Barona Drag Strip 2025 Schedule: The Ultimate Guide To Street Legal Drags, RPM Nationals, And Test & Tune Nights
The Barona Drag Strip 2025 schedule is officially heating up, providing Southern California's drag racing enthusiasts with a full calendar of high-octane action on the legendary 1/8-mile track. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the schedule confirms the return of fan-favorite events like the high-demand Street Legal Drags, the vintage-focused RPM Nationals, and dedicated Test & Tune sessions, ensuring every racer—from the seasoned pro to the weekend warrior—has a place to run. This guide provides the most current and essential dates, times, and pricing you need to plan your trip to the Lakeside, CA facility.
The Barona Dragstrip, known as "So Cal's last remaining dragstrip" for many, continues its tradition of offering a safe, sanctioned environment for speed. Its commitment to regular racing, including the popular Friday night events, makes it the go-to destination for anyone looking to push their vehicle's limits. Whether you're chasing points in the NHRA Summit Racing Series or simply want to see what your daily driver can do, the 2025 season is packed with opportunities.
Key 2025 Barona Drag Strip Event Dates and Highlights
The 2025 racing calendar at Barona is structured around its core offerings: the casual, open-to-all Street Legal Drags and the specialized, high-profile events. Always check the official Barona Dragstrip website for last-minute weather-related changes or updates to the racing schedule before heading out.
Major Special Events and Racing Clinics
- Drag Trial 2025: Saturday, April 19, 2025. This event is a must for new racers, often featuring a racing clinic alongside 1/8-mile drag racing, allowing enthusiasts to hone their skills in a structured environment.
- RPM Nationals Barona Drags: Saturday, May 3, 2025. This is a premier event for vintage racing fans, strictly limiting entries to pre-approved, period-correct vehicles—typically 1963 and earlier. It also features a large car show and swap meet for spectators.
- Open Practice/Season Start: The season typically kicks off early, with open practice and test sessions beginning as early as January and March. For example, Open Practice was noted for Sunday, January 19, 2025, and Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Street Legal Drags & Test & Tune Nights (Confirmed Dates)
The backbone of the Barona schedule, these Friday night events are perfect for running your street car, motorcycle, or truck. The events consistently feature a dedicated Test & Tune lane open all night for those who just want to make passes and dial in their setup.
- Friday, May 2, 2025: Street Legal Drags/Test & Tune
- Friday, June 13, 2025: Street Legal Drags/Test & Tune
- Friday, July 25, 2025: Street Legal Drags/Test & Tune
- Friday, August 8, 2025: Street Legal Drags/Test & Tune
- Friday, October 17, 2025: Street Legal Drags/Test & Tune
Understanding Barona’s Drag Racing Format and Pricing
Barona Drag Strip is an NHRA-sanctioned 1/8-mile track, a crucial detail for racers who are accustomed to quarter-mile strips. The shorter distance means quicker elapsed times (ETs) and a different approach to tuning, making it a unique challenge for power management. The facility is located on the Barona Indian Reservation, just a short drive from the Barona Casino, outside of San Diego, CA.
Typical Street Legal Drags Pricing and Hours
While specific event pricing can vary, the Friday Night Street Legal Drags have a consistent pricing structure and timetable for the 2025 season:
- Racers/Test & Tune Entry: $35 (Allows you to run your vehicle all night)
- Spectator Admission: $15 (Full access to the pits and stands)
- Gates Open: Typically 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM (Summer hours often start later)
- Racing/Test & Tune Starts: Typically 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM
- Event Ends: Typically 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM
All tickets are generally sold at the gate on race day. Loaner helmets are often available at the tower, which is a great perk for first-time racers who may not own a Snell-approved helmet.
RPM Nationals Specifics
The RPM Nationals is a different beast entirely. It pays homage to the early days of drag racing with strict rules on vehicle type, focusing on traditional hot rods and vintage race cars.
- Vehicle Eligibility: Generally limited to 1963 and earlier, period-correct vehicles with specific engine types (e.g., flathead, small-block Chevy, Hemis). Entry is by submission and pre-approval only.
- Spectator Price: $25 (Higher than a standard Friday night event due to the specialty nature).
- Special Parking: Owners of 1972 or older vehicles can often park in a designated car show area.
The NHRA Summit Racing Series and Competitive Classes
For those looking for a more structured, competitive environment, Barona Dragstrip hosts events that are part of the NHRA Summit Racing Series. This is where serious bracket racers compete for points and a chance to move on to divisional and national finals.
The strip maintains points standings for several key classes, demonstrating its role as a regional hub for organized drag racing. These classes include:
- Super Pro (The fastest class, often featuring dragsters and highly modified door cars)
- Pro (A competitive class for slightly slower, but still very fast, bracket cars)
- Sportsman (A popular class for street-type vehicles and entry-level racers)
- Motorcycle (Dedicated class for two-wheeled speed)
- Non-Electronics (A class that bans delay boxes and other electronic aids, focusing on driver skill)
The full season schedule, which includes all Summit Series points races, should be checked directly on the official Barona Dragstrip website, www.racebarona.com, as these dates are often released in a comprehensive calendar early in the year. The facility also hosts events for the adjacent Barona Speedway (dirt track), so be sure to confirm you are looking at the drag strip schedule when planning your visit.
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