Drag Racing Near Tucson

Discover some of the country’s greatest drag racing courses near Tucson, Arizona, at Radford Racing School. Speak to one of our course coordinators to find out more.

Drag Racing Car Near Tucson

Radford Racing School delivers the most authentic drag racing experience in the region. Our NHRA-sanctioned facility near Tucson gives you the wheel of a Dodge Challenger on a professional drag racing track.

Our drag racing courses near Tucson are among the few in the country that offer NHRA certifications upon completion.

In the 1-Day class, you’ll drive an 800+ hp Dodge Challenger Demon, while the 2-Day class upgrades you to a 1000+ hp Dodge Challenger DC170.

Under the guidance of expert instructors, you’ll master essential drag racing techniques, including tire warm-up, launch control, throttle management, and full-run procedures.

Drag Racing Course Options

1 Day

$2499

Curriculum
Ground School
Vision & Concentration
Weight Transfer Skills
Skid Car Training
Throttle Control
Line Lock, Launch Control, Trans Brake
Wet Box Burnouts
Starting Line Procedures
(5) Eighth-Mile Passes

Vehicle
2018 Dodge Challenger Demon (840 hp)

Licensing
NHRA 9-Second License available – Must purchase optional package.

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2 Day

$4699

Curriculum
Day 1 Curriculum
Continued Skid Car Training
Dodge Challenger DC170 Features
Improving Reaction Times & Launch
Tire Pressure, Adjustments
Shifts Points
Parachute Packing, Use
(6) Quarter-Mile Passes

Vehicle
Day 1 – 2018 Dodge Challenger Demon (840 hp)

Day 2 – 2023 Dodge Challenger DC170 (1025 hp)

Licensing
NHRA Sportsman or 9-Second License included

Don’t see the dates you need? Call 480-403-7600 for more course options.

9 Second Add-on

$499 (Added to 1 Day)

9 Second Certification
Two Passes in Less Than 9.99 Seconds
Reach 135+ mph During Two Passes
One Pass in Under 9.99 Seconds
AND One Pass at 135+ mph

Graduation

The Drag Racing Experience

Watch our drag racing video near Tucson

 

Dive into our Dodge STR drag racing program at Firebird Motorsports Park near Tucson, Arizona. Strap into Dodge’s 840 hp Challenger SRT Demon and learn the essentials of straight-line driving. Our veteran instructors will guide you towards making runs that are quicker, safer, and more consistent. It’s time for the lights. You can earn your NHRA 9-second license pathway, with structured coaching focused on reaction time and repeatable performance.

Drag Racing at Radford Racing School

Located near Tucson, our school is one of the only places in the country offering NHRA-certified drag racing courses, giving both beginners and experienced racers the chance to sharpen their skills on a professional-grade drag racing track.

What sets Radford apart?

Our exclusive program features the most powerful street-legal Dodge SRT vehicles, including the 840-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and the 1000+ hp Dodge Challenger DC170.

With expert instructors, an NHRA-sanctioned drag strip, and a curriculum designed to refine launch control, throttle management, and full-run procedures, we provide an unparalleled opportunity to master the art of drag racing.

Alex Taylor Drag Racing Near Tucson
Drag Racing Track Near Tucson

Earn Your NHRA License at Radford Racing School

If you’re looking to get NHRA-certified near Tucson, Radford Racing School offers one of the few drag racing programs in the country where you can earn both your NHRA 9-second license certification and NHRA Sportsman’s license certification. These credentials are essential for anyone who wants to compete in NHRA-sanctioned drag racing events, ensuring that drivers meet the necessary safety and performance standards for high-speed racing.

For those taking our one-day drag racing course, these certifications can be purchased separately, making it easy for drivers near Tucson and beyond to work toward their NHRA licenses at their own pace. If you’re looking for the most comprehensive training, our two-day drag racing course includes both NHRA certifications, giving you everything you need to qualify for competitive racing.

