Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School

Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School runs multi-day classroom and on-track programs at Gainesville Raceway, teaching dragster and funny car driving techniques and NHRA licensing. The school was founded by two-time Funny Car world champion Frank Hawley and uses instructor-supervised runs in school vehicles.

Programs include novice dragster experiences, step-up licensing courses (Super Comp, Super Gas, Funny Car/Dragster) and group or corporate events. Courses combine classroom instruction with hands-on track time and are offered at Gainesville and at partner tracks nationwide.

Start with a brief classroom session covering safety, reaction timing and basic vehicle control.

Look out for:

• Instructor-led demonstrations on the staging lanes and burnouts.

• Supervised practice runs in school dragsters or ride-alongs with an instructor.

• Multi-day licensing structure if you’re pursuing NHRA credentials.

• Opportunities for corporate groups to run team-building sessions.

Best way to experience it:

Arrive prepared to be active—expect a mix of classroom learning and repeated, instructor-supervised track runs. Book in advance for licensing courses and allow multiple days for supervised runs if pursuing NHRA qualifications.

• Programs are run at Gainesville Raceway and at select partner tracks nationwide.

• Courses combine classroom instruction with on-track supervised runs.

• Licensing courses are multi-day; confirm schedule with the school.

• Contact the school directly for booking and any pre-course requirements.