Toyota Supra Drag Racing
When it comes to drag racing, few cars command as much respect as the Toyota Supra. With its legendary 2JZ engine, rear-wheel-drive platform, and endless tuning potential, the Supra has become a staple at drag strips worldwide—from amateur showdowns to professional NHRA events. Whether it’s a classic Mk4 or the new turbocharged A90, the Supra delivers blistering quarter-mile times and tire-shredding launches.
Why the Supra Dominates Drag Racing
1. The 2JZ Engine: Unbreakable Power
The Toyota 2JZ-GTE (found in the Mk4 Supra) is one of the most overbuilt engines ever made, capable of handling 1,000+ horsepower on stock internals.
- Cast-iron block – Handles extreme boost pressure
- Sequential twin-turbo system – Smooth power delivery
- Six-speed Getrag V160 transmission – Handles massive torque
Even the newer A90 Supra (BMW B58 engine) is drag racing legend, with racing examples reaching 9-sec on original blocks.
2. Rear-Wheel-Drive Advantage
Unlike AWD competitors, the Supra’s RWD setup allows for:
- Lighter weight (no front differential or transfer case)
- Better weight transfer under acceleration
- More dramatic burnouts & launches
3. Massive Aftermarket Support
From bolt-on turbos to full drag suspension setups, the Supra has unparalleled tuning options:
- Single turbo conversions (Precision, Garrett, BorgWarner)
- Staged drag suspensions (coilovers, drag shocks, anti-squat kits)
- Stripped-out weight reduction for faster ETs
Toyota Supra Drag Racing Builds
1. The Street-Legal Sleeper
- 700-900 WHP on pump gas
- Stock-looking exterior with subtle upgrades
- Drag radials or street slicks for grip
- Mid-9-second quarter-mile capability
2. The All-Out Drag Monster
- 1,500+ WHP built 2JZ or B58
- Tube chassis or back-half conversion
- Liberty or Lenco transmission for consistent launches
- 7-8-second passes in the quarter-mile
3. The A90 Supra Modern Warrior
- B58 engine tuned to 800+ WHP
- Pure Turbo or Doc Race upgrade kits
- Ethanol fuel & upgraded fueling
- Low 9-second potential with proper setup
Supra vs. The Competition
The Supra has battled—and beaten—some of the biggest names in drag racing:
✔ Supra vs. Nissan GT-R – AWD vs. RWD wars at no-prep events
✔ Supra vs. Hellcat – Japanese precision vs. American muscle
✔ Supra vs. Porsche 911 Turbo – Turbocharged showdowns
Where to Race Your Supra
- NHRA Sport Compact Series – Official drag racing events
- No-Prep Kings/Street Outlaws – Underground-style racing
- Import vs. Domestic Events – Battle of the brands
- Private Track Rental – Test & tune without restrictions
The Future of Supra Drag Racing
With the A90 Supra gaining popularity and 2JZ swaps becoming more common, the Supra’s drag racing legacy is stronger than ever. New technologies like hybrid-assisted drag builds and advanced traction control are pushing the platform further.
Whether you’re building a street-legal 2JZ beast or an all-out A90 drag car, the Toyota Supra remains one of the most formidable drag racing platforms ever made. Its combination of brute strength, tuning potential, and iconic status ensures it will keep dominating the strip for years to come.
Ready to race? What’s your dream Supra drag build—classic 2JZ or modern B58?