When everyone in the class has a box, it comes down to whoever has the better reaction time. And since they all have a box it's usually pretty close. There's usually more of a gap in footbraking. But there are some guys who can footbrake consistently.
for the most part, Raceway park has been my home track, Ran points there for years, but I hve been making trips to race at Island Dragway since the late 80's, compared to Englishtown, its Old school, but its a racers track as you know, also run at Atco, Maple grove, Cecil, and ran at Long Island Dragway before it closed down. when did you run there?
for those who race, even though the term is used about beating yourself, its not really true, Ive lost by having bad lights, taking too much win light, bad dial in, car ran off, spun the tire etc etc etc, but Ive been on the other side of it too, you dont hear John Force say that he beat himself when he gets tire shake, sometimes when you go 6 or 7 rounds and win, you catch a break now and then, but when you lose, you lose, and when you win, you win. And those who are on here and bracket race succesfully know that you NEVER run your own race, everything you do once you leave depends on where the other guy is or what hes doing. The reason why you build a faster car than a 18 second bomber is because low HP cars dont repeat well, also its an advantage to leave second, the other guy has the first chance to redlight, also, Its nice to have a car that is a faster one in the class. also when did I ever say it wasnt racing???
Frank, you can if your on a single and break doing the burnout. I broke doing the burnout once and rolled into the staging lights. Sat there and reved the engine a few times. Lights came down and the other guy left. After the race the other guy asked why I didn't tell him I broke. I told him I was hoping he redlit and I could bump the car enough to set off the start light. P.S. I raced at Island in the mid 60's. Guess you can tell I'm an old fart.
My OPINIONS First, if you can make a 28.00 tow truck repeat, I WILL KISS YOUR ASS! And I don't mean anything from 28.01-28.99, I mean 28.00 everytime. Bracket racing will always be around, heads-up classes need to be constantly changed, due to one guy with all the money always winning. Rule changes, ect.... Big bunch of cry babies! People think delay boxes are cheaters? Is it cheating if the entire class has them? I think the "tighter" racing is more fun than some guy have a .090 light to someone elses .009 I prefer to "work" for my wins, not get easy ones. And I do race and win in both Foot Brake, and "E" classes Slow = Brackets? We have a bunch of egos around here, no throttle stopping. Dragsters runnging 4.40's (1/8) will also throw a little nitrous in there to go 4.20's I l know my street car is slow, but it's designed for my daughter to drive to any track, by herself, and race. Even holds her own in a class full of race cars. Pay outs are good in brackets too, $1200.00-1500.00 to win, how much does Pro Mod pay? What a joke, they don't even cover maintenance with the winnings. Funny, some of the best drivers started off bracket racing, like stated earlier in this thread, you are one with your car. Heads up, that's a stab and steer class! And I do base my opinions on some fact, I do work at a race track.
I never thought there would be so much controversy over this subject, bracket racing for me is the only option as after driving 1 1/2 hours to get to the track then paying the $35.00 to race and maybe only getting 4 runs and then on a 2 day race event having to pay for a motel and then food I am out a big chunk of money, nothing left to put into car to make it fast enough for heads up racing. I could race sportsman by putting a throttle stop on and be more competitive but built my car to do what it does and dont want to hold it back. Bottom line is I race to have fun Bracket racing is keeping some of the kids and adults from street racing, at our track there is a lot of friendship between the racers the main problem is that the higher payout is heavy towards the super pros but there are twice as many sportsman racers. I enjoy watching all classes race, not fond of delay boxes but have to respect those that use them just as much as any racer
I race at Woodburn but have wanted to race at most of the Division 6 tracks, so far I have been to Seattle, Bremerton, Madras, Medford, Boise, Portland, Yakima and Mission in Canada. Still have 11 to get to but probably wont make it as they are clear in Montana and back in Canada and some of the tracks are just 1/8 mile to me thats not worth the effort or expense. I have to say that Woodburn has actually been the best track so far except they cant run past 6:00pm and cant run AA/F class Hope to make it down to Somoa and see my good friend JTComet and play there one of these days. Taking this year off too many things in the fire, will just do oldies and All Fords and special events
I have seriously toyed with the idea of building a Maverick for NHRA's SS/GT class with a 1971 model which is the lightest of all Maverick V-8's according to their classification guide, and powering it with a S/S version of the 68 302 4V engine, and a Jerico clutchless 4-speed. It would definately be a Kick-Ass build and absolutely fun to drive. Would probably be a 9:90-10:20 car depending on track, and weather conditions
I used to race at Woodburn and Seattle when I had the SS/IA car. The dip on the top end at Woodburn kept the AA/F cars away although in the late 60's and early 70's they did run there. I would love to come up for the Oldies but Goodies or the All Ford meet depending on getting the car back in running order although it's a good days drive with the open trailer. I will make it to Somoa, just not sure when.
