I have never drag raced before, but may have the opportunity in Bristol, TN. I have a stock 95 with a six speed manual. What's the best way to launch this baby? How can I get the best performance down the strip? Do I run it through the gears (1,2,3,4 etc.) or is there a better shift sequence? Any advice would be appreciated, Thanks :crazy:

 

Here's a video of one of my runs. You don't have to duplicate it, but it gives you an idea on what to do.

First thing, pay attention to the track workers. Go when they say, stop when they say. If they aren't waving you on, don't move.
When it comes time for a burnout, drive around the water box(if possible).
I'm assuming you'll be on street tires, so just a quick spin to clean off any sand and dirt and put a little heat in them will be all you need.
If you heat up street tires too much, they tend to get more slippery.
Drop your air pressure down to sayy 28 psi amd see how it works for you.

Ask somebody if they have sprayed the track. If they haven't I suggest launching at idle(like in my video).
If the track has been sprayed, you can try launching at a higher rpm. You don't want to spin the tires, nor do you want to bog down. Try and keep at least a 1/2 tank of gas, that helps to avoid bogging.

Once you are done with your burnout, you will pull up to the starting line.
You'll see the tree in front of you. Pull up till the very top bulb lights up and usually by this time, your opponenet should have his top bulb lit. Then you can slowly roll forward till the second bulb is lit. Now both top bulbs(small yellow lights) should be lit. If by accident you roll too far and the top light goes out, but the bottom is still lit, don't back up. Most tracks don't allow you to back up ever.
You are still staged, they call it "Deep" staging. At this point if the starter sees the two of you are ready, he'll start the tree. The three big yellow lights will begin to light from the top one down to the bottom one.
When the 3rd yellow lights, hit the gas and go. Don't wait for the green light. If you do, you'll be left in the dust.
If you get a red light, you can still go, it's just a foul start.

Go thru the gears 1,2,3,4 you should probably hit the finish line in4th gear at about 4000-4500 rpm. Don't let off until you are past the second set of cones. That's the finish line.

In my video you will see me letting off before the finish line, that's because me and Panuzzo were playing the top end game.(Someone will explain that later).

When you are finished with your run, there are usually three turn offs.
Depending on the track and which lane you are in, make sure you know where your opponent is. You don't want to turn off in front of him.
If you are in the left lane and the turnoff is on the left, you can safely turn off, because he will have to watch where you are. But if you are in the left lane and the turnoff is on the right, make sure your opponent is in front of you or already turned before you turn off.
Always check the return road before you actually get on it to make sure nobody else is coming. I've seemn a lot of near misses because a guy will turn right in front of an oncoming car.

Hope this helps you out a bit. Enjoy the video.http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/mrm...ovspanuzzo.wmv

 

Thanks for the tips. The video is great. I've watched it several times. I hope to get the opportunity to give it a go. Looks like a blast. :seeya