It's not all about the Cars ! BUGs at Dragstalgia - Saturday 27th June 2026

Back-up girls (often referred to as BUGS) are highly skilled crew members in drag racing. Following a race car's burnout, they step onto the track to guide the driver safely in reverse, align the tyres perfectly in the groove, and prepare the vehicle for the launch. After a burnout, the tires are slick and the driver's visibility is limited by smoke and the car's body. Back-up girls use precise hand signals to back the car exactly into its staging tracks. They ensure no debris or mechanical issues are visible before the car makes its pass. The tradition began in the glory days of 1970s nitro funny car racing. They became iconic figures of motorsport style and attitude, guiding roaring 10,000-horsepower engines.