Get More Info

If you have any questions not covered on our site, feel free to fill out this form, and we’ll get you the answers you’re after. Or you can also call anytime at 480-403-7600.

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Our Course Policies

How to Find Radford’s Drag Racing School near Tucson

Radford Racing School is located at 20000 S Maricopa Road, Chandler, Arizona – roughly 90 minutes north of Tucson via I-10, putting it well within day-trip range for anyone in Southern Arizona.

Our Address

Full address: Radford Racing School, 20000 S Maricopa Road, Chandler, AZ 85226.

What3words: //rosettes.furnish.bridged

Directions to our Facility from the Center of Tucson

To get from Tucson to Radford Racing School in Chandler, take I-10 West and exit at 162 for Sundust Road towards Wild Horse Pass Boulevard (I-8 East). Exit at Maricopa Road, and continue south for 5 miles to the school on your left at 20000 S Maricopa Road.

Drag Racing Track Near Tucson

Why Choose Drag Racing Near Tucson?

Arizona’s climate makes year-round drag racing possible, and Radford Racing School takes full advantage.

Located under 90 minutes from Tucson off I-10, our track offers all-weather racing conditions. Fully prepped with an NHRA-sanctioned quarter-mile strip and professional instructors that are inaccessible at public tracks.

At Radford Racing School, you get personalized feedback, not just a timed run. For Tucson residents looking to get behind the wheel under safe, professional conditions, this is the experience designed for you.

Know Your Options at Radford Racing School

Here’s a quick breakdown of the two main drag-racing options in the Tucson area, so you can choose the one that fits what you’re actually looking for.

Which is right for you?

Tucson Dragway is ideal if you already own a race-ready car or want to watch live drag racing events throughout the season. It’s one of the most active tracks in the country, with events running from September through June.

Radford Racing School is the better choice if you want to actually drive a purpose-built drag car without owning one. With professional coaching, safety equipment provided, and the option to walk away with an official NHRA license. No experience or vehicle required.
Both options serve different needs, and for many Tucson motorsport enthusiasts, they complement each other well.

  Tucson Dragway Radford Racing School
Location Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson Chandler, AZ (~90 min from Tucson)
Type of experience Spectating or racing your own car Drive a school-provided performance car
Vehicle required Bring your own car We supply 800–1,000hp Dodge muscle cars
Professional instruction No NHRA-certified instructors
Suitable for beginners Limited No experience needed
NHRA certification No 9-second and Sportsman license
Best for Watching events, racing your own vehicle Learning to drag race, bucket-list experience, gifts

What You’ll Actually Learn at Radford

Here’s what those skills actually mean when you’re sitting behind the wheel of an 800-horsepower Dodge Challenger.

Tire Warm-Up and the Wet Box Burnout

Cold rubber doesn’t grip; it skates. The wet box burnout solves this by soaking the rear tires in water, then spinning them hard to generate friction heat and clean the contact surface.

At Radford, you’ll be able to perform this yourself under instruction. It sounds straightforward, but controlling wheelspin at that power level while holding the car straight takes genuine technique.

Get it wrong, and you’re either under-heating the tire or scrubbing it unevenly. Get it right, and you set yourself up for a clean launch.

Launch Control and What’s Actually Happening at the Line

Launch control isn’t just flooring it and letting electronics do the work. You’ll learn to use the line lock, a system that holds the front brakes while freeing the rears. The transbrake, available on the DC170, holds the car against both forward and reverse gear simultaneously, allowing you to build full torque before releasing. When you hit that release, the car moves.

The skill is in pre-loading the drivetrain correctly, timing your reaction to the light, and not lifting under the initial surge. Instructors will walk you through the sequence before you run it at speed.

Alex Taylor Drag Racing Near Tucson
Drag Racing Track Near Tucson

Throttle Management at 800 to 1,000 Horsepower

This is where most first-timers are surprised. At this power level, throttle input is a conversation.

