I raced bracket class at Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA last weekend and had a great time!  Your events are bringing new racers to the sport of drag racing, and I'm glad to see it. I've been involved in drag racing for around 15 years, mostly as a spectator and crew member for my brothers. About 5 years ago I decided to finally build my own car, and started bracket racing it this year.  This was my first IFO event, and I hope to make it to Woodburn in two weeks.

During the event I noticed a few things-  most of those racing in the heads-up classes seemed to have thier stuff together,  especially those that are faster than 11.50....  however, new racers generally don't come prepared. I can't count how many borrowed tools and bummed air from my tank... which was no biggie as long as I had enough air left if I needed it and the tools came back (all worked out fine).  When it came to eliminations, some didn't even understand they needed a dial-in. I feel bad for guys new to the sport of handicap ET bracket racing that come out only to have thier butts kicked by a seasoned racer, and not have a clue why.  I noticed at the 3rd round of bracket eliminations that all the racers remaining were experienced bracket racers (found out by talking with them). The point of the race is to have fun, is it not?

I would like to suggest having a short (race) drivers meeting just after tech and before time-only runs, mainly to help those new to the sport understand all that is going on... especially in the bracket race. Yes, it might be boring to all the veteran racers, but if the new guys understand better.... maybe they can win a few rounds and have some fun too. I'm glad they were able to jump over to the T&T after being eliminated, and still get some more runs in.
Some things to explain in the meeting-  being prepared & knowing the safety rules, race classes, the tree(staging, sportsman vs 4/10 pro), courtesy staging (my pet peave @ import events), handicap bracket vs heads up,  the dial-in for eliminations, break-out rules,  what the timeslip tells them, what to do down-track,  how the event flows for them (when to go to the staging lanes, not speeding in the pits, where they get the timeslips etc..) and other safety concerns. maybe do a quick Q&A.

Another suggestion would be a list of applicable safety rules that will help drivers be ready to pass technical inspection....  and a link to them from the website.

agree completely