You don't have to apply for a race licence or own a supercar, most drivers who come along will be racing in normal road cars and bikes. Some participants may have modified cars or even be professional racers in their drag cars but don't worry, you won't be pitched against a 300mph Top Fuel Dragster!
All you need is a valid driving licence (UK, European or International). You'll be entitled to unlimited runs and you'll receive a personal performance print-out showing your reaction times to the start lights, 60ft, 1/4 mile, 1/8 mile times and terminal speed.
Throughout the year there are also specialist events and festivals which incorporate Run What Ya Brung, including car only, bike only and manufacturer-specific events. Prices and number of runs vary for these events, please see the Dates page for more info.
The venue normally opens at 8.00am with track runs starting at 9:30am - 5pm, weather and track conditions dependant. Opening times vary for specialist events.
Some RWYB meetings are busier than others, longer waiting times can be expected at a RWYB before a big Drag Race meeting as drag cars testing take longer to stage. On the plus side you sometimes get to see Europe's fastest cars running on the same strip as you.
Please note that RWYB spaces are sold on a first come first served basis as we can only service a certain amount of customers on each day.
Don't forget your driving licence! Helmets are required for all bikes and open top cars, and any vehicles doing 110 mph or more at the finish line. Arm straps required in open top cars. Full Rules & Regulations here.
If the race vehicle is a standard road car or bike then except for the probability of needing to wear a helmet (see below), there are few other rules that will apply.
In the event of a vehicle being deemed too dangerous to participate, RWYB officials reserve the right to withdraw it from the event on the grounds of the duty of care for others and the rider/driver.
General
- A full valid and in-date recognised photo driving licence or relevant Motorsport UK/ACU licence is required to sign-on.
- You need to visit the Signing On Office near the start line to present your licence and race voucher before you go on to the track or fireup road. A computer is available in the Signing On office to purchase both race and passenger vouchers on the day.
- As of 2023, all RWYB vouchers will come off sale 2 hours before the scheduled track close, and the signing on office will close 60 minutes before the scheduled track close. Please make sure to have purchased your voucher and been to the Signing On Office before these cut offs.
- Any nitro vehicles and jet cars must give us at least 7 days’ notice if they wish to run at a RWYB.
- Recently we have been seeing an influx in diesel racers. Whilst this is not something we are against at all, we must begin to address the issue of the black smoke that some of these cars produce. Despite efforts and requests with racers to ensure exhausts are facing away from the track surface, we are still finding soot being left on the track when these cars run which then needs to be cleaned up. There is also a safety issue to consider with reduced visibility for our safety and marshalling teams. We will be refusing track access to any vehicle found to be emitting “excessive” black smoke.
- We recommend that all vehicles have some form of containment device to contain fluids and debris in case of a mechanical failure on the vehicle. This can include, but not limited to, a metal pan tray or aftermarket engine ‘diaper’ underneath the vehicle.
- The venue carries a zero-tolerance policy on using vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Any driver or rider suspected to be under the influence will not be allowed to go down the track. This applies for anyone taking passenger rides on the dragstrip too.
- The driver/rider must not be suffering from any medical condition, that may affect their ability to drive safely. The participant must not be pregnant or have had major surgery in the last 3 months.
- Re-fuelling in the staging lanes in strictly prohibited. When refuelling in the pits please ensure you do so safely.
- If any participant has a problem on the dragstrip and/or thinks there is possibly a fluid leak, they must stop as soon possible, at the side of the track (next to the wall). A marshal will attend to check the vehicle and assist in removing from the track if required. The same applies if a participant comes into contact with the wall, loses control or spins.
- Please note that if you and your vehicle have taken part in Motorsport UK/ACU competition, the safety rules and equipment required at a RWYB is the same as any Motorsport UK/ACU race event.
- The track manager/event management retains the right to refuse track access to any vehicle or persons they deem to be unsafe or unsatisfactory.
- Any electric or hybrid powered cars that are road legal and driven to the track are still currently permitted to run on the track. Anyone wanting to bring race style or home built electric cars, we are currently unable to permit them on the racetrack, we are working closely with the appropriate governing bodies to rectify this issue.
