Keep in mind that autostart still provides about 10 seconds to go from 3 bulbs to 4, and that seems like a lifetime when you're waiting on the converter. Plus Etown will override the autostart for a deep stager. I really don't care one way or the other, but it would be more consistent for us and with other series to use the autostart.

 

From Maple's site. 10 second autostart spelled out.

http://www.maplegroveraceway.com/com...rt_setting.htm

 

You have valid points for stick shift drivers. I bracket raced a stick for 3 years before pulling it out in favor of a Turbo400. I still consider myself a "real" driver even without the need of a clutch pedel. Maybe racers could put "STICK" on the car which would tell the starter to overide the autostart just as in the case of deep stagers. The other option is to make a stick shift CC class.

 

I like Autostart...if provisions are made for deep stagers there should be no problem..courtesy staging must be followed with or without Autostart activated...

I run in the Summit Series here in Orlando...they do not use Autostart...I have seen a number of instances where one driver hung the other driver out to dry before going in...here is a quick reason to use Autostart...

Two weeks ago I went out in the second round...I hit the stands to watch my buddy run the third round...he went in first and pre staged...his opponent then pre staged...my buddy then fully staged...his opponent did not...the fans around me began screaming to red light this guy and foul him out...I know the starter heard the ruckus...the starter left my buddy up on his converter for over 15 seconds...could have been 20 but the fans didn't start counting loudly until after this started and they got to 15...

He finally went in and he won the race when my buddies car did not run the number like it always does....I jumped in my car and followed this jerk to his pit...I told him what he did was poor sportsmanship and I was going to report him and the starter in case they were friends...I did email the track and told them what I thought about that bulldooey...

In case you are wondering why I took up for my buddy, he is new to bracket racing and does not understand the underhanded tricks some azzholes will play on you...Autostart would have avoided any of this mess...

 

If you overide for deep stagers and then again for manual shift cars you had better overide for those with auto's who go up on thier converter as that takes some time as well...who's next, all C4's because they have poor visability?..how about C3's next since they have a far inferior brake system... ...my point is if you begin making exceptions it becomes a slippery slope...

I, as many here, have raced in many events using Autostart..there are never any exceptions other than deep stagers and that is not guaranteed....

 

Don, the 1 second note was just my guess. I don't know if 1 second is truly likely but I want to make sure we uderstand here.

You saying you stage first then raise rpm? I've not driven a stick in a while so just want to be sure I understand.

 

Guys who drive sticks can rev it up after 1 light & bump it in like everyone else..

They're the REAL drivers, right...?

 

It doesn't sound bad to me,but,what's wrong with the way it is now? I can't see any reason to change... I've been both bumped & left out. What the heck!!

 

I'm not experienced enough to even have a preference. The lights come down and I'm either ready or not. Now-a-days, even when I'm ready I cut a .1 so do whatever you want, I've got bigger issues.

 

Autostart speeds things up, that's probably why e-town wants to go to it. Most drivers will race to the line trying to be the first one staged in fear of being left out. The more experienced drivers will follow their same old routine with whatever adjustments they need to make.

 

Steve on the contrary. The reason it was suggested is because of recent comments made by drivers that the human starter is too fast.

 

Because of the recent complaint thread

 

We had in at the National in Richmond this year......

Auto Start: In accordance with IHRA Bracket Rules, a ten second time out is in effect. The ten seconds begins when both prestage bulbs are lit and one stage bulb is lit in either lane. At this point the competitor that has not staged has ten seconds to stage.

 

I've been quick tree'd on more then one ocassion. I quess what I meant was you will now see some less experienced drivers rushing to the water box, and and then rushing to the line to try and be the first one staged.
I'm all for taking the human element out of it, put's everyone on the same playing field, and no more complaining.

 

A very simple way to stage with a standard car is to get a line lock.. after your burn out.. you apply "light" break pressure (about 200 lb line pressure) this will hold your front breaks but NOT TIGHT... then you bring up your RPM to whatever you want.. example 3000... after your at 3000 and presaged, with the line lock engaged lightly you let the clutch out easy .. it will pull your car forward slow until the "STAGE" (bottom lights) light up.. at this point you are staged, you are at 3000 rpm, and ready to go... you car will not roll through the beams as the line lock is ON.. you finger is holding the line lock button... as the tree drops, on the 3rd yellow you pop the clutch, and release the line lock at the same time.. ...walla.. you staged with a 6 speed, did not roll through the beams, and left the line at the rpm you want to..


I must add this does take a little practice.. I did it with a 2 step many years ago, and never had a problem...
1st thing you have to do is install a like lock.. 2nd thing is to LEARN How to use it CORRECTLY!!

 

Don, I will discuss this with them. Again, I am not sure of that particular. If it were random but not less than 3 seconds would that work?

 

Here is what I did when I was racing my Mustang with a T5 for many years - Bring the rpm's up and let the clutch out slow for the car to roll. With the rear tires being sticky. You will not be able to roll as if you are rolling on the street. The sticky tires will cause friction to make it harder to roll. I never had a problem staging with a stick, Actually It was easier then the automatic.

Just my 2 cents

 

Who cares about auto-start? Just give me MORE MEDS !

 

Hey John

 

THANK YOU..... With My MEDS They Will think Your Using a BOX