Literature on Drag Racing Techniques?

[Liberty911]

I'm one to read instructions to avoid having to reinvent the wheel, and to avoid developing bad habits. I am smart enough (some doubt it) to know there is more to getting a good run in than simply staging, and going as fast as you can for 1350 ft. If it was that easy, everyone would be a pro racer.

To that end, are their any recommended books or articles on racing at the strip that should be a must read? Although there is lots of good information on this site, and I've read just about everything a search could come up with, a consolidated source written from someone who has mastered the techniques and set ups would be nice. I'm not looking to run a nitro rail, just some information for the average Joe looking to get the most out of his street car.

If your pride allows, perhaps some statements of bad habits that should be avoided could be identified.

 

[Matt D]

It's 1320 feet

 

[Matt D]

But what do you need to know? I really don't think there is any books you can buy... it's all from personal experience and lots of seat time.

Maybe if you shoot out some questions you have I could help you

 

[dysan]

Speaking of techniques, how do you launch your car Matt? Do you just dump the shit out of the clutch or do you try to slightly load up the drivetrain before launching so you don't shock it too much?

I've heard a suggestion from a local racer that his son will pre-stage the car, slightly set the parking brake then nudge the car to light the 2nd bulbs. He keeps the parking brake on and just slightly lifts the clutch so everything is loaded up and it's not as violent to everything when he launches.

 

[Croft]

OP, follow this link. I found some books out there. I guess this is what you are looking for.....

http://www.google.com/products?hl=e...=1B3GGLL_en___US380&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wf

 

[Matt D]

Speaking of techniques, how do you launch your car Matt? Do you just dump the shit out of the clutch or do you try to slightly load up the drivetrain before launching so you don't shock it too much?

I've heard a suggestion from a local racer that his son will pre-stage the car, slightly set the parking brake then nudge the car to light the 2nd bulbs. He keeps the parking brake on and just slightly lifts the clutch so everything is loaded up and it's not as violent to everything when he launches.

Yes I dump the clutch. When on a normal tire I ride it out. I have never used the e brake to launch... I wouldn't to be honest

 

[Vapour Trails]

Drag racing is pretty much all about reacting to the lights and finding the launch sweet spot. You need to practice, practice, practice.

 

[dysan]

I'm just trying to figure out my launch. When I had my 3.73's in there I would dump it at 5500 and it would bog and go. Now with the 4.10's if I dump it I spin the M&H's and I didn't think I'd be doing that with only 300rwtq on those sticky ass tires.

The only thing I can think of is that I need to get the LCA relo brackets and get the LCA's pointed down a bit in the rear. They are pretty much level right now.

Sorry to hijack the thread with my own questions, just getting frustrated not being able to get a good launch since I got 4.10's installed.

 

[white_lightning]

My dad is a Librarian (how exciting) and he got me that third book on the google list. I did find some of the tips helpful. There are driving suggestions, and modification suggestions, lots on bracket racing etc.

I found it to be an interesting read. Can't say it helped my driving much, but if you really want a book that talks about drag racing it that one did offer a few tips that helped me.

 

[DraggnRoush]

I'm a newbie Drag Racer too... being an engineer, I've found the following helpful...


http://www.baselinesuspensions.com/info/Launching_A_Drag_Car.htm

http://www.musclecarclub.com/library/race/drag-racing-tips.shtml

 

[US-1]

I need to start a school.

 

[DraggnRoush]

Great idea SD... I'd love to come to your Drag Racing "BOOT CAMP"...

Do you feel the links I posted are worthwhile?

 

[dysan]

I need to start a school.

The attendees better listen well though, no repeating in this class!

 

[Matt D]

I'm just trying to figure out my launch. When I had my 3.73's in there I would dump it at 5500 and it would bog and go. Now with the 4.10's if I dump it I spin the M&H's and I didn't think I'd be doing that with only 300rwtq on those sticky ass tires.

The only thing I can think of is that I need to get the LCA relo brackets and get the LCA's pointed down a bit in the rear. They are pretty much level right now.

Sorry to hijack the thread with my own questions, just getting frustrated not being able to get a good launch since I got 4.10's installed.

What size m&H did you buy? Try launching it lower, the gear will make up for the rpm differnce out of the whole. Once you finally get it to hook then work your way up a few hundred rpms at a time sir.

 

[US-1]

Great idea SD... I'd love to come to your Drag Racing "BOOT CAMP"...

Do you feel the links I posted are worthwhile?

Baseline has some great data. The other one is pretty generic.

The attendees better listen well though, no repeating in this class!

That's no bullshit.

 

[Matt D]

I need to start a school.

Is there power shifting automatics 101? lol

Or how about double bulb, and triple bulb basics?

Staging with back tires, dynamics

 

[US-1]

Is there power shifting automatics 101? lol

No, but there is World Championships 2.0.

Or how about double bulb, and triple bulb basics?

Parisi teaches that one.

Staging with back tires, dynamics

Taught by "Da Grudge Racers, Yo" from YellowBullet.



Any other smartass questions, Junior?

 

[dysan]

What size m&H did you buy? Try launching it lower, the gear will make up for the rpm differnce out of the whole. Once you finally get it to hook then work your way up a few hundred rpms at a time sir.

I've got the 275/50/17 M&H's on my original stock deluxe rims. It's unfortunately going to be about 2 weeks before I can get back to the track at this point. Going away this weekend, next week getting new valve springs, retainers and seals installed, then hopefully in that time my WOTBOX and off-road replacement pipes will come from kooks so I'll be able to try different rpm's off of a 2-step.

I still think I need to work more on the suspension, shocks/springs, LCA angle and whatnot. Still stock springs and shocks on the car so that can't be helping.

Thanks for the advise though!

 

[Matt D]

I've got the 275/50/17 M&H's on my original stock deluxe rims. It's unfortunately going to be about 2 weeks before I can get back to the track at this point. Going away this weekend, next week getting new valve springs, retainers and seals installed, then hopefully in that time my WOTBOX and off-road replacement pipes will come from kooks so I'll be able to try different rpm's off of a 2-step.

I still think I need to work more on the suspension, shocks/springs, LCA angle and whatnot. Still stock springs and shocks on the car so that can't be helping.

Thanks for the advise though!

I assume you have lower control arms... Qa1 shocks would be nice to add. The 2 step will help your launching game a ton. That way it is precise every pass and you make those changes one step at a time

Stock springs are fine for launching

 

[Matt D]

No, but there is World Championships 2.0.


Parisi teaches that one.


Taught by "Da Grudge Racers, Yo" from YellowBullet.



Any other smartass questions, Junior?

mhm

Can you have a blower vs turbo vs nitrous vs all motor class so it can carry on until the end of time