Cars
- Seat belts are mandatory. Lap belts are only accepted on stock vehicles where they were fitted as standard.
- Arm Restraints are mandatory for all open top and windowless vehicles.
- A safety helmet that is fit for purpose is compulsory for ALL competitors. Exceptions to this rule are street cars running under 110mph. Helmets are compulsory in all open top vehicles regardless of speed.
- The driver/rider must declare that their vehicle is safe and complies with the necessary rules and regulations. All vehicles taking part must be fit for purpose.
- Roll cages are strongly recommended for all vehicles running quicker than 12 seconds over a quarter mile.
- An SFI spec neck brace is recommended for ALL competitors using a helmet and compulsory for anyone travelling 130mph and faster.
- It is recommended that there is a secondary braking system for all vehicles travelling faster than 150mph, this can be a parachute or mechanical braking system in addition to a hydraulic system.
- A minimum of a 4-point harness is compulsory for all vehicles capable of 145mph+. A 5-point harness is highly recommended if possible.
- A HANS / FHR device is compulsory for vehicles travelling 170mph and faster and strongly recommended for any vehicle fitted with a 5 point harness.
- It is highly recommended that all fuel systems and tanks are separated from the driver. There should be at least a bulkhead between the driver and the fuel lines and tank, if this is not possible it is highly recommended that a fire suit and helmet is worn regardless of speed.
- The use of space saver tyres is strictly prohibited.
- It sounds basic but it is mandatory that you have all of your wheel nuts on your wheels! Your car has been designed with 4 or 5 nuts for a reason and there is certainly no performance gain achieved by running with less so don’t try it or you will be turned away!
- Suitable fire suits are mandatory for vehicles running on methanol or nitro and highly recommended for vehicles with nitrous systems.
- Windows must be fully up when on the dragstrip.
- Please note: if you need to install any safety equipment, including but not limited to roll cages, safety harnesses or secondary braking system, please consult a specialist or the National Drag Racing rulebook to ensure it is fitted safely and correctly (see RWYB website for details).
- The only exemptions to any of the above rules is if your vehicle is fully compliant with ALL Motorsport UK/FIA drag racing regulations.
Bikes
- Riders of motorcycles, quad bikes, go karts and anything else deemed similar by the track manager are required to wear suitable protective clothing. ALL limbs need to be suitably covered. Leathers are highly recommended but jeans and a protective jacket is acceptable on slower bikes (a bike you would ride to the track for example). Helmet and gloves are mandatory.
- A2 bike licence holders are not allowed to ride bikes they would not be licenced to ride on the road.
- No pillion passengers (including trikes and quads) are allowed with the exception of purpose built, race bikes with sidecars.
Hints and Tips
- Participants are to plan their run; if they are not planning on doing a burnout then they should drive around the water box. Not only will driving through it wet your tyres and reduce traction but you will also be dripping water onto the racing surface which we’ll then have to dry off after you.
- Ensure that you have enough fuel. Of course you don’t want to go up the strip with a full tank of gas as that can add a lot of weight to the car and slow you down but please make sure you have enough to complete your run. Unfortunately we don’t have an onsite petrol station (although we do sell cans of VP Race Fuel in the Pod Shop) so you should also think about getting home!
- You should frequently check your oil level but this is particularly important on a track day when you’ll be running your vehicle flat out.
- We can’t allow any vehicles on the drag strip if there is liquid of any description on the racing surface so please check your vehicle for leaks of any description before running. Our marshals do check vehicles when you first get on the drag strip so if they spot anything you won’t be allowed to run until it’s been rectified.
- We’re not saying you need a show winner to get on track but please ensure your vehicle is clean – particularly the tyres. The condition of the racing surface is crucial in drag racing so if your vehicle is caked in mud, don’t be surprised if you’re turned away to clean it up.
