First time at drag strip
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 2
From: Allen TX
First time at drag strip
I am going to go see what the Vette can do sometime this week at the local drag strip. Is there anything I need to know or any tips you have before I go. Thanks.
Ryan
Ryan
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Re: First time at drag strip (Glensgages)
Lots of tips - there are several drag racing instructional primers floating around.... most dragstrips have websites with a step by step explanation of what to do and how to do it. My suggestions for a first timer are:
1. You need to wear long pants, so no matter how hot it is don't wear shorts! (Some guys bring a pair of sweats to slip over their shorts)
2. You need to wear a helmet. Usually you can rent one at the track.... but that can be pretty gross at times.
3. At least up here (New Jersey) under 18 need signed permission from their parents (signed and notarized by both parents!!) so check on that before you go.
It would be a real pain to waste a trip and not be allowed to race for any of the "technicalities" above.
The actual racing part is easy. For racing tips try asking in the drag racing forum. Have fun! :) MJ
1. You need to wear long pants, so no matter how hot it is don't wear shorts! (Some guys bring a pair of sweats to slip over their shorts)
2. You need to wear a helmet. Usually you can rent one at the track.... but that can be pretty gross at times.
3. At least up here (New Jersey) under 18 need signed permission from their parents (signed and notarized by both parents!!) so check on that before you go.
It would be a real pain to waste a trip and not be allowed to race for any of the "technicalities" above.
The actual racing part is easy. For racing tips try asking in the drag racing forum. Have fun! :) MJ
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Re: First time at drag strip (RCDriveryo)
Here are a few more tips:
1) Staging:
Wait until you get waved to your lane.
There are 2 ways you can stage. (Shallow or Deep).
I usually prefer to stage shallow because that way you'll get a better ET and you are less likely to red-light...
2) Launching:
Initially - try to stage shallow (roll forward until the first staging light comes on and then slowly work your way forward - inch by inch until the second light comes on) As soon as the second light comes on - step on the brake.
Launching with Manual Transmission:
Put transmission in first gear, step on the clutch and rev your engine to around 2000 - 3500+ RPM (depending on your gearing, tires etc) and when the 3rd orange light drops - launch...
Launching with Automatic Transmission:
Step with your left foot on the brake and with the right foot on the gas and rev to around 1200 - 1500 (without going off the brake). As soon as the 3rd orange light drops - go off the brake and on the gas...
Check your R/T's.. If your R/T is too slow (over .600) - try to stage a little deeper to adjust your staging to your reaction time...
1) Staging:
Wait until you get waved to your lane.
There are 2 ways you can stage. (Shallow or Deep).
I usually prefer to stage shallow because that way you'll get a better ET and you are less likely to red-light...
2) Launching:
Initially - try to stage shallow (roll forward until the first staging light comes on and then slowly work your way forward - inch by inch until the second light comes on) As soon as the second light comes on - step on the brake.
Launching with Manual Transmission:
Put transmission in first gear, step on the clutch and rev your engine to around 2000 - 3500+ RPM (depending on your gearing, tires etc) and when the 3rd orange light drops - launch...
Launching with Automatic Transmission:
Step with your left foot on the brake and with the right foot on the gas and rev to around 1200 - 1500 (without going off the brake). As soon as the 3rd orange light drops - go off the brake and on the gas...
Check your R/T's.. If your R/T is too slow (over .600) - try to stage a little deeper to adjust your staging to your reaction time...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,128
Likes: 3
From: Deltona (son of Deland and DAYTONA) FL
Re: First time at drag strip (RCDriveryo)
I think most tracks have rules about operative radiator overflow tanks, battery hold downs and no running the A/C at the track. They don't want drips all over the track.
