Next weekend I’m taking the 69 Vette to Santa Pod for Saturday Night Drags RWYB. Been racing cars for years but never in a straight line! Anything I should know?
watch the starting line procedure several times so you think you understand it. Then find a friendly racer to talk to, and describe to him what you plan to do...and get feedback. have fun!
Don't try to cut a light! If you are just looking for a time your car will do, remember the race starts when you do. Trying to cut a light and have a jump on the other guy will probably get you a red light, but that still gives you time. I was the car builder but I have made a few passes, never up to the cars potential. Squirrel has been down a track many times, his advise will be good.
Thanks. There’s racing in earlier in the day so I was going to get there around lunchtime to have a watch.
I’m quite interested to see a time, it’s set up for 160 odd mph so not really geared for the drag strip
Be sure to know where the actual finish line is. My 1st time down a local track had me wondering. Everyone "knew " where it was. Except me, stayed in it a little too long, had to really haul her down!
Some tracks in the US have a pre-stage light and a stage light. If you get there first wait at the pre-stage light until the other car gets up to the line and then creep up to the stage light. Not everyone does this but it’s the proper etiquette at some tracks. If you have street treaded tires, don’t do a burn out in the water, drive around it, the tread can hold water and drop it on the track, the guys behind you won’t appreciate a wet track. Like squirrel said watch for awhile first.
Depends on how they have it set up...in the US, there is a "sportsman tree" that has three yellows then green, with 0.500 seconds between them. I leave when the last yellow is just turning on. The other way is a "pro tree" with all yellows going at once, then 0.400 or 0.500 seconds later the green. I leave as soon as I see yellow. so that's one reason to watch the procedure ahead of time. Also plan to flub the first few starts, don't sweat it. Make sure you understand that you have to approach the starting line going forward...if you go past it when staging, back up a ways and start over Oh...stage light and pre stage, watch what happens. Usually one car will light the pre stage bulb, then other car will light its, then first car will light the second (stage) bulb, then the second will light the second bulb.
Most tracks have a black stripe painted on the starting line, leading edge is pre-staged far edge is staged, it gives you an idea where you need to pull the front tire up to.
Just happen to be at the drag strip currently remembering my first time down the track. You are getting good instruction here. I’m sure you will do fine. Most importantly…have fun!
Things to note about the Pod if you've not been before... The track surface is designed to take a hot sticky tyre (tire!) so if you've got road tyres (tars!) on there's more grip on the road you drove in on. If you're running an open diff, you'll light one tyre up and have to peddle it until you get rolling. If you've got a locker you'll launch better but probably step sideways.. It all depends on what rubber you're running really..I mean if you've got sticky tyres, you're running a locker and the rear suspension squats under load then you'll launch well. Try a burn out? I heel and toe it but if you've got discs on the back the clutch won't like it...better if you've got a line lock. They tend to run a sportsman tree so, either do a burnout in the water box or drive around it if you're not bothering, look for the line crew who will guide you to the start line. There's a pre stage light ( white one at the top) and a stage light ( 2nd white light), roll forward until they're both on and hold it. You're ready to rock and roll. Once you and the guy or gal in t'other lane are set, the tree flashes down until the green light comes on and off ya go. The finish line is 4 gears away under the far gantry. The return roads ( theres 2 ) are both on the left and you'll find a very nice man waving you in. You only need the 2nd return road if you're doing 200 mph + so aim for the first. Oh, and once the sun goes down, put your lights on so you can see the dash. Pictures and video of the event or it never happened!
Thanks Rottenpop. It’s my circuit race car so relatively sticky tyres and a tight Posi but 3.7:1 diff. Just going for a bit of fun, it’ll be interesting to do something new. Will get the in car camera charged up!
Still should be a fun trip with that 3:7:1 gear! Don’t get hung up on your reaction time. Everyone sucks their first time out.
You know Tim will cut a .500 light on his first pass now, right? That will just make the rest of us feel like slackers.
All good stuff. A few more things to add. Know the return road before going down the track! Walk it, get satellite views or watch videos of runs. Normal consideration is to let whoever crosses first lead the way off the track, but if you are geared for high speed you may end up passing past the finish. If both cars and drivers had a clean run, this is the only time where problems can happen. Often visibility isn't great, but you've run the car on other tracks, so you should be aware. You usually end up sitting in the staging lanes for a while. Mention to the track workers it's your first time. They should offer help. Everyone wants you to have a good, safe time. You might want to mention it to whoever you run against, too. The track might send you on a single, if it's not too busy. As mentioned, it's often tough to pick out the exact start and finish. Try not to be the guy that stages with their rear tires or runs a half mile! There is usually a driver's meeting. Listen! Expect to spin and/or bog on your first run. There is skill involved. Don't worry, you should get another chance.
Recently in the US the procedure is for the car in the exit side lane to turn first, the other car stops and waits for him if need be. So it's a great idea to figure it out well ahead of time.
Should be a Pre-stage bulb and another 6” to the Staged bulb. I always try and stage as shallow as possible or just barely tripping the staged bulb. It gives a bit more rollout so you can leave approximately when the last yellow bulb comes on. Some tracks for regular Friday grudge racing may use either .400 Pro tree, where all 3 yellow lights flash at the same time or a Sportsman tree .500 where the 3 yellow bulbs will countdown to a green light. The ET timer will not start recording a time until the staged bulb is tripped. Lots of practice could get you one of these…. Quick edit here…our local track will if you want will mark your windshield with a N (new) so the track starter can help you stage the car for the first time.
You are right again, Jim. Exit side is right of way. Everyone concentrates on the beginning of the strip. Proper lineup, staging, and launching, but that's pretty safe and flubs are not a big deal. The top end is where the speed, uncertainty and adrenaline are surging.
I used to hit the drag strip all the time. Great Lakes Dragaway was only 10 minutes away from me. I never did serious racing, just dialing in my street racing cars. I remember the first time I went , I went on a weekday night test and tune. No big crowds, and the crew at the track weren’t as busy. I dropped my macho BS attitude, and told them I never did this before, so show me the ropes! They were more than happy to give me a little break and tell me anything they thought I needed to know. I ended up running my street cars out there over 25 years. So , my advice, if you don’t know, or have questions, ask them.
The main thing I remember about my first time on the drag strip when I was in high school was that my “12 second car” ran mid-15’s. However, I got to work shortly after and came back a year later with a 13.0…still not a 12 second car.
I’d just like to return running and in one piece. I’ve had a crap season’s racing so far. 3 DNFs from 5. One of them wasn’t even my car so I never even put a spanner near it!
I’ve had a look at the track on google so think I know where I’m going. Couple of other Vettes going as a group so have some people who’ve done it before for help on the day.
Oneball, really dig your vette. I was sixteen in 1966 my first trip at the strip in my 225 slant six lined up next to this animal ‘66 SS 396 Chevelle with open headers. I couldn’t even tell if my car was running next to this thing idling around 1200 pms and shaking my car. Way intimidating but my big thing was to not red light. Cut a shit light but for a few seconds on top of the world ahead of the Chevelle, he hadn’t left yet, been hooked ever since. Don’t take it too serious and have fun.
Whatever you do, watch out for the drag racing bug. When it bites you'll be hooked forever. Enjoy yourself.
Re-captured the captive nut for the headlight cover after it made a bid for freedom! Given it a service, need to check the front wheel bearings and give it a wash. And it’ll be ready to go.
Just needs the engine to go with it. I got the heads and intake. Has anyone heard of Manning Brady Racing Heads? These L88 heads have their stamp on them and are properly modified in the height of 1970s tech.
The Jalopy Journal