- The drag strip is used for racing, not the rest of the facility so please be sensible when travelling to and from the pits. The speed limit is 10mph so please abide by this rule – this rule also applies in the pairing lanes and return road. The track manager/event management retains the right to refuse track access to any vehicle or persons they deem to be breaking this rule.
- Make sure to clear your vehicle exhausts of water before you go down the track. This is especially important on cold days, as water can build up in your exhaust overnight and end up on the track.
Passengers
- Passengers must be 17 years of age and over (photo ID required).
- You need to visit the Signing On Office near the start line to present your ID and passenger voucher before you go on to the track. A computer is available in the Signing On office to purchase both race and passenger vouchers on the day.
- A maximum of one passenger at a time in the front seat only.
- Passenger rides are only permitted to vehicles travelling less than 130mph at the finish line.
- Any Safety rules and regulations enforced on the driver are also enforced on the passenger.
- Any safety equipment must be fit for purpose and of an equal level to the driver.
- Keep all body parts (hands, arms, legs, long hair, etc.) within the passenger seat at all times.
- Keep your seatbelt on until the car comes to a full and complete stop and you are told that it is safe to get out.
- If the car stops for any reason, stay seated and await guidance from the driver or marshals. If for any reason you have to leave the car in an emergency look out for the other race vehicle and support vehicles that maybe approaching.
- Anyone participating must be of a suitable stature to ensure that all of the safety systems work effectively, this includes safety equipment, seat size and seat belts.
Learn all about Run What Ya Brung at Santa Pod Raceway with these RWYB guides.
Video Guide
Watch A Run What Ya Brung Video Guide on Santapod.TV
A Beginners Guide to RWYB
What is RWYB?
RWYB stands for “Run What Ya Brung” and refers to public test days when
Santa Pod is open to anyone with a driving licence to run their car or
motorcycle down the track.
RWYB is as simple or scientific as you want it to be, and you can use these
days either to just have fun with your friends or as serious test days, whether
your vehicle is for road or track.
Your mission is to accelerate from a standing start and cover the 1/4 mile in the
shortest possible time. A full performance printout after each run will show
your reaction time, speed, and elapsed time as well as a host of incremental
measurements.
What Do I Need To Have A Go?
- A vehicle (vehicles must be safe and run at the race director's discretion).
- A driving licence suitable for the type of vehicle you are driving.
- A crash helmet for open top vehicles and those going over 110mph at the finish line. Arm straps required in open-top vehicles.
- Bikers need suitable protective clothing and approved helmet.
What Do I Need To Do?
- Purchase your race voucher and sign on online at www.santapodtickets.com (a computer is available in the Signing On Office)
- Visit the Signing On Office at the base of the control tower on foot to present your driving license and race voucher.
- Check your vehicle is well maintained and safe. Tyres, oil, steering,
coolant and brakes are important. Also check your tyres and arches are
not muddy.
- Move your Vehicle to the back of the queue in the "fire up road".
Bikers can usually push past to the separate queue for bikes.
- When you are called forward by the marshal, close you windows and sunroof fully, and buckle your seatbelt. Bikers should pull down visors or
goggles. Please DO NOT activate liquid spray-bars.
- If you wish, attempt a burnout in the water under the tower. This will clean
and warm your tyres. 4WD cars will not burnout unless equipped to do so.
- Roll forward to the Start Line when the marshal indicates. The start line
is not actually marked on the track (because it would get scrubbed out
very quickly), but the best way to spot it is to look for a gap in the blue border next to the track.
- The first pair of lights on the "starting tree" marked Pre Staged will light
when you are nearly in position.
- Roll a few inches further forward and the next pair of lights marked Staged will light also.
- When you and your opponent are both staged and the track is clear, the
three orange bulbs will light and then the Green. Now is the time to go!
- Accelerate as hard as you can without spinning the wheels too much. The
last timing beam is under the gantry exactly 1/4 of a mile from the start line.
- Slow down gently once you have crossed the finish, and keep going until
you reach the first Turn Off Point on the left. Check your mirrors for
your opponent before turning off and heading back on yourself. Do NOT turn around if you miss the turn-off point, keep going and take the next exit on the left. Drive
slowly and carefully once you have left the track.
