STOL Drag is a race between backcountry airplanes. Two aircraft fly side-by-side down a 2,000-foot course with 1,000-foot overruns on each side. The competitors start on a line, take-off, and fly 1,000 feet before putting the plane into a slip to slow the aircraft down. The pilot must land on or beyond the line on the opposite side of the course. Once they get on the ground, they dissipate the airspeed using mechanical braking, come to a full stop on heading, turn 180 degrees, take off, and fly back down the course. The first aircraft to fly past the starting line and come to a complete stop, wins.

STOL Drag racing incorporates so many different skills, like power and energy management, direction and altitude control, and spot landing techniques; the psychological aspect of flying next to another aircraft comes into play, as well.