A race between two vehicles over a measured distance, drag race takes place on a track, or dragstrip. A drag racing event consists of a series of such two-vehicle races wherein losers are eliminated, one-by-one tournament-style. The winning racers progress until one remains, who is declared the winner.

Vehicles are rated on two aspects of performance in each run: elapsed time and speed. An elapsed-time clock, is used to measure the time between starting and reaching the finish line. Speed is measured by a 66-foot "speed trap" that ends at the finish line. This indicates the estimated maximum speed of the vehicle during the run.

These contests are started by means of an electronic device called a Christmas Tree because of its multicolored starting lights. On each side of the Tree are seven lights: two small amber lights at the top of the fixture, followed by three larger LED lights, a green bulb, and a red bulb. Thees are used to indicate the pre-staging and staging phases.( staging implies you are on the start line while pres-staging means the racer is seven inches from the line.)

During drag racing events, the criteria for competition take into account the extent of modifications to the car. These criteria include engine capacity, configuration of cylinders, frame type, vehicle construction materials, wheelbase, horsepower to weight ratio, whether or not power adding devices such as turbochargers, superchargers or nitrous oxide are employed, vehicle type ,etc.

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) oversees the majority of drag racing events in North America.