Drag Racing Parachute Kits

When Do You Need a Drag Racing Parachute?

You need a drag racing parachute once your car runs faster than 150 mph in the quarter mile, per the common NHRA and IHRA rule. At 200 mph and up, you'll need dual parachutes. Rules can change, so always confirm current requirements in your sanctioning body's rulebook before you buy.

A chute only slows the car once it's fully inflated, so plan on using it together with your brakes during shutdown. Getting close to the 150-mph mark? Plan your chute setup now, before tech inspection flags it.

New to sanctioned racing? Our tech article How To Start Drag Racing: Knowing Your Laws covers the basics of getting to the track. When you're ready to build out your safety gear, browse every chute, pack and mount in our Parachutes & Accessories category.

Crossform vs. Stroud-Style Drag Chutes

Crossform and Stroud-style chutes differ mainly in how they open. A Stroud-style design uses a deployment bag for a softer, more controlled opening. A crossform canopy hits harder when it opens.

Simpson crossform chutes cover several sizes in this category. You'll find the Sky Jacker 10-foot Crossform, the Air Boss 8-foot Crossform, the 42060BK 12-foot Crossform and the Mini Dragster 6-foot Crossform. Simpson also offers the Professional Series 14-foot drag chute and the JR Comp parachute.

The Stroud parachute lineup includes the Super Comp Chute, Pro Stock Chute and Comp Eliminator Chute. Stroud also makes the Mechanical Launcher System, which includes a Stroud 430 chute.

Your choice comes down to how you want the chute to load the car at the top end. If you want a gentler, more controlled hit, look at a Stroud-style chute. If you prefer a simple canopy that opens quickly and firmly, a crossform design fits.

Drag Chute Kits, Packs and Components

A drag racing parachute kit pairs a chute with a pack, while individual components let you build or upgrade your setup piece by piece. Here's what you'll find in this category:

• Chute kits, such as the Simpson Sky Jacker 10-foot Crossform chute with a nylon pack
• Complete chutes, including the RJS Racing Equipment Sportsman 10-foot parachute
• Chute packs, including the Simpson aluminized Cross Form pack and the Impact Racing Drag Chute Pack
• Deployment bags, such as the large Stroud chute deployment bag and the RJS 9"x9" XL parachute bag
• Release cables and handles, such as the JEGS parachute release cable and handle with billet grips
• Locking pins, such as the Stroud locking pin with a "Remove Before Flight" tag

Need a replacement release cable? You'll find more options in our parachute cables category.

How to Size a Drag Car Parachute

You size a drag car parachute by your vehicle's weight and top speed. Before you shop, write down your car's race weight and the fastest speed it runs at the top end. Those two numbers decide which canopy you need.

Canopy sizes in this category include 6-foot, 8-foot, 10-foot, 12-foot and 14-foot chutes. Model names often reference a racing class, such as the Stroud Super Comp and Pro Stock chutes. Your weight and speed should still drive the final choice.

Compare each chute's listed specifications against your numbers. If your car falls between two sizes, check with the chute manufacturer before you order.

Keep in mind that your top speed can climb as you add power. If you're tuning for quicker passes, size your chute with those future runs in mind. Our tech article A Guide To Tuning Up Your Drag Racer can help as you chase more speed.

Mounting and Deploying Your Drag Chute

Mount your drag chute as close to the car's center of gravity as you can. Mounting it too high can lift the rear of the car when the canopy opens. Our parachute mount kits and components help you complete the installation.

To deploy, pull the handle near the finish line. The pilot chute comes out first and pulls the main canopy from the pack. The chute only slows the car once it's fully inflated, so your timing matters on every pass.

Route your release cable so the handle is easy to reach from the seat. The JEGS release cable and handle comes with billet grips, and JEGS billet hand grips are also sold separately in black or red.

Shopping for a racer in your life? Browse our gift guide for drag racers for more ideas.