just wanted to know if anybody had any pointers for me. on friday ill be goign tot he track for my first time. i have a 305tbi 5spd. with just a flowmaster, no cat, comp chip, smog delete, 3.08 posi, 8.5 msd wires, 180* thermostat. thanx for ur help in advance. i just want to get the best tiem possible.

 

ok, some pointers...well i need some info from you first.

are you running slicks or street tires?
if slicks, do a small burnout and run them at about 14-16psi.

if street tires, drive around the waterbox so you don't drag water up to the starting line. spin the tires over lightly, this will clean the gravel and dust off them, but don't worry about doing a burnout. most street tires don't need much of a burnout.

pull the to line. bump into the prestage bulbs and wait for your opponent to do the same. i like to take this time to look over my guages once again before the run. once he's in, go ahead and stage the car.

with a 5spd, i'd say bring the rpms up to about 2K. then instead of dumping the clutch, ease into the gas and out of the clutch...but do it quickly. this will help keep the tires from slipping. then, stab and grab to the end of the track.

 

I would also like to point out to follow the track officials directions. He will let you know when to do the burn out. Tracks usually do not like you doing a burnout while the guys in front of you are staged.

Also, run your own race. Do not pay attention to the other lane, once staged. Watch your side of the tree. Its real easy for a first timer to go, even if the slower guy next to you goes first. Have fun, and dont mind the butterflies. I admit it, I still get em.

BTW, Chris which track are you going to?

 

And don't forget to roll your window up.

You'll find your own rituals (when to leave, shift points. . .etc), so don't worry about it. Have fun.

 

Things will become second nature, the more you do it.

 

i'm goign to maple grove raceway

 

That happens to be one track I have not raced on. Great track from what I'm told. You are gonna have a blast. You'll be addicted.

 

haah i know it should be fun. i no ill come hoem and be on ebay looking for a 350 haha

 

Or, you can save your money, and spend all season racing what you have. Mow down the tree, lay some good 60' times, shift points, etc. There are guys with 17 sec. cars that can put 12 sec. cars on the trailer, because of their killer reaction times, and running on their dial in. Less powerful cars are more consistant, IMHO.

 

less powerful cars are really more consisten due to no wheel spin, etc. there was a guy mowing down cars all night long at US 41 dragstrip in a 80s caprice grandma mobile running 17.2 every single pass no matter what. 17.21, 17.26, etc etc all night. It was incredible to see him win the points and $250 that night in payouts.

 

Chevycamaro91, did you go, or did you get rained out? Real rainy up my way over weekend. For the most part, Friday was scattered showers here.

 

It's all in the 60'. With a stick, its very tricky to run consistantly. Just find something that works that doesn't murder your clutch. The only standard car I have run at the track was my 93 geo prizm, but it only has a whopping 80lb ft tq, so I just drop the cltuch for it to go on, even so, I can still land 2.3x 60 ft all day long.

Btw, run a really ****ty run your first time, that way when you get your timeslip, you can show it to the older guys in the pits and then just scruff your head and laugh.

 

yea i got rained out last firday(jun2) but theres another friday night grudge this friday so if the weather permits ill be there!