Drag Racing Tips

[Speed Racer]

Being new to all this fun I have a lot of questions. I searched the site for any information on Drag Racing how-to's and found nothing. How about some of you drag racing experts (I resisted the impulse to say Drag Queens ) post a tip sheet or how to dragrace? :dontknow: I have never run and I am going today (wish me luck guys) :burnout:

 

[mmmmtorque]

If you are looking for a nice ET then its all in the first 300', particularly the first 60'. So traction play a key role and figuring out how to get all the hp you can to the ground. You also need to be able to adjust your launching technique for track conditions.

Since you have a QC, your technique are going to be a little different than in a RC.

If you have stock tires, lower rear tire pressure to 22-24lbs (Dont forget to fill them back up when you leave the track)

Raise front tire pressure to 45 lbs (Lower it back to 38 before you leave the track)

Drive around the water box but still do a small burnout to warm up the tires and clean them off.

There are two yellow staging lights, pull up slowly until the first one lights up, then creep up with your foot on the brake until the second one lights up. For the basics we wont cover deep and shallow staging

Once the other car is staged then the tree is active and in about 2 seconds it will start the timing sequence. As soon as you see the last yellow light up, GO!

For the QC, would guess you would launch around 1800 rpms and then roll into the throttle. Each QC is a little different (mod depending) as well adjust for track conditions.

 

[FATJACK]

Haul ass when the lite turns green.

 

[Mopower]

Good post, what about a RC?

 

[Hamrhead]

Easy.

Hook. Cook. Book.:rock:

Good Luck today!!

 

[rottenronnie]

If you are looking for a nice ET then its all in the first 300', particularly the first 60'. So traction play a key role and figuring out how to get all the hp you can to the ground. You also need to be able to adjust your launching technique for track conditions.

Since you have a QC, your technique are going to be a little different than in a RC.

If you have stock tires, lower rear tire pressure to 22-24lbs (Dont forget to fill them back up when you leave the track)

Raise front tire pressure to 45 lbs (Lower it back to 38 before you leave the track)

Drive around the water box but still do a small burnout to warm up the tires and clean them off.

There are two yellow staging lights, pull up slowly until the first one lights up, then creep up with your foot on the brake until the second one lights up. For the basics we wont cover deep and shallow staging

Once the other car is staged then the tree is active and in about 2 seconds it will start the timing sequence. As soon as you see the last yellow light up, GO!

For the QC, would guess you would launch around 1800 rpms and then roll into the throttle. Each QC is a little different (mod depending) as well adjust for track conditions.

If I could add to the good advice above, don't try shifting the automatic yourself; just leave it in Drive and hang on.

 

[ViperJeff]

We have a real cool guy on our local mopar site that concetrates on the basics. How basic do you need or are you looking for SRT specifics

 

[mauiSRT/10]

Good post, what about a RC?

First of all NEVER slip the clutch with your RC. That will turn it into toast.......seriously......the trucks weight is too much for the stock clutch, it cannot handle it. Track conditions will help determine how hard you can launch. I would start at 3 k or so and then dump the clutch. If you get too much wheel spin lower your rpms the next time. Or if it just bogs and the track is well prepped, up your rpms. Shift at 5500, dont rush it, be smooth. And the big one, if your exit off the track requires you to cross over the other lane make sure the other driver has passed you. I have seen some crazy close calls where a driver in a faster car has a horrible reaction time/miss shifts and then comes across the finish line 40 mph faster than the other guy and they almost wreck.

Have fun and dont worry about the crowd.......just do your thing. If your new at it, you'll get better with each pass.

patrick

 

[Nowwhat]

for a qc don't forget to put her in the tow haul mode...for a stockish truck 1100rpm before the launch....

 

[Speed Racer]

BASIC

We have a real cool guy on our local mopar site that concetrates on the basics. How basic do you need or are you looking for SRT specifics

 

[Speed Racer]

tow mode

for a qc don't forget to put her in the tow haul mode...for a stockish truck 1100rpm before the launch....

Now whay didnt I think of that?!?
:dontknow:

 

[Speed Racer]

yup

First of all NEVER slip the clutch with your RC. That will turn it into toast.......seriously......the trucks weight is too much for the stock clutch, it cannot handle it. Track conditions will help determine how hard you can launch. I would start at 3 k or so and then dump the clutch. If you get too much wheel spin lower your rpms the next time. Or if it just bogs and the track is well prepped, up your rpms. Shift at 5500, dont rush it, be smooth. And the big one, if your exit off the track requires you to cross over the other lane make sure the other driver has passed you. I have seen some crazy close calls where a driver in a faster car has a horrible reaction time/miss shifts and then comes across the finish line 40 mph faster than the other guy and they almost wreck.

