since i am headed to Joplin and I plan on running my Mav at Mo-Kan, I need some idea on what to do beside just sit at the light and stomp it when the l;ight goes green. what do I need to do to prep for it? what do I need to learn before i get there? what do I need to practice before I get there? plus anything else i should know I have never run a car on a track before. whatdo i do at the track?
Well, id say you should at least tune it up good. Have good working seatbelt's and a helmet.And be sure theres no fluid leaks that may drip from your car on to the track Oh, And leave the starting line on the last yellow.
Bob, If you see the green light you're late. It takes some practice but the main thing to this is to be consistent. There will be lots of time for practice passes down the track. They are very laid back and lax as far as rules go. This is basically a fun time and we try to keep it that way. I'll have 2 or 3 helmets with me. This place is really a fun track. Just be sure that all your lug nuts are tight and the battery hold down clamps are in place, working windows and seat belts. Mostly the common sense type of stuff.
here read this: http://www.centralfloridastreetcars.com/basicsofdragracing.htm at the track you will want to remove everything that is not bolted down safety reasons. helmet is always a good idea. overflow canister running at mokan during the GATHERING is a great and lucky way to have you first day at the track. Plenty of people to help with any questions you might have.
write up a list of reasons you..."Didn't do better"...and learn them... ...... ( Effie won't let me race.)
Most tracks require a throttle return spring too.Watch some others run so you don't try & stage w/the rear tires,when you stage,ease up til the bottom yellow light barely flickers on,then leave on the last yellow.Cutting lights takes practice,but don't worry a light has nothing to do with E.T.But a good light is usually what wins bracket races.Your car will probably display a different traction personality at the track vs the street,try & get next to a car not as loud as yours if possible so you can hear/feel what's going on with your car.Most important...have fun!
Bob if you are going anytime other than the Gathering they will do a tech inspection you will have to have seat belts, you will have to have a catch can for the radiator, you will have to have a nuetral safty ****ch, you will need a helmet. Give me a call when you do go and I will try and meet up.
Here is a list of the things the tracks I`ve been to check for on a "street car " type car. Battery must be securely fastened in place. Radiator overflow "catch can" (No leaking fluids of any kind) Two (2) throttle return springs (on a Maverick/Comet we can just add one because our throttle cable has one built in.) No missing lug nuts. Safe tires (A drive shaft safety loop is required for ALL cars running slicks). Seat belts Neutral safety switch on the shifter working? A helmet is Not required by the NHRA until 13.99 or faster. But you can wear one anyway if you like. Of coarse the list of rules gets longer as the cars times get faster. And each track may differ as to weather or not they actually check these things. Above all have fun and be safe.
A few quick tips you may also want to keep in mind. Try NOT to line up next to any LOUD cars to race. You wont be able to hear your own cars engine and that is not good. (very distracting) If you are in the lane Opposite of the return road at the end of the track let the other guy exit the track first even if you have out run him and then have to stop and wait for him to turn off. If you beat him down to the end and get excited about your win You don`t want to forget... and cut accross the other guys lane to hurry up and get your timeslip REMEMBER he is still coming WIDE OPEN DOWN that lane! As John said earlier if you are on street tires swing wide around the water box and keep your tires dry.
All good advice - that's the one to remember most. Practice-practice-practice (and get ready to spend money on your new vise ).
You need a good tire gauge to check that the pressure is consistent or to try changes in pressure! Richard
