National Oval Track Racing Association (NOTRA)

The National Oval Track Racing Association (NOTRA) is a premier organization dedicated to the support and promotion of sanctioned amateur oval racing for Whippets and various other sighthound breeds. Established in 1992, the association serves as a vital resource for clubs, owners, and race officials throughout the United States and Canada. Its primary mission is to foster a high standard of competitive oval racing while ensuring that the experience remains enjoyable for both the hounds and their handlers.

History and Purpose

Since its inception, NOTRA has focused on encouraging excellence within each registered sighthound breed. The organization maintains a comprehensive Oval Racing Championship (ORC) award program, which recognizes and rewards outstanding racing hounds that achieve the necessary performance points. The association operates under a structured rulebook, which is periodically updated through the majority voting of its member clubs, ensuring that local race groups have a consistent and fair framework for competition.

Breeds and Activities

While the organization has deep historical roots in Whippet racing—a sport that evolved from 19th-century "rag racing" to modern mechanical lure events—it also provides a competitive home for a wide variety of other sighthounds. The association categorizes its participants into two main groups:

• Whippets: A medium-sized breed with a rich history in dog racing, recognized for their speed and agility.
• Other Breeds: This category includes a diverse range of sighthounds, such as Afghan Hounds, Basenji, Borzoi, Cirneco dell’Etna, Greyhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Italian Greyhounds, Magyar Agar, Pharaoh Hounds, Portuguese Podengo, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, Silken Windhounds, and Sloughis.

Events and Resources

NOTRA is committed to hosting high-level competitive events, including national championships that bring together top-tier racers from across the region. The organization provides essential resources, including official rulebooks, race date schedules, and detailed records of race meets and title information. By maintaining these standards, NOTRA continues to be a cornerstone for the sighthound racing community, promoting the sport's growth and the well-being of the dogs involved.