so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to the action.
Yes, helmets are now mandatory for everyone going on track.
No, a race licence is not required, just a full driving licence. A photo driving licence needs to be shown when signing on.
Printed from the Sign-On Office or online at etslips.
Yes, 1 passenger as long as your car is fully street legal and will not exceed 130mph.
You are best to arrive between 8.30 and 9.00am for sign on.
No, helmets are not available to hire but are available to purchase from the Pod Shop.
Adult ticket prices include a booking fee of £3 per ticket, Kids tickets include a £1 booking fee. There are no booking fees on Grandstand Seats or Race Vouchers.
Should certain events be severely affected by adverse weather, Santa Pod Raceway may offer a credit value against the face value of your ticket for a future booking at selected events only. Any value awarded will be at the discretion of the Organiser. NOT ALL EVENTS ARE ELIGIBLE.
Where a credit value has been given, it may then be redeemed against a future Santa Pod organised event within the following 12 months – this also includes the corresponding event for the following year.
If the original order was for multiple tickets then the TOTAL credit value may be redeemed against a booking for an eligible event.
No. Parking is free.
All of our event tickets are available for purchase on our ticket shop.
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