- You can collect Timing Slips from the signing on office at the startline
tower. These are free to collect as soon as your run is complete.
If in doubt at any point, simply look to the marshals for direction. Please do
not smoke or use mobile phones when on the track.
5 RWYB Tips for a great ET:
- Avoid wheel spin on the run.
- Avoid hitting the rev-limiter.
- Change gear as smoothly and quickly as possible.
- Race on a warm, but not hot engine.
- Remember to take the handbrake off!!!
Tips for bikers:
- You will be transferring the maximum power to the track when your bike is neither wheelying nor wheel-spinning. Push the rear tyre to the limit, but not over the limit!
- Most modern bikes will allow clutchless gear-changes. Just back off the throttle a bit and hoik the gear lever up. It is hard to do this right, but when you get it sussed, you can cut seconds off your ET.
- Adopt the correct body position: Lean forward and tuck in for the optimal weight distribution and aerodynamics on the run.
An Advanced Guide to RWYB
This factsheet is designed for those who have mastered the basics of Run What Ya Brung drag racing, and are looking to expand their understanding of drag racing and improve their times.
Safety Fast
Most experienced drag racers with a brain between their ears will tell you that getting your priorities right when building fast cars is very important. Make a car safe first, and fast later. Generally, you should follow this order of priorities when preparing your car for use on the track. Do not make the mistake of building a quick car that is dangerous. Although accidents are rare at Santa Pod, and safety provision at the track is second to none, accidents can and do happen. At speeds of over 100mph, traction and aerodynamic factors can change rapidly and lead to accidents. However, by building a car with safety in mind at all times, both you and your vehicle can escape serious injury.
Some people are happy to spend thousands of pounds on performance upgrades for the engine, only to find they can't afford a few hundred pounds for a roll-cage. These people may one day regret that choice, so make sure it isn't you! Generally, if your car is able to go under 12 seconds, you should SERIOUSLY consider a roll-cage. It is also worth stating at this stage that some cages are only for show! Make sure you get yours installed by a skilled race car builder, not an aftermarket parts man.
Parachutes are worth considering on sub-11 second cars too. Even if your brakes are the best on the market and your car is well maintained, they will do nothing in a slide, puncture, or brake failure situation. Parachutes will help slow you down whatever the wheels are doing, and can even be used in an emergency to help straighten a car that is in a slide or a weave. Many people have saved cars from serious damage by a quick tug on the 'chutes.
Deep-staging
The staging lights on the Christmas tree are there to show the position of your front wheels. A small advantage can be gained by "deep-staging" which is where your front-wheels are slightly further forward than the normal "staged" position, and only the lower pair of staging lights are lit. A skilled racer can improve their reaction times by cutting the distance the wheels have to travel before being clear of the staging sensors. This is useful for bracket racers and heads-up racers alike, since it allows drivers and riders to have a better idea of the position of the wheels. An increased risk of tripping a red-light is the trade off though, so it may take practice to find any advantage from deep-staging.
Get Prepared
Some people want to know how cars and bikes can run fast ETs after having sat on the startline with a green light for ages. For example, the Fireforce jetcar can sit on the line for 3 seconds after getting the green light, and still run a sub-six-second pass! Well, the answer is not that it did the ¼ mile in 3 seconds, but the timing system doesn't start counting until the staging sensors have been cleared. This allows the casual Run What Ya Brung'er to get themselves fully prepared on the line without having to worry about reaction times distorting their vehicle's performance.
So, if you are not interested in reaction times, but are interested in performance, take your time on the startline to get the revs right before dropping the clutch. Panic-free performance! Remember, in a real race situation, your reaction time is added to your ET to find the winner, so reaction time becomes critical. If you are serious about racing, you will need loads of attempts at improving both your RT and ET, and then work on synchronising them to get some really storming runs in.
