TCGiRL220
01-07-2009, 10:42 PM
I've found this very helpful through these first 2 years of my drag racing experience. I get a lot of tips and tricks about drag racing so I will post more as they come in, and if anyone else gets tips and tricks or has tips and tricks post them up! :peace2:
Excerpts from "Drag Racing Basics, Christmas Tree to Finish Line" (I'll add some things in as well)
1.) Watch other racers - Observe how they perform their burnouts and launch off the starting line. Study the Christmas Tree and watch the lights come down and other racers reaction times. Try to learn from them. If you have time, go to the end of the track and watch how the other racers race at the finish line. Their techniques might surprise you.
2.) Keep a Log Book - Record the tire pressure, track/weather conditions (if you don't have a weather system ask someone who does have one for weather information), winnings, points gained, etc. If you record the results for each run, you will learn the best tire pressure to use. If you do not have a log book, simply jot this information on the back of your time slip.
3.) Make Modifications - When making modifications on your car, try to do only one modification at a time in order to see what a difference it makes in the car. If you make more than one change, you may not be able to tell if it made a difference or not. If you're doing a rebuild, apparently it doesn't necessarily matter if you make a whole bunch of different modifications at one time.
4.) Read your Spark Plugs (usually for faster cars) - To properly read your spark plugs, you need to do it after your quarter mile run, but, you need to have the car towed or pushed back to the pits. If the car is driven back to the pits, you will not get a good reading from the plugs.
5.) Adjust your seat - Make sure the drivers seat is adjusted properly and the controls are within reach. Do NOT recline your seat to be comfortable during the wait. Instead, sit upright and concentrate on your run. Trust me I have adjusted my seat to get comfy once before my run, ended up getting flung back while in the middle of the run, but luckily it was just a time run.
6.) Checking the car - Make sure you check your tire pressure and lug nuts before each and every run. Check to make sure you have no fluid leaks. Check oil pressure, temperatures, and gas. You would be surprised at how many people who will over heat on the track, leak fluids, or run out of gas. :doh:
7.) Use Proper Safety Equipment - Make sure you are using all the necessary safety equipment. Your 5-point safety harness should be VERY tight but you must still be able to reach all controls. Your helmet should fit properly with the top edge of the liner padding laying just above the eyebrows. A seat belt cutter will allow a quick escape in case the seat belt malfunctions or is jammed. A center punch will help in case of a crash where you cannot open your door or window and you need to immediately exit the vehicle. At certain ET's (check your rule book) you will need to invest in roll cages, certain helmets, seats, seat belts/ harnesses, head protectors, clothing, neck collars, window net, fire extinguisher, etc.
8.) Invite your friends and family - Make it a family affair and bring your family and friends and enjoy their company. It makes for a very fun day to share it with everyone. Plus, it is fun to have your family and friends encourage you on to win.
9.) Rehearse - Rehearse in your mind all the steps you will go through from the burn out to winning at the finish line. Using positive reinforcements will program your mind and you will actually be going through the motions.
10.) Practice - PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!! That is what makes a winner. Practice in your car and practice visualization techniques at home. Something to consider to invest in is a practice tree. It has helped me a lot along the way. Only invest in a practice tree if you are wanting to get serious about drag racing, if not you just wasted 300-500 bucks.
11.) Have fun - Don't get upset about a bad race day. Look at it this way, you get the oppurtunity to come out to a track and do something people can only dream about doing. If you don't have fun then racing becomes a job :(. So just relax and enjoy yourself. :finger:
Excerpts from "Drag Racing Basics, Christmas Tree to Finish Line" (I'll add some things in as well)
1.) Watch other racers - Observe how they perform their burnouts and launch off the starting line. Study the Christmas Tree and watch the lights come down and other racers reaction times. Try to learn from them. If you have time, go to the end of the track and watch how the other racers race at the finish line. Their techniques might surprise you.
2.) Keep a Log Book - Record the tire pressure, track/weather conditions (if you don't have a weather system ask someone who does have one for weather information), winnings, points gained, etc. If you record the results for each run, you will learn the best tire pressure to use. If you do not have a log book, simply jot this information on the back of your time slip.
3.) Make Modifications - When making modifications on your car, try to do only one modification at a time in order to see what a difference it makes in the car. If you make more than one change, you may not be able to tell if it made a difference or not. If you're doing a rebuild, apparently it doesn't necessarily matter if you make a whole bunch of different modifications at one time.
4.) Read your Spark Plugs (usually for faster cars) - To properly read your spark plugs, you need to do it after your quarter mile run, but, you need to have the car towed or pushed back to the pits. If the car is driven back to the pits, you will not get a good reading from the plugs.
5.) Adjust your seat - Make sure the drivers seat is adjusted properly and the controls are within reach. Do NOT recline your seat to be comfortable during the wait. Instead, sit upright and concentrate on your run. Trust me I have adjusted my seat to get comfy once before my run, ended up getting flung back while in the middle of the run, but luckily it was just a time run.
6.) Checking the car - Make sure you check your tire pressure and lug nuts before each and every run. Check to make sure you have no fluid leaks. Check oil pressure, temperatures, and gas. You would be surprised at how many people who will over heat on the track, leak fluids, or run out of gas. :doh:
7.) Use Proper Safety Equipment - Make sure you are using all the necessary safety equipment. Your 5-point safety harness should be VERY tight but you must still be able to reach all controls. Your helmet should fit properly with the top edge of the liner padding laying just above the eyebrows. A seat belt cutter will allow a quick escape in case the seat belt malfunctions or is jammed. A center punch will help in case of a crash where you cannot open your door or window and you need to immediately exit the vehicle. At certain ET's (check your rule book) you will need to invest in roll cages, certain helmets, seats, seat belts/ harnesses, head protectors, clothing, neck collars, window net, fire extinguisher, etc.
8.) Invite your friends and family - Make it a family affair and bring your family and friends and enjoy their company. It makes for a very fun day to share it with everyone. Plus, it is fun to have your family and friends encourage you on to win.
9.) Rehearse - Rehearse in your mind all the steps you will go through from the burn out to winning at the finish line. Using positive reinforcements will program your mind and you will actually be going through the motions.
10.) Practice - PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!! That is what makes a winner. Practice in your car and practice visualization techniques at home. Something to consider to invest in is a practice tree. It has helped me a lot along the way. Only invest in a practice tree if you are wanting to get serious about drag racing, if not you just wasted 300-500 bucks.
11.) Have fun - Don't get upset about a bad race day. Look at it this way, you get the oppurtunity to come out to a track and do something people can only dream about doing. If you don't have fun then racing becomes a job :(. So just relax and enjoy yourself. :finger: