Drag Racing Practice Trees & Portable Simulators

Types of Drag Racing Practice Trees

There are four main types of drag racing practice tree, and each one fits a different space and practice routine. Start with where you'll use it most:

• Full-size national event trees, like the Port-A-Tree National Event Tree 6 ft. Aluminum and the 3100LED 6-foot aluminum tree
• Mini trees, like the Portatree Mini Aluminum Tree And Base Stand, for garages and trailers
• Pocket and handheld trees, including the Drag Racing Pocket Practice Tree and the Altronics Quick Tree 2.0 Pocket Practice Tree
• Simulator kits, like the Eliminator and Tree Kit, a drag racing practice tree kit that pairs a tree with inputs

A full-size tree gives you the closest look to what you see at the track. A pocket tree fits in your pit bag for quick practice between rounds. The JEGS Pocket Practice Tree III adds an integrated trans brake-like button, so your thumb learns the same release motion you use in the car.

Pro Tree vs Full Tree Practice Settings

Practice on the same tree type your class uses, because Pro Tree and Full Tree timing build different habits. On a Pro Tree, all three ambers light at once and the green follows 0.400 second later. On a Full Tree, also called a Sportsman Tree, the ambers light one after another 0.500 second apart.

Most bracket and sportsman classes run a Full Tree, so you'll learn to time your release off the last amber instead of waiting for green. Pro Tree practice rewards a quick, consistent reaction to a single flash. Junior Dragster trees use longer intervals, which gives young racers more time to read the sequence.

On any setting, leaving before the green earns a red light, and that usually ends your day in eliminations. Repetition on the right tree type helps you find a release point you can trust. For dial-in strategy and starting-line tips, browse our bracket racing tech articles.

Practice Tree Simulator Kits With Pedals and Hand Switches

A practice tree simulator lets you react with the same input you use in your race car. This category covers these input options:

• Hand switches, like the Eliminator Next Gen/Pocket Pal hand switches and Microswitch Connection
• Thumb switch, like the JEGS Remote Thumb Switch Made in the USA
• Throttle, clutch and brake pedal, with the Eliminator Next Gen Throttle/Clutch/Brake Pedal
• Transbrake connection, with the Eliminator Next Gen practice tree transbrake connection

A drag racing practice tree with pedal input suits foot-brake and clutch cars. Hand and thumb switches fit transbrake and button cars. The Eliminator Next Gen Practice Tree with 2 Hand Switches and Carrying Case is built to travel. The Eliminator Next Gen with National Event Tree also comes in LED-bulb and 2" x 15 character display versions. For another portable option, look at the Proform Perfect Launch Portable Practice Tree.

Matching Your Practice Tree to Your Race Car

Your practice transfers to the track when it matches how your car leaves the line. Use the same finger, button or pedal you use in the car, and keep your hand or foot position the same every time.

Keep in mind that a practice tree measures only you. In the car, total reaction time also includes rollout, the distance your tire travels before it clears the stage beam. If you run one of our drag racing delay boxes, the delay you program changes your total number too.

That's why your goal at home is a consistent release you can repeat on every pass. Track conditions shift your launch as well. Drag racing weather stations help you adjust your dial-in, and tire choice affects how the car reacts, so read our guide to drag radials vs. slicks.

Power, Cables and Replacement Parts

Keep your practice tree running with the right power adaptor, extension cables and replacement parts. For power, use an AC/DC adaptor in the shop or a cigarette lighter adaptor in your tow vehicle or pit area.

Our 10 ft and 25 ft Extension Cables for Mini or National Event Tree let you set the tree back for a realistic view. The NHRA Style Amber LED Bulb replaces a worn drag racing tree light, and the LED Readout Display 2 in. H x 15 Character adds a larger readout for your results. The JEGS Pocket Practice Tree Storage Case protects your pocket tree in the trailer or pit bag.

Practice trees and their accessories also make practical gifts for drag racers of any age. Shop the full lineup of delay boxes, weather stations and practice trees to round out your starting-line program.