72 replies to this topic

[LXCHEV]

Great pics everyone... all the cars look mint on the track! Congrats on the P.B.'s to those who ran them. Was there a Dial-Your-Own bracket or anything, or just grudge racing all day?

[MRLXSS]

MRLXSS - 14.49 @ 94.22 MPH, 60ft- 2.22, 1/8 Mille - 9.34 @ 76MPH. Reaction time on that run was 0.652, best reaction time for the day was .5400

LC-069 - 15.11 @ 96mph

Tweetytorana - ?? @ ??

Wraith75 - ?? @ ??

LX2DR - ?? @ ??

MR5000 - ?? @ ??

73LJWhiteSL - ?? @ ??

[mitchg]

Sounds like a top day!

Im interested to see what my V6 comes close too. Would it be possible to get a few of the cars specs up aswell. Iv run a PB of 15.4, would be nice to see what combos it is similar too.
Cheers!

[LX2DR]

MRLXSS - 14.49 @ 94.22 MPH, 60ft- 2.22, 1/8 Mille - 9.34 @ 76MPH. Reaction time on that run was 0.652, best reaction time for the day was .5400

LC-069 - 15.11 @ 96mph

Tweetytorana - ?? @ ??

Wraith75 - ?? @ ??

LX2DR - 19.68 @ 66mph, 60ft - 2.56, Reaction time 0.85

MR5000 - ?? @ ??

73LJWhiteSL - 16.11 @ 84.35 MPH, 60ft - 2.34, 1/8 Mile 10.29 @ 67MPH. Reaction time 0.9468

Can i say it was a pretty stiff head wind, so im sure all times were effected, last year i did an 18+.
Can't expect too much from a stock 202.

Edited by LX2DR, 03 March 2009 - 11:56 PM.

[MRLXSS]

Ahh, I didnt really think of that! There's my excuse for not running a 13 then! LOL.

I was happier with a cool southerly blowing headwind, than a blistering hot northerly tail wing! LOL. That 43 Degree day last year was a joke! But its a good point, at times it was very gusty! You can see it with the pics of the burnout smoke, it does clear very quickly.

[MRLXSS]

Stole this from another site, Check out the headwind comment.

Ok everyone. Just as some background about myself, I'm a 23 year old who had the fortunate luck of growing up with a father who owned a very successful drag strip for 22 years (New York International Raceway Park in Leicester, NY near Rochester). Over the years I've gained insane insight into the world of drag racing, some of which most average or inexperienced racers would never know or even consider to be a factor in your times. Here's some, and please do add if I missed anything.
1. WIND
Most racetracks have an American Flag a flyin'. My father had one right next to the starting line. It wasn't happenstance... he put it there so that racers could look to see the wind direction and roughly how fast it was moving. A headwind slows down cars up to two to three tenths (thats like a 15.0 vs. a 15.3) Crosswinds (perpendicular to the car) can also slow you down, and a tail wind can help you gain speed and lower ET. Remember this and take note when you run!

2. Heat/Humidity
I have a degree in meteorology and in a bunch of physics classes I really got to figure out how heat and humidity affect motor performance. Heat is the number one power reducer, which is why we are always trying to eliminate it (TBS, COLD air intake, interCOOLERS). A hot day will slow the car down, its just how it works. Consequently, too cold will also have adverse effects.

ALSO, and even some advanced racers may not know, but tracks have an ideal temperature as well. Traction compound turns to sludge when its too hot, especially when the sun is overhead. Most of the fastest runs occur after 3pm or so, or even near dusk, when the track isn't sucking in all the light from the sun. Ideal track temp is about 68 degrees or so, which means early or late season for most. Now this effect with street tires is far less that those with 500hp, and slicks, obviously.

Humidity, you simply want less. The more humid it is, the less oxygen there is, the lesser the "quality" air going into your car.

3. WEIGHT
I've seen people take out spares/seats etc. Maybe even go on a diet? LOL. What about gas? I see so many people show up to the track with a FULL tank of gas. FYI, a gallon of gas weighs 6.18lbs. Our fuel capacity is 13 gallons. You do the math... but I don't like an extra 60 lbs in my car if I don't need it. Figure out the mileage to the track and then leave home with the bare minimum for your truly ideal times.

4. I think that if you post on here, especially for newer or more inexperienced people... you should list all applicable mods, the RPM you launch at, and whether you power shifted or granny shifted. Some people don't know how or aren't willing to power shift and that is pretty much the difference between the 15.2 guys and the 14.9's stock.

5. Altitude
Some tracks will be able to tell you, or you can find an experienced racer in the pits with the handheld computers that give you the altimeter. This also effects engine performance based on air density most of the time. Higher pressure will usually give you a better running car. Consequently, high pressure usually means sunny days too!