Too aggressive off the line, and you overwhelm rear traction regardless of how good your burnout was. Too tentative and you leave time on the table. Radford’s curriculum teaches you to feel the point where the tires are working at maximum grip without breaking loose, and to modulate accordingly through the first 60 feet of the run. That first 60-foot section is where most of your quarter-mile time is won or lost. Everything after it is about holding your line and not lifting.

Vision, Concentration, and the Mental Side of Racing

At 150+ mph, the far end of the track arrives faster than most people expect. Radford’s ground school covers vision technique. This involves understanding where to look, how far ahead to focus, and how to avoid target fixation on the finish line.

Concentration training addresses the mental reset between runs, because the biggest mistakes in drag racing happen when a driver carries anxiety or overconfidence from a previous pass into the next one. These aren’t soft skills. They’re the difference between consistent times and erratic ones.

Arizona’s climate makes year-round drag racing possible, and Radford Racing School takes full advantage.

Located under 90 minutes from Tucson off I-10, our track offers all-weather racing conditions. Fully prepped with an NHRA-sanctioned quarter-mile strip and professional instructors that are inaccessible at public tracks.

At Radford Racing School, you get personalized feedback, not just a timed run. For Tucson residents looking to get behind the wheel under safe, professional conditions, this is the experience designed for you.

Practical Information for Drag Racing Near Tucson

What to wear:

Long sleeves, long trousers, and closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Trainers or boots work fine. No sandals, loose jewellery, or open-toe footwear. A helmet and safety equipment are provided on the day.

Age and license requirements:

You must be 18 or over and hold a full driving license. There is no upper age limit, provided you meet the physical requirements. Junior program availability varies, so contact Radford directly if booking for someone under 18.

What to bring:

Your full, valid driving license, water, sun protection, and your booking confirmation. Arizona track days are exposed and warm, even in cooler months, so don’t underestimate the sun.

Physical requirements:

You need to be able to enter and exit a low-slung performance vehicle unassisted and fit comfortably within the harness system.

Height and weight guidelines apply for safety reasons. If you have any heart, back, or neck conditions, consult your doctor beforehand, as the forces during a full-power launch are considerable.

What a typical day looks like:

The morning starts with ground school covering launch procedure, throttle management, and safety.

This is followed by low-speed vehicle control exercises that build the muscle memory you will need at full power.

Track sessions run through the afternoon, with multiple passes on the quarter-mile strip progressing from partial to full power as your instructor clears each stage.
The day closes with a debrief and, where applicable, NHRA certification. Most participants are done by 5:00 PM.

Drag Racing Near Tucson – FAQs

Radford Racing School, located just outside Tucson, Arizona, offers world-class drag racing courses for enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a beginner, our NHRA-certified drag racing classes provide the opportunity to get behind the wheel of high-performance Dodge SRT vehicles on an official NHRA drag strip.

Absolutely! Our courses are designed for all levels of drivers, from beginners to seasoned racers. No prior experience is necessary. Our expert instructors provide personalized training to ensure you develop the skills needed to safely and effectively race on an NHRA-sanctioned drag strip.

Check the weekly course schedule to see our normal course dates offered. For specific course dates and times, or if you have any questions, please call 480-403-7624 or email info@radfordracingschool.com.

You will train with a 3 to 1 student to instructor ratio on Radford’s official NHRA drag strip using Dodge SRT vehicles. Students require an SA2020 or higher-rated helmet. Helmets can be purchased in our pro shop for $229 or rented for just $25 a day. Students will also need closed-toed shoes; driving shoes are preferred. Do not wear loose clothing either.

Drivers must hold a valid driver’s licence for drag racing and other track programs. Friends and family are welcome to watch from designated spectator areas.

Regular hours are 8:30 am – 4:00 pm (October – May). Summer hours are 7:00 am – 2:30 pm (June – September) to avoid the midday heat and ensure operations conclude before peak afternoon temperatures.

In the 1-day course you will be driving an 800-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, which reaches speeds well into the 130 mph range across the quarter mile.