Have fun and dont worry about the crowd.......just do your thing. If you new at it, you'll get better with each pass.

patrick

The first run was horrible as I was watching the 5 sec car next to me and never even saw the stage lights turn green. After the run my wife said "he said 7 something" I started laughing and told her naw, no way and I tried a run again. This time she got smart and had the guy next to her listen for the times (there are no time boards here) they agreed it was 10.78. It was 87 degrees, no wind, Elevation: 250 feet. Now all this is on video but omg my wife is horrible at the camera thing. I saw more trees and fence posts in the video in 30 mins of shooting than in my life (next time the tripod). But you're right the last pull was definately the best and they (spousal unit and friend) couldn't hear the numbers for the guys warming up. The last run was with a rail that only beat me by like 1/20th of a mile..those alcohol burners move). The dangerous part was when I heated my Pirelli's up the truck ran to the right (rear end) and the guy spraying the liquid just stood there "you almost took his leg off" she said. I didnt even realize I was close to him. We left when it started sprinkling rain

CONSIDER ME HOOKED!!!

I have never done this before but, it's seems pretty cheap. It cost me $7.00 each for us to get in and all the time trials I want are free as is the trophy/money runs. I would have thought there would have been an entry fee of some kind beyond the $7.00 ?!?

(Can you tell I'm so pumped I'm rambling?)

Overjoyed I finally found a sport I truly enjoy other than drinking beer and watching High def football (that is a sport btw) and I think wifey will get into it more when she has ear protection, a lawn chair, and a tripod, lunch (tailgate bbq, generator, tv, sattelite, camper, clothes, hairdo, and oh yes (I heard this one several times) "I could have brought the dog"

I'll post the vid and edit some of the trees and stuff asap (when i can figure out how to get it in the 'puter)

Perry

 

[ViperJeff]

BASIC

Barry Conner has a wealth on knowledge so I'l start with this post

Refocusing Skills for Drivers: Getting Back on Track When Sidetracked
by Patrick J. Cohn, Ph.D. - PeakSports.com ©2003

In my work in sports psychology, I talk a lot about focusing on the process instead of end results. Good results will come from doing your job well in the process. Don't set yourself up for failure by projecting outcomes or final results. Thinking about outcomes won't help you execute the current turn or lap now. An outcome focus is only a distraction that takes the mind away from what is relevant and makes you afraid of negative consequences. In order to race your best, stay focused on one turn at a time, one lap at a time, or one race at a time. If you start to think ahead or get distracted, catch yourself immediately and refocus on the present turn or chute. A driver must master this basic mental skill.

I use a simple method to help drivers get back on track when off-task. This is called the "Three R's" for refocusing on the process: Recognize - Regroup - Refocus.

1. The first step to changing behavior is to RECOGNIZE faulty thinking. Here you recognize that you are thinking ahead about future outcomes (What if I can't drive the car fast enough and we lose?).

2. The next step is to interrupt the faulting thinking. REGROUP by distracting yourself to stop the chain of thought (Stop thinking about the finish or if you win or lose! That won't help you right now.).

3. The last and most important step is to REFOCUS on the task in front of you. You can do this by asking yourself a simple question: What do I need to focus on RIGHT NOW to race and execute my best?

The goal of using the three R's is to help you refocus on the process of driving when you get sidetracked. It's OK to lose your focus momentarily, and this will happen to most drivers during a race, but good drivers recognize when they are off task and quickly get back to racing in the here and now - the present moment. Next time you notice you are off-task, try the three R's for getting back on track.

 

[ViperJeff]

This would be one of my Favorites that Barry has posted


10 Drag Racing Do's: by Cindy Crawford

Excerpts from "Drag Racing Basics, Christmas Tree to Finish Line"

1.) Watch other racers - Observe how they perform their burn outs and launch off the starting line. Study the Christmas Tree and watch the lights come down and other racers reaction times. Try to learn from them.

2.) Keep a Log Book - Record the tire pressure and track/weather conditions. If you record the results for each run, you will learn the best tire pressure to use. If you do not have a log book, simply jot this information on the back of your time slip.

3.) Make Modifications - When making modifications on your car, try to do only one modification at a time in order to see what a difference it makes in the car. If you make more than one change, you may not be able to tell if it made a difference or not.

4.) Read your Spark Plugs - To properly read your spark plugs, you need to do it after your quarter mile run, but, you need to have the car towed or pushed back to the pits. If the car is driven back to the pits, you will not get a good reading from the plugs.