6. For our cars (Si's etc.), unless you are putting down insane horsepower, there is NO NEED to roll through the water. I go right around. You're immediately giving yourself a disadvantage by dirtying the tires and wetting them. Heating them up will take off miles that they could be used for, and will give you a negligible effect if any. Just get better tires in this case.

7. Tire pressure
How many of you have a pressure gauge in your glove box at the track? How many use it? This is HUUUUUGE when dealing with traction/top speed/etc. Check tire pressures and play with them to find your ideal spot. You want a balance between traction and top speed. Experiment! Most tracks have free air somewhere on sight ( or make buddies with someone who has an air tank!)

8. Talk to other racers
There is ALWAYS someone who knows more than you. Lanes at certain tracks can make a huge difference. At my dad's, the right lane is always faster for some reason. That could be a huge difference.

9. Analyze and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
Read the time slips at each part. Figure out what they mean if you don't. Compare with others on the board to see where you are and where your weaknesses are. This will tell you what you have to work on. MPH and 1/4 time can't be their best until your 60', 330', 660' and 1000' are perfected!

[MRLXSS]

Well theres a potential 15.9 for me and 14.9 for Mark... Dunno what your excuse is then.

Steve

LOL.... errrr the faster you go, the more it affects you? LOL. Its ok, I'm happy with my time, Watching the footage of my run, i can see where i need to improve. My car doesnt launch the best, even with 3.5 gears it takes a while to get up and boogy! I actually think thats my Torker Manifold holding me back a bit, Mine starts to really pull probably when i get 3500-5000. If i could just get it to be snappier from 2500 where the stally kicks in, i might knock some time off my 60foot time, which normally drastically improves your ET!

I wish the drag strip was closer! Cos i'd head up again, the next chance i got and try and improve on it more!

[ToRunYa]

waiting for you to blame heathcote for not sweeping the strip aswell LOL

[MRLXSS]

They swept it after my car spat coolant all over it! LOL! *sorry about the heathcote*

[MRLXSS]

Time for an ew manifold and some 4.11s Matt? That would get you up and going a bit quicker.

I'm a but bummed for not breaking into the 15s. I have heard reports they are capable of a high 15. I ran mid to low 16s the whole time (16.11@84, 16.17@85, 16.32@99, 16.34@97, 16.47@96, 16.76@96) however my speed varied from 84 - 99MPH not really sure about that one tho.

Steve

99MPH would be close to a 13.5! Seeing you have a few Speeds around 96MPH, I wouldn't be surprised if your car has a bit more in it! Who knows, with different tyre pressures or something, to get you off the line a bit better, or maybe a still, cool night, you could get yourself a Mid-High 15! I reckon for us amatuers, most of our times would improve drastically by just practising more and more! Pity Heathcote is so far away! It would be good to just head up there on a Friday night, have a few runs then head home! LOL.

4.11's would improve it, that's for sure! I had 4.11's in it briefly, and man that was fun! But it did rev very, very high! LOL. Depending on house, and new motor situation, next near i might plan to have the Performer i have on, and see if it makes a difference at all!

[mr5000]

MRLXSS - 14.49 @ 94.22 MPH, 60ft- 2.22, 1/8 Mille - 9.34 @ 76MPH. Reaction time on that run was 0.652, best reaction time for the day was .5400

LC-069 - 15.11 @ 96mph

Tweetytorana - 19.42 @ 76mph, 60ft -2.79, 1/8 mile 12.35 @ 56.53 mph, reaction time 1.1328

Wraith75 - ?? @ ??

LX2DR - 19.68 @ 66mph, 60ft - 2.56, Reaction time 0.85

MR5000 - 16.8 @ 82.28mph 60ft 2.44 1/8 10.00 reaction time .854

73LJWhiteSL - 16.11 @ 84.35 MPH, 60ft - 2.34, 1/8 Mile 10.29 @ 67MPH. Reaction time 0.9468

[MRLXSS]

Lets see if this works.


http://jaycut.com/mix/45047/preview

Uploaded a video of my run.

Edited by MRLXSS, 09 March 2009 - 08:34 PM.

[LXCHEV]

Mmmm sounds tough!

[LX2DR]

Who took the video???

Could you take a passenger or did you drive one handed!!

Single car pass, with a passenger.

Only 2 people on the track at one time.

[MRLXSS]

Single car pass, with a passenger.

Only 2 people on the track at one time.

Yeah, Wraith75 was in the passenger seat taking the video. As LX2DR says, only two people allowed on the track at one time, so if you have passengers its a solo run. I think when a motor bike runs, its also just a solo run (unless against another bike)

I love the sound that comes from the video!! It sounds tough as!! Turn it right up if you have surround sound, shut your eyes and it feels like your in the car!!! LOL

[rodomo]

Yeah, that big mongrel Wraith75 was in the passenger seat taking the video.

What was your time for this run Matty? 1:20 + ?????

[LC-069]

Thanks Graham, some very helpful tips there