New to non-turny racing

[Jon Sisk]

I've never taken my car drag racing before but I'm running tomorrow. Any pointers for a n00b?

[dsm_gsx97]

Get there early and tech right away before finding a pit spot unless you have a lot to unload. I usually don't bring anything so I can just go back in line. Of course besides all the rules to pass tech there shouldn't be much for you to do. Make sure you bring your helmet, and from what I hear there is a 50-50 chance you might need a SFI rated jacket (think you got those already though) if your running 13.9 or faster. Hit me up if you want to borrow mine. Blue's got my number.

IMO, line up in the groove and launch @ 6K to get the best 60's. Don't go through the water box. Try to keep the accel pedal down through your shifts to maintain boost. If you have DSMLink your already ahead of all that. Sorry I forget what you got on that badboy for engine management.

When your done with the run go right back to the lanes. It will be 45 minutes usually before you get another run anyways so might as well get in line. T&T's are fun because of how many cars come out. So don't walk off to far because the lanes move unexectedly, but take a look around and check out all the old school rods.

[sbiggi]

Make sure you stage properly so you dont look like a fool.

You will see the black box in the middle as you pull up. That is where the beams are.

Slowly roll up and untill you break the first beam and the first stage light comes on.
A curtious racer will wait for the other racer to do the same, and then stage the 2nd light.
The second light is only 6 inches past the first light, so you dont need to move much to break the 2nd beam.

[Kibo]

This hasn't been updated in a while, but the CoDSM New Member Survival Guide (http://co.dsm.org/lc/NewMemberSurvivalGuide/Dragracinghow2.html) has some good basic tips on how drag racing Test 'n' Tunes are run at Bandimere. Since tomorrow's T&T is an all-day event, you won't need to rush back to get in line--in fact, I'd suggest taking the time to cool down between runs (IC, etc.), review your log, make tuning adjustments, etc. Ought to be a fun and fast day; temps are going to be nice and cool! :)

[Doric]

This hasn't been updated in a while, but the CoDSM New Member Survival Guide (http://co.dsm.org/lc/NewMemberSurvivalGuide/Dragracinghow2.html) has some good basic tips on how drag racing Test 'n' Tunes are run at Bandimere. Since tomorrow's T&T is an all-day event, you won't need to rush back to get in line--in fact, I'd suggest taking the time to cool down between runs (IC, etc.), review your log, make tuning adjustments, etc. Ought to be a fun and fast day; temps are going to be nice and cool! :)
Update that puppy and I'll make it a part of the FAQ. :D

[Kibo]

Update that puppy and I'll make it a part of the FAQ. :D
Boy, am I the wrong one to ask...my car hasn't been to the track the last two seasons! :p

Maybe someone else could provide more up-to-date modifications/feedback?

[sbiggi]

Boy, am I the wrong one to ask...my car hasn't been to the track the last two seasons! :p

Maybe someone else could provide more up-to-date modifications/feedback?

What are you guys looking for?

General saftey items needed for a ET?

[Kibo]

What are you guys looking for?

General saftey items needed for a ET?
That's useful and worth updating since rules have changed in the last few years, but the main purpose of the guide is to give first-timers an idea of what to do and not do, where things are, etc. Most first-timers aren't going to be chasing a fast ET that requires considerable safety equipment beyond what's already mentioned in the guide.

For example, I would typically advise a noob not to line up in the groove, especially with a stock center diff. It can be hard explaining this to someone who doesn't know what the groove is or doesn't understand what I mean by "out of the groove" when he pulls up to the line (*ahem* Scott *ahem*). :p

We could also expand to discussion of launching technique, tuning for race gas, etc. if so desired--but since it's a guide and not a living document (i.e. a discussion forum), I'd be hesitant to list too much information as "fact" that is really up to individual interpretation.

[Doric]

Yeah.

[Jon Sisk]

Thanks everybody for the tips. First run of the day, I missed 2nd and ran a 15.1. Best of the day was a 13.359@102. Big thanks to Mike Pedrick for the brain bucket. Lots of cool people there. Yeehaw time to spend more money.

[Doric]

No problem at all, Jon. Great to see you out at the event today. :cool: