[propellerhead]

I see so many posts about quarter mile time estimates and they always qualify it with "a good driver". Well, what does it take to be a good driver on the track?

For auto trans cars, do you hold the brake down to raise your RPMs then stomp on the pedal and release the brakes and keep the car going straight till the end?

For manual trans cars, do you just launch and shift fast as you can?

I'm sure it's more than just point your wheels forward and drive fast. Any instructions for the newb that might take his car to the track someday?

PS. I saw a thread here about an LSS Shootout. I'd be interested in that if it happens again.

[VIC]

Drag Racing Basics plus launching tips.....

http://www.therangerstation.com/dragracing.htm

[ZYMACH1]

just look @ the tree and go on the third yellow...the straighter u keep your car going down the track the better time you'll get...on autos just get your rpms as high as u can before your tires start spinning....on manual, you just gotta practice and see whats the best launch for you...talk to larry (hammered)...he's got a 5spd..

[tire]

that write-up looks good, go by that. as for a new guy to the track... don't forget to turn you A/C off on the way there. otherwise you'll drip water all over the track and they'll get pissed. i would know!:drevil:

for street tires and a manual tranny you want to give it as much power as you can without breaking the tires loose on launch. bogging it or peeling out will end up with you going nowhere. and shifting: launch as high as you without losing it as well. my first track visit i covered the first 60 feet of the track (known as 60') in a whopping 2.9 seconds... now i'm somewhere between 2.1-2.3 on street tires, which still isn't where i should be at. practice makes perfect, so don't get discouraged if you totally suck your first few visits.:dance:

my first 1/4 et was 16.4 or so. later that night it was down to a 15.7. see what i mean? good luck man.

[ZYMACH1]

oh yeah, dont forget to turn TRACTION OFF!!

[grey_area]

my first time at the track i ran a 14.8 and my best time that night was 13.1. It took a while for me to find the best way to launch my car but once you find it trying to do it over and over agin is hard

[freni322]

edit

[tire]

Originally Posted by freni322

So I'm guessing you popped right out and before you could walk you were racing?

[fixer]

my best advice to a rookie looking for driving tips-- is to not ask me. i suck. i suck worse than anyone on this board.

the only thing i can drive well is an auto pick up that can't even spin the tires from a stop.

[redrum]

Originally Posted by fixer

my best advice to a rookie looking for driving tips-- is to not ask me. i suck. i suck worse than anyone on this board.

the only thing i can drive well is an auto pick up that can't even spin the tires from a stop.

but he knows engines like the back of his hand.. which i heard he's been seeing alot recently since college station women are all taken. :pickle:

[freni322]

Originally Posted by propellerhead

I see so many posts about quarter mile time estimates and they always qualify it with "a good driver". Well, what does it take to be a good driver on the track?

For auto trans cars, do you hold the brake down to raise your RPMs then stomp on the pedal and release the brakes and keep the car going straight till the end?

For manual trans cars, do you just launch and shift fast as you can?

I'm sure it's more than just point your wheels forward and drive fast. Any instructions for the newb that might take his car to the track someday?

PS. I saw a thread here about an LSS Shootout. I'd be interested in that if it happens again.

You have an automatic..... not that hard
Just hold down your brake and raise your rpm's to the point where you brakes just about let out but you don't move, think it is around 3,000 rpms for auto... dont hold me to that.
Make sure traction control is off..... start in the lowest gears and then when you launch get off the brake... full throttle.... when you hit around 5,500 rpms shift to D2, then repeat until you get in your highest drive.

[92coupe]

I know this is different but sometimes people have better luck launching auto's by flashing the converter, I believe it's going from idle and romping on it. I know a couple people not personally that have their best times flashing the converter.

[fixer]

Originally Posted by 92coupe

I know this is different but sometimes people have better luck launching auto's by flashing the converter, I believe it's going from idle and romping on it. I know a couple people not personally that have their best times flashing the converter.

that has been my experience in "racing" my pick up.

[propellerhead]

Flashing the converter? Just stomping on the gas from an idle?

Interesting... I wonder why or how that could be quicker?

[Roots66]

Racing in the Mark is really simple. Traction off, O/D off, leave it in Drive, do not build up RPM's. Just let off the brake and floor it when it's time to go. Since it's the same basic setup as an automatic Cobra, should apply to Mustangs as well.

[joestang96]

in addition to the "dont's" that people have already posted, Don't:

-have your windows down
-worry about your reaction time (it wont affect your final et)
-run on a full tank
-go into the water box, unless absolutely neccesary

Also, as far as A/T's some people have better luck with shifting, whereas others have better luck just keeping it in overdrive and romping on it. (one is not neccesarily better than the other)

good luck :jeff: