This upcoming sunday will be my first time going to the drag strip ever, it will basically be my first time racing ever. I wanted to see if anyone had any pointers they felt like sharing. I have a question myself, is it more productive to switch gears while dragging at around 3000, 3500, or is it better to bring it to a higher rpm right before you redline? Any pointers at all would be greatly appricieated so i dont make a huge *** of myself.

 

Don't know if you have your tire pressure set at 35 or not, but if it is lower that to between 20-25 so you have more tire surface area. I launched mine at 3k with 35psi in all the tires and spun to hell through 1st nd almost all the way threw 2nd. I would say try launching round 2k or 2.5k with the tire pressure down and see what that does. If you feel like you need a higher rpm go for it.

 

Thanks for that information about the tires. As for "Launching", your talking about off the line at the start right?

 

i would recommend practicing on a closed road before you head down to the track.
practice shifting at the higher rpm's so you get used to it, and practice your launch.

 

Uhhh... you should be switching gears an instant before it bounces off the limiter.

 

yup

Deff do this.

 

Just go out and do it. Take notes on what worked and what didn't.

Never mind about the tire pressure (stock pressure is fine) unless you are using dr's or slicks...

 

Agreed on all 3 points. Arrive and drive, don't dick around with tire pressures. DO write down what you did and the results.

 

a. The objective is safety and fun in that order.

b. Watch some cars staging. Where is the staging line? How does a car light the Christmas tree with the front tires. Take your time and follow the officials instructions. Don't be rushed. Officials recognise new racers and will give them a break.

c. Look at the run-off and return area. Is there one exit or two: one to each side? With a single exit give the car in that lane the right-of-way. I have seen more incidents in the run-off than any other place at the dragstrip.

d. Traction can be a problem for every car whether 100 or 1,000 horsepower. If the front of the car points the wrong way, back off the gas. You are in control.

 

If you don't want to lower the tire pressure than thats you. It might not sound much to you guys but it'll shave about .13 off your time. This could be the time between winning and losing. It's your choice.

 

+1 to what davidv said. I tend to do well with a launch around 4000 rpms but like everyone said, take notes about what worked and what didn't. I heard of good drivers launching at 5500 rpms (rkemp1) Slip the clutch while feathering the gas (you want the tires on the brink of slipping). Once the clutch is fully engaged, haul ass.

 

This is not what I thought this thread would be about based on the title.

And yet I still clicked on it....

 

.13? Wow - that's precise.

How does it make him win or lose?

 

have fun, try and learn, not just get the best time.

Learn how to drag race, then learn how to do it better, and the lower times will come.

enjoy.

 

How did you do?

 

Outstanding!

 

i didn't see any times but hey i'm not no psychic no sir!

 

you didn't hear.....................he ran 4.2 @ 345.

 

oh snap!

with some more practice he can be in the high 3's!

 

He should be there.........he forgot to hit the second stage of the NOS YO.