Drag Races

Overview

Drag Races are a series of Land Races added to GTA Online in The Chop Shop update in January 2024. They are aimed at LS Car Meet members. The series has seven point-to-point events for 1 to 4 players and is available from Rank 1. The host chooses the allowed class (Tuner, Muscle or Sports) and whether custom vehicles are allowed. Contact, time, weather and traffic settings, catchup and slipstream are also adjustable. The number of rounds can be set too, with First to Win, Highest Points or Fastest Time scoring.

How it works

Only selected cars qualify: all Tuners plus specific muscle and sports cars such as the Gauntlet Hellfire, Dominator ASP and Beater Dukes. After a short intro, each racer does a burnout and must keep the rev needle in a shrinking blue zone. A Perfect Burnout gives better traction off the line.

The gearbox is manual, and a special speedometer shows revs, gear and speed. Shifting in the blue zone triggers a Perfect Shift and a small speed boost, while shifting too early or in the red zone loses time. Partway through each race, a limited supply of nitrous becomes available and can be switched on and off for a big burst of acceleration. Normal traffic stays on the road, and scripted obstacles such as a passing bus or a Fire Truck can block the route.

Tips

• Practice the burnout timing, since a strong launch decides many races.
• Watch the speedometer rather than the road during gear changes until the shift points feel natural.
• Save nitrous for passing or the final stretch, and look out for scripted traffic at intersections.

Rewards and unlocks

• Unlocked at Rank 1.
• Pays GTA$ and RP like other LS Car Meet race series.