The 2-day course puts you in the 1,000-horsepower Dodge Challenger DC170, where terminal speeds climb higher still. The 2-day course is also the route to earning your NHRA Sportsman license, whereas the 1-day qualifies you for the 9-second certification.

A single pass at Radford reframes what fast means entirely.

Radford Racing School will provide all vehicles for your experience. This is intentional. The cars are purpose-prepared for drag racing, safety-certified to NHRA standards, and set up to teach correctly.

Arriving in your own vehicle is not part of the program, which is what separates a racing school from an open test-and-tune session at Tucson Dragway.

Radford is one of the very few facilities in the country where you can earn both an NHRA 9-second license and a full NHRA Sportsman license as part of a structured course. These are nationally recognised certifications that allow you to compete at sanctioned events across the country.

For Tucson-area racers looking to move beyond recreational laps and into competitive drag racing, this is the most direct path available.

You must be 18 or older and hold a full, valid driving license to participate in the standard drag racing courses. There is no upper age limit. Junior program options may be available for younger participants. You contact us directly if you are booking on behalf of someone under 18.

Radford serves a different need entirely. You do not need a car, prior experience, or existing racing knowledge. Every session is coached, every pass is debriefed, and you leave with measurably better technique than you arrived with.

For anyone in the Tucson area who wants to experience drag racing in a high-performance car without owning one, Radford is the only option of its kind within 90 minutes.

Here’s What Our Students Are Saying!