5.) Adjust your seat - Make sure the drivers seat is adjusted properly and the controls are within reach. Do not recline your seat to be comfortable during the wait. Instead, sit upright and concentrate on your run.

6.) Checking the car - Make sure you check your tire pressure and lug nuts before each and every run. Check to make sure you have no fluid leaks.

7.) Use Proper Safety Equipment - Make sure you are using all the necessary safety equipment. Your 5-point safety harness should be very tight but you must still be able to reach all controls. Your helmet should fit properly with the top edge of the liner padding laying just above the eyebrows. A seat belt cutter will allow a quick escape in case the seat belt malfunctions or is
jammed. A center punch will help in case of a crash where you cannot open your door or window and you need to immediately exit the vehicle.

8.) Invite your friends and family - Make it a family affair and bring your family and friends and enjoy their company. It makes for a very fun day to share it with everyone. Plus, it is fun to have your family and friends encourage you on to win.

9.) Rehearse - Rehearse in your mind all the steps you will go through from the burn out to winning at the finish line. Using positive reinforcements will
program your mind and you will actually be going through the motions.

10.) Practice - Practice, Practice, Practice. That is what makes a winner. Practice in your car and practice visualization techniques at home.

 

[ViperJeff]

One more just for the hell of it

Thanks Barry

Ever hear of the 80/20 Power Principle


Don Terrill wrote about this principle a few years ago, interesting.

_________________________________________________


In 1906, Vilfredo Pareto created a simple formula to describe the distribution of wealth in Italy. He found that 80% of the wealth was concentrated in 20% of the population. In the 1950s, Total Quality Management Guru J.M. Juran, applied the Pareto Principle to business and it's since taken on a life of its own.

I first learned about the 80/20 rule while studying sales. It was said that 80% of sales would come from 20% of the sales force. The percentages may vary, but I think we can swipe our world with even a wider 80/20 Brush and say that 80% of all results will come from 20% of the citizens. From my own experience I'd say the percentage is more like 95/5, but who am I to disagree
with an early 20th century Italian Economist.

So, let's look at how we can apply this to the racing world. For example,

20% of efforts will produce 80% of results
20% of the drivers will win 80% of the races
20% of money spent will produce 80% of results

Let's look at the 80/20 Principle applied to performance:

Porting your Heads (Good)
Buying Titanium Rods (Bad)

Porting your Carburetor (Good)
Buying Fuel Injection (Bad)

Buying Aluminum Heads (Good)
Buying an Aluminum Block (Bad)

Dyno Testing (Good)
Powder Coating external engine parts (Bad)

Track Testing (Good)
Buying the most impressive Tow Rig (Bad)

The Conclusion: Don't waste your resources on tasks that net few results, work smart and only on those tasks that net the big payoffs.


Don Terrill

Although not all of these tips will apply to our trucks, I found value in what he was saying

 

[Speed Racer]

temp

The first run was horrible as I was watching the 5 sec car next to me and never even saw the stage lights turn green. After the run my wife said "he said 7 something" I started laughing and told her naw, no way and I tried a run again. This time she got smart and had the guy next to her listen for the times (there are no time boards here) they agreed it was 10.78. It was 87 degrees, no wind, Elevation: 250 feet. Now all this is on video but omg my wife is horrible at the camera thing. I saw more trees and fence posts in the video in 30 mins of shooting than in my life (next time the tripod). But you're right the last pull was definately the best and they (spousal unit and friend) couldn't hear the numbers for the guys warming up. The last run was with a rail that only beat me by like 1/20th of a mile..those alcohol burners move). The dangerous part was when I heated my Pirelli's up the truck ran to the right (rear end) and the guy spraying the liquid just stood there "you almost took his leg off" she said. I didnt even realize I was close to him. We left when it started sprinkling rain

CONSIDER ME HOOKED!!!

I have never done this before but, it's seems pretty cheap. It cost me $7.00 each for us to get in and all the time trials I want are free as is the trophy/money runs. I would have thought there would have been an entry fee of some kind beyond the $7.00 ?!?

(Can you tell I'm so pumped I'm rambling?)

Overjoyed I finally found a sport I truly enjoy other than drinking beer and watching High def football (that is a sport btw) and I think wifey will get into it more when she has ear protection, a lawn chair, and a tripod, lunch (tailgate bbq, generator, tv, sattelite, camper, clothes, hairdo, and oh yes (I heard this one several times) "I could have brought the dog"

I'll post the vid and edit some of the trees and stuff asap (when i can figure out how to get it in the 'puter)

Perry