well as many of you know, i bought a lightning last week... Im 24 and this is my first car in my life that I have actually wanted... i mean growing up as kid I wasnt so lucky to get Mustangs and camaros like my friends.... always had a 4 banger s10 or something equevilant...

anyway, so satisfy my need for speed, about 8 months ago I went out and bought a gixxer 600... i havent ever taken it to the track or really raced it... on a back street near my house I did get it up to 169 on day though..

so i really have no racing expierence...

i was thinking of maybe next weekend taking my new L out to the track for first time in my life.... just to see what it can do... so im here to ask... what are some secrets to racing? especially and auto tranny... are there? or just wait for a green light and punch it?

 

even more is i cant spell embarrassing

 

Scott,

Myself and 03Rocks along with several other members of TALON will be out at Ennis(TX Motorplex) this upcoming Friday night(11/14). We were supposed to be out there today, but the rain fouled that up. We'll post it up in the "Upcoming Events" forum over on TALON. Gates open at 6:00pm, and we usually try to get out there as early as possible in an effort to beat the crowds. Meet us out there and we'll gladly help a brotha out!

Just look for the group of L's parked along the fence beside the staging lanes.

Later,
Rob

 

Yeah...rain SUX......


Rocks

 

Scott, paitence and practice! Don't be discouraged if you don't do good right away. While these trucks may be better to launch that some stick cars, its still a pickup truck with sheeetloads of torque! Most people leave on the last yellow, if you see green, generally your too slow. Hold brake, engine just off idle, and roll into it. If you "punch" it, you will most likely spin. If you search here for "first time at track" or "Not as fast as expected" or stuff like that, you will see, most people thought thier truck was slow, when really, they just didn't have enough practice. Good luck, be safe, and have fun!!!!!!!!!1

 

Mostly what "Whip" said.
Don't wait for the green light. Wait until you see the last yellow light and go.
Remember during qualifications if you go too early and red light it doesn't matter.
Go on the yellow and you will get your reaction times down.

 

and rememebr your R/T has nothing to do with the
1/4 speed and time. Sit there til you're ready and then go!

I predict a 13.85 ... But have fun !!!!

 

check out this article, it may help you a bit.

http://modernmusclecars.net/articles/drbasics.html

my advice to you
Do NOT turn!

Jody
383svt

 

Follow these simple guidelines (for full or DOT slicks, not for drag radials):

1- Run 16-18 psi. Many people make the mistake of too low pressure, and what that does is make the tire compress more, which you do NOT want. The tire is a spring, when it overcompresses, it's like a spring at full squish, and the only thing it can do from there is release. When that happens, the rear end bounces back up, and the tires unload. Also check your tire pressure before EVERY pass. Your pressure will rise 2-3 psi after your first burnout of the day, and the sun on one tire will make your pressures uneven.

2- Make sure there is water down, wet both wheels, pull forward PAST the water, then do your burnout. You do NOT want to do your burnout IN the water box. Try to drive around the water and back the rear wheels into it, if the track allows. This way you don't track water up with you via the front wheels. If you pull up to stage, and there is NO water, get the attention of the track worker and make him put down water. A one wheel burnout is as good as not doing one at all.

3- Do your burnout it drive. Many people make the mistake of using a low gear. You want wheel speed, NOT engine rpms. Let it upshift all the way into 3rd, you'll probably be doing close to 90mph on your speedo. When you see tire smoke, let it spin for about 3-5 seconds more, then roll out with it.

4- DO NOT DO A DRY HOP! Your best traction after the burnout is your first use of the tire. A dry hop (i.e. a quick "test" jab) takes heat out of the tire and uses up your best chance for traction.

5- Launch the truck between 1000-1100 if you have a stock converter. Not all trucks work best at the same rpms, but MOST trucks like this launch rpm with the stock converter.

Take a second and watch this from behind video of my 10.48 pass. It shows my exact burnout procedure. Notice I pull the rear tires over the water, do a quick spin while in the water to wet the tire, pull forward and do the burnout. You'll also notice how low of rpms my motor is at, like I said, WHEEL speed is what's important, not engine rpm. BTW, I pull right through the water with my front wheels because I run a skinny race slick on the front.

http://www.powersurgeperformance.net.../sal1048_2.mpg

Hope this helps!!

--------------------
2001 Test Truck
Best ET to Date- 10.48@ 131.2mph 1.51 60ft 4760 lbs
www.powersurgeperformance.net
www.lightningparts.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Didn't know about the dry hop. Thanks for the info. I'll try it next year.

 

hey scott. im a local TALON member, weve talked on the message board. just ask any of us at the track and we can help to give you pointers. its always a learning experience. we have tons of knowledgeable people there like ron and myself and terry and doug, etc.