Excellent
4.8
Based on 423 reviews
TresAmenazas
2 days ago
Gayle Van F.
1 week ago
I attended your SRT Experience on Sept 25, 2026 for a really fun day at your facility. I'm really happy that Dodge provided this experience with the purchase of my 2026 Charger Scat Pack Plus. Radford Racing School provided a wonderful day of challenging events. Radford had wonderful instructors, top notch cars and great organization. I'm glad Radford had a couple of 2026 Charger Scat Packs to race on the Auto Cross. What fun to see what your new car is all about.... at least at low speeds. The Supercharged Challengers were amazing cars and their durability is outstanding after discussing with the instructors. My wife participated in the "Hot Laps" where the instructors drive the race track and you hang on in the passenger seat. My wife asked for a spicy ride and the instructor gladly obliged . She was all giggles from that experience! If you buy a new Dodge and get this experience included you should definitely attend. Wayne S.
Response from the owner:We are so happy you had an amazing experience! We love our SRT program and we hope to see you back at the track again soon.
Natalia C.
2 months ago
After receiving my Barbie Dream car
Response from the owner:Natalia, We are so happy you had the best time in our class! Thank you for coming out and learning with us. We appreciate you and your kind words. We hope to see you again soon on the track!
ravi T.
2 months ago
Visited for DDSL track was in good condition, no complaints.
Mark B.
2 months ago
I did the 3 day GT Road Racing Course. It was fantastic and I will be doing a class with them in the future. I was surprised by how much in car driving was done and the class had student to instructor ratio of 3 to 1. I would estimate 5hrs of car driving per day. The first day focused on technique and handling of the car so we were on the autocross track for the morning and moved to the oval track in the afternoon. In most of the sessions, you did a group drive with the instructor to show you how it is done then you get in your car and do instructor lead follow then you do the drill on your own. The instructor normally took a turn with everyone to give them some feedback. There is lot of track time and classroom is held to minimal amount to teach you the basics and go over what you learned at the end of the day.
Response from the owner:Mark, Thank you so much for this amazing review! We cannot wait to have you back on track. We truly want to give each student an incredible experience on and off the track.
Scott W.
4 months ago
My kids are relatively new drivers, and they took the 2-day Defensive Driving course. Of course, they had a great deal of fun (how could you not?), but I also feel like they just received 5 years worth of experience in two days. Their confidence level behind the wheel has grown by leaps and bounds. But more importantly, I'm certain that their ability to avoid accidents in the future has been greatly enhanced. I think many accidents happen because people don't know how their car is going to react in a pressure situation, and they end up losing control because they've never pushed a car's limits to see what it can - and can't - do. This school will give you a very good idea of how to feel what your vehicle is doing underneath you. If my kids can steer their way around just one big accident in their lives because of what they've learned at Radford, then it's been worth every penny! Shout out to instructor Dominic, and the rest of the staff as well, for running a top notch program and providing an invaluable service to drivers. It's a shame that everyone can't participate in a school like this...
Response from the owner:Scott, we are so happy you and your sons enjoyed the time on our track! We hope to see you all again.
paul P.
4 months ago
Hellcat J.
4 months ago
Radford Racing School is awesome. We got to drive Hellcat Challengers all day. The instructors were very knowledgeable, and cool. The staff was friendly. Non alcoholic drinks were served all day long and lunch was provided. The class got to drive the new SRT Charger, too. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience for me.
Response from the owner:We are so glad you had an amazing experience! We hope to see you on the track again soon.
Amy B.
4 months ago
I did the SRT owner experience day and it was awesome! The instructors were great as well as the rest of the staff. It was definitely worth the trip out here from the east coast!
Response from the owner:Thank you Amy! We are so happy you enjoyed the SRT Experience!
NATHAN M.
5 months ago
What a great experience. This was my second time there. The staff is awesome and freindly. If you like to drive in a racecar environment, this is the place.
Response from the owner:Thank you for this amazing review Nathan!!!
Rick S.
5 months ago
I have attended several road and drag racing courses over the years. The Radford Dodge Demon 170 course was at the top of my list for excellence. I thought nothing could top the excellent quality instructors, an outstanding course schedule, driving Radford's Demon 170's, and completing the requirements for an NHRA competition license. Last weekend Radford sent one of their top-notch instructors, Rich Lash, to the MSHS "Mopars at the Rock" event at Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina. Rich and I had maintained contact after I took the 170 course, and we agreed to meet at the Rock. Rich agreed to "look" at my car and provide any advice. The resulting interaction was the most valuable I have received from any of the courses taken. Although Rich was meeting with any other drivers at the Rock, he came well prepared to assist past Radford 170 participants and others. He showed up with the latest power grids for the trans break. (The Demon 170 has computer set points from launch to the first 1.6 seconds) We switched from what we called the original 3(B) to a modified B grid that others used successfully attain the 9.5 second runs I was looking for. After watching two runs, Rich determined that the shift power set points needed adjustment. He next noticed that the car lifted about five hundred feet down the track. Again, Rich had the knowledge and experience to know about a transmission fluid issue that requires the addition of 55 ml of transmission fluid to a full transmission to be added thru the