I'm going to MIR in MD on Sunday for test and tune day. I have a stock (non Z51) manual and I've never been on a drag strip before. Was wondering from the experienced drivers what's the best rear tire pressure and driving mode to put the car in. Not sure it makes sense to keep traction control on/off?? "Track mode/sport mode?" stability on/off?

Any tips would b appreciated!

 

I'm looking forward to some experienced tips here also but would like the info for the Z51 A6.

Thanks

 

Do a search on Snormans post he has some impressive times in a A6 z51also he has tips on how to drive the 1/4, have fun at MIR.

 

Front tires at 45
Rear tires at 28

Track mode, press and hold traction button to turn off nannies.

Rev car up to predetermined RPM level, which will depend on the day, the track, the weather, etc. Start at 1500 and move up or down depending on your clutch release/throttle feather abilities and the results....wheelspin/60ft times. If you are really good, you can leave at 4k RPMs and work the gas and clutch and get it to really move out....but you need decent track prep for that.

You want to warm the tires but not a big smoky burnout. You want to pull around the water box and back in, but not all the way, just to the wet surface, then pull forward just slightly out of the water. Second gear, rev it up to 5K and release the clutch quickly, let it spin up to the start line, or if you are able, lightly use the brakes to keep it in place until you see some smoke in the mirror, just a little smoke.

Don't worry about the green light or getting a good reaction time at this point. RT does not affect your ET (elapsed time). Let it turn green and just make sure you are at the launch RPM you want, relax. It is easy to get pumped and drop the clutch and floor it. you don't want to do either of those things. release the clutch quickly but do not shock the tires. once they spin a little, you're done, they will spin a lot. you want the gas and clutch to move to the floor and release as fast as possible with no tire shock, no spin.....it can take a lot of practice.

shoot for 60 fts under 1.90. do not let off the gas to shift. preload the shifter lightly and stab the clutch pedal fast, let the shifter fall into the next gear with your light pressure. you should be commanding your leg to release the pedal before your brain realizes the shifter is in the next gear. never let off the gas. train your brain to think slowly, too much excitement over 12 seconds, the steering wheel can turn or something can screw you up. it takes focus.

if you feel the car start to fishtail, even slightly, get out of it. try again. don't try to save a sideways car and make a good pass. you have already lost the chance at a good time. better to keep the fenders intact.

good luck, most important thing.....stay relaxed. move more slowly off the line than aggressive, ease into aggression, it is easier than easing towards relaxation.

 

Great advice and excellent writeup. I'll let u know how it goes and post my time. Much appreciated!

 

Awesome day at the track! Ran 10 runs and was pretty consistent. My best run was 12.384s @116MPH.

 

Nice run.......could you share your time slip information for us? first time at the track....that's awesome.

 

I'm car# 5312 on the left.

 

Not Bad not Bad at all!!!

 

Pretty good.....thanks for sharing that with us.

 

That converts to a 12.19@117 if you correct for air. That's actually not a lot of difference, MD has great drag racing air.....now go again in February (if there is no snow) and you can run in "mineshaft air." It's like a small supercharging effect.....and run at Atco in NJ, the finish line is a lower elevation than the starting line. It's where all the records are set!