This post is also available in:
Deutsch (German) 
English 
Nederlands (Dutch)
Drag racing has many names in Germany. Quarter-mile races, acceleration races are some of them. Yet, they all refer to the same thing. However, the differences are significant. To explain the difference to you, here is a description of what lies behind these terms and the various events.
In Germany, drag racing is regulated as a motorsport under association law. For a motorsport event, you need an organizer, a timing crew, and an association. Therefore, drag racing is always referred to as a motorsport event. The advantages of a motorsport event are:
- Officially registered event
- Regulations for fair competition
- High safety standards due to regulations (lower risk of injury)
- Cross-association competitions
- Championships, trophies, and prize money
- Championship celebrations in the associations and in the umbrella organizations
- Insurance coverage and legal certainty in case of accidents
However, there are also events called quarter-mile races or acceleration races. These events only have an organizer and a hired timing crew, but no association backing them. This is because the organizer is primarily focused on profit. Therefore, these events do not offer the same advantages as a motorsport event. Often, there are even several disadvantages:
- Although competitions are held here, they are legally in a “grey area” in Germany.
- Due to often non-existent regulations, vehicles do not offer the necessary safety standards, even though they are, for example, approved for road traffic with all registrations.
- Similarly, although insurance coverage exists for the event, it often does not provide the necessary scope.
Association law and the association structure can be relatively difficult for an outsider to understand at first. The following diagram illustrates how drag racing is organized under association law in Germany:
| Supporting Federations | International Governing Bodies: |
National:  | |
| Supporting Associations |    |
| Drag Racing Associations |        |
| Timing Crew |   |
| Organizers | Jade-Race UG Hockenheim-Ring GmbH / Badischer Motorsport-Club e.V. im DMV Dutch Hot Rod Association Stichting Drag Racing Germany e.V. im ADAC Drag Racing Association Germany e.V. 1on1 Motorsports Silke Beer 1. AMC Dessau e.V. – DMV |
As can be seen from the list, some associations are so well-established that they can organize the timing crew services and the event management entirely on their own. However, many associations also work together with a different timing crew or organizer.
Ultimately, drag racing clubs in Germany are the only officially approved organizations that are permitted to organize drag racing motorsports and offer motorsports enthusiasts the appropriate setting.
What Can I Do as a Driver to be Part of this Larger Community?
- Registration with an association, e.g., Drag Racing Germany e.V. im ADAC or Drag Racing Association Germany e.V., etc.
- At the end of the season, tally up the points and “rake in” the trophies and prizes at the championship ceremony at the end of the season.