Adjust
Different weather conditions can dramatically affect the performance of a high-powered machine. Cold conditions will make your tyres harder, and the track surface will also be harder and less grippy. There is less abrasive traction at Santa Pod than on a normal road, and racers rely on rubber-on-rubber grip which is greatly affected by temperature. If you are finding that you are suffering from wheelspin, you are wasting precious power and actually making matters worse by adding little "marbles" of rolled-up rubber between your tyres and the track surface. If you are able to adjust turbo/nitrous boost, you may find it advantageous to turn down the power in these conditions.
On the other hand, really hot weather can cause lower-powered vehicles to "bog-down" as the tyres suddenly grip at the start. This will make your engine revs drop right down into a zone with less power and torque. This can be avoided by carefully releasing the clutch and making a deliberate attempt to bring the revs up in a controlled manner. You will know when you have got it right, because the vehicle will propel you forward in a linear manner with no jerking or "chattering".
A simple way to adjust the "gearing" of your vehicle is to change the wheels! Smaller wheels will give the effect of lower gearing, and larger wheels will give the effect of taller gearing. Don't be afraid to muck about with wheel and suspension settings to achieve the ideal stance. Front-wheel drive cars benefit from having the back end jacked-up and the front dropped, and rear-wheel drive cars benefit from having the rear-end dropped and the front end raised slightly.
Huge benefits can be gained from using the right tyre and wheel combinations. Low profile tyres and huge rims might look pretty, but rarely do they provide a performance enhancement on the drag strip. Try fat low pressure tyres and small wheels on the driven hubs, and skinny lightweight wheels on the coasting wheels. It may look weird, but this even works on FWD & 4WD cars.
On motorcycles, a less aggressive steering head angle will provide increased stability and reduce the tendency to wheelie. Some bikes will allow you to raise or lower the forks through the yokes, and this is the easiest way to make this adjustment. A longer swing-arm will achieve similar improvements.
Ladies First
Some racers will never be the first to stage. There isn't really any good reason for this, other than it messes with your opponents head! The theory is that if you are the last person to get staged, you can see your opponents positioning on the start line, and you can approach the line in your own time. In practice however, all it does make your opponent impatient and more likely to make a mistake!
Take A Friend On The Quarter Mile!
Santa Pod turned the track day market on its head, by being the first venue in the UK to allow guests to drive under fully timed race conditions – with a passenger!
Any enthusiast enjoying a day’s full-tilt driving can take a passenger alongside them, for only a £10 sign-on fee!
Passengers will need to sign on in the same manner as drivers and once presented with their wristband they are free to ride shotgun with anybody on the start line that would like them onboard. Any road legal car is eligible but understandably bikers and anyone running faster than 130mph will have to travel solo!
This new dimension to RWYB allows newcomers to the sport to discover the thrill of the quarter mile, makes for a more enjoyable day for groups of friends attending and also allows tuners or commercial organisations to come along and showcase their wares to prospective customers.
Although each run is limited to one passenger per car, there is no limit to the amount of guests accompanying each car, so if you’re looking to sell, to impress, to entertain – or even for a first date with a difference, why not try RWYB for two?
Passengers must be over 17 years of age (photo ID required).
Passenger Tickets
Passenger tickets are only available on the day of the event at santapodtickets.com
Passengers Rules & Regulations
- Passengers must be 17 years of age and over (photo ID required).
- A maximum of one passenger at a time in the front seat only.
- Passenger rides are only permitted to vehicles travelling less than 130mph at the finish line.
- Any Safety rules and regulations enforced on the driver are also enforced on the passenger.
- Any safety equipment must be fit for purpose and of an equal level to the driver.
- Keep all body parts (hands, arms, legs, long hair, etc.) within the passenger seat at all times.
- Keep your seatbelt on until the car comes to a full and complete stop and you are told that it is safe to get out.
- If the car stops for any reason, stay seated and await guidance from the driver or marshals. If for any reason you have to leave the car in an emergency look out for the other race vehicle and support vehicles that maybe approaching.
- Anyone participating must be of a suitable stature to ensure that all of the safety systems work effectively, this includes safety equipment, seat size and seat belts.