transmission air vent. The 170 uses specific type of transmission fluid that was not available at the track so I wrote that fix off as something that I would have to address in the future. I tested the car and the changes that Rich suggested were on point, bringing the car from an also ran to competitive. Rich then went above and beyond. He showed up the next morning with a quart of Dodge transmission fluid and the small funnel that was required to pour it down the transmission vent. He had canvassed his contacts at the race and found a quart of transmission fluid and the funnel. Once the transmission issue was addressed, I went back to the track with an amazing car that no longer dipped or lifted with no hesitation between shifts. I (and several other drivers ) were still having difficulties with the line lock and trans brake initiation process. Rich made very constructive recommendations and set up 15 minutes before racing started to give us time to process in the lane with active lights. We did not launch, just practiced with active lights. Rich watched and determined that one of my problems was related to releasing the brake pedal after the release of one of the two paddles (170 owners probably know what I'm talking about). That leaves you dead at the green light. His advice on how to avoid that problem was spot on. The thing that was amazing what that Rich provided expert counsel and advice not only for Radford participants, but for others that were having Mopar issues or questions. A number of individuals in our racing group received advice on everything from tire pressures to the fool proof method to release the foot brake after the first paddle release in the trans break process. Rich was asked and answered questions on every Dodge model that was racing. I am by no means a novice- over the years I regularly won my class in the NMCA HEMI Shootout, and participating in the Quick 8 quite often. But it was an exceptional experience to get advice on my specific car at the track during an actual competitive event. I'm not sure that anyone can remember everything during course driving a third party vehicle. But I clearly retained what I learned sitting in my own car on a race weekend. The benefit was enormous. Rich also provided advice and counsel to many other drivers at the event. The feedback from those drivers was exceptional. I want to thank Radford and Rich for extending their experience and advice beyond the course in Phoenix. The extra effort that Rich put forth is what makes racing a community.
Response from the owner:Rick, thank you so much for this incredible review!! We are very lucky to have Rich as one of our Drag Racing instructors. We are so happy he was able to help you and make the event even better.
Ivan P.
5 months ago
Tom B.
6 months ago
Nice facility. This event was run by NASA-AZ (a road racing event) These trackdays are a favorite of Arizona's automotive road racing community
Ryan H.
6 months ago
Amazing! Such a fun time.
Jason J.
6 months ago
Instructors are great and had the time of my life. Definitely will be back.
Derek E.
7 months ago
Everyone at Radford Racing was fantastic. We did the Drag program and not only had a blast but learned a lot both drag racing, the track itself, and the demon 170 vehicle. Thank you again.
Response from the owner:We are so happy you enjoyed your time with us!
Nick
7 months ago
The whole crew is amazing! William and Spencer worked directly with us during the four day GT class and they were awesome! Stephanie and lauren also killed it at the front desk. This school is definitely worth the cost of admission!!
Response from the owner:Thank you! We appreciate this awesome review. We hope to see you on the track soon!
Ali C.
8 months ago
I went as part of a group experience for a conference I was attending. It was so cool. We got to pace with a lead car and then we also drove on a coned...
Kevin T.
9 months ago
I attended the two-day Ultimate Muscle Car Experience from 1-6 to 1-7 with my daughter and it was an amazing experience for both of us. The instructors went...
Rugby
9 months ago
Ford vs Ferrari
Matthew C.
10 months ago
(fka Bonderant Racing School) Whether you're planning to race professionally, are already a racecar driver, an enthusiast who wants to drive fast safely, or want better control and understanding of your car, Radford Racing is for you! Incredible instructors with decades of experience racing and teaching, who build your skills from the ground up. Not only do you walk away with a much greater understanding of driving dynamics and car control, but an incredible experience, and many hours of drive time. I would rather go to Radford than take a cruise or go to Disney. I've been twice, to take the GT Road Racing course in January and this time the Advanced Road Racing course in December. So enjoyable! So beneficial! I'm exhausted from the course, but want to go back!
Response from the owner:Thank you for this amazing review! We are so happy you spent time on our track and we hope to see you back again soon.
Ed C.
10 months ago
I took the 2 day Dodge Demon 170 Class, it was amazing. Learned so much about the car, driving and racing. Instructors are phenomenal and I would highly recommend this school
Response from the owner:We hope we made your time with us memorable and supercharged! 😉 Thank you for this great review!!
Kelly T.
11 months ago
I attended the 2 day Performance Driving School from 11-17 to 11/18. My only disappointment was it rained the 2nd day, (I mean poured, a rare thing in...
Rafa G.
12 months ago
Spent a nice day here, hadn't been so excited in a long time! 🚧 At the end of the day I was given "cone killer award" wich is not something you usually want to brag about, but I loved my trophy and all in all I'm so glad I attended Redford Driving school.
Response from the owner:Amazing pictures!!! We are so honored to have had your group out with us on track and being the Cone Killer can't be a bad thing 😉
Mitch L.
12 months ago
Road warrior weekend 2025 was incredible I can’t thank all of the staff and instructors for such an amazing experience. All of the instructors are top notch and incredible at what they do. I can’t wait to return next year to learn more from these amazing people.
Response from the owner:Thank you! We cannot wait to have you back on our track!

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