Around the finish-line area are the scoreboards, where those on the starting line and in the stands will see the elapsed time and speed you just ran. If you look on the left side of the photo, you see the return road. The return road is an access road that runs parallel to the track and allows you to drive alongside of it to the time-card booth, where you will pick up your timeslip.
Once you are staged, the starter will activate the Tree. Normally, most street-legal nights run off a 0.500 Full Tree, in which each of the three amber bulbs will light separately with a 0.500-second interval. The three bulbs go on and off in sequence, and the green light comes on. (Experienced racers try and leave as the third amber comes on to gain a slight head start over their opponent.)
While street nights utilize the full Tree, there are other types of starting-line countdowns that can be used. As stated, the full Tree has each individual