Need some drag racing tips

[MikeysOTP]

I have never run on a track before and I could use some help. I heard that Englishtown is opening soon and I am going to be pulling my car out within the next few weeks. It is a couple of hours away so I was hoping to get some tips from you guys before I make the trip. This does not include spending massive amounts of money and I want to run on street tires at least the first time so please don't recommend superchargers or slicks, etc. yet anyway.

I know I need a helmet, I have a full-faced motorcycle helmet but I don't know if that is OK. If so do I have to keep the visor on it or can I remove it?

Is there anything else I should bring?

Is it a problem that its a convertible other than it will be a little slower because of the weight?

I bought all of the stuff that Darkfire listed for the line locks and I understand how to use them for the burnout but I am not sure if I should stage with them on. Do I load the car up at the line somehow like the autos do?

Thanks.

 

[DarkFireGT]

No, your motorcycle helmet is DOT approved, but not Snell approved. You need something Snell 2005 or better. Englishtown actually has some great prices on helmets here:
http://www.etownraceway.com/

I'm using an open faced one. They sell one for just over $60 there.

No problem racing a vert. Plenty of people do it.

I don't have the coordination to use the line locks during staging. I'm just going to use them during the burnout.

 

[BJ1000RR]

depends on what motorcycle helmet he has . my Arai helmet is dot & snell approved.

 

[MikeysOTP]

it's a Shoei, top of the line back when I bought it but that was way before 05 so I guess I will need a new one. Can't be too careful with the melon anyway I guess.

 

[DarkFireGT]

depends on what motorcycle helmet he has . my Arai helmet is dot & snell approved.

I retract then, I thought most street motorcycle helmets were not Snell approved.

Either way, though, I prefer a open face helmet for the track. It's better for sight, since it's harder to turn when you're wearing it in a car.

If you have the model, you can look your helmet up and see if it's Snell approved.

 

[homebrewer]

Best thing to do is check your tracks rules as far as what is required.

For instance, I usually run at my local 1/4 mile tracks "street night" No helmet is required if you're running the street class. MY track requires full length pants and close toed shoes. Yours may differ.

The most important thing to remember is to relax and take a few deep breaths. The first time down a 1/4 mile track is pretty damn exciting, and it is easy to forget and overlook things.

One final thing, don't be disappointed with your performance. You will improve with some practice, just takes a bit of time, especially learning how to launch a S197 on a track.

 

[DarkFireGT]

Englishtown requires a helmet when running 14.0 and quicker, which is with most NHRA/IHRA tracks. You can always find the rules for your track by checking their website. It's a good idea to go to their website and get familiar with their rules, but also check out pictures and track information, so you can know what to expect.

http://www.etownraceway.com/

 

[mrmustangman357]

just take it easy the first time around and you won't need to bring a helmet if you go over 14.0+

My local track I was running low 13s (12.3 if I could hook) and I ran 6 consecutive hot laps in my 66 before they said I would need a helmet. There's also guys with 4 pt rollbars and helmets running 9s so i guess it varies how much it is enforced. . . .

 

[MikeysOTP]

I called them today and found out that you can't run under 13.5 with a vert unless you have a rollbar. Where would you guys guess I am at with the mods I have now? I was hoping I would be in the low 13s but not sure. The guy at the track told me to just keep it around 13.5 and they won't give me a hard time but it kind of defeats the purpose if I have to lift 3/4 of the way down the track.

 

[Hoboattacker]

Low 13's high 12's is what I ran in my coupe with mods similar to yours.

Edit: this was after I spent a good time behind the wheel, though. First run I ran a 13.6. My best of the night on my first time out was a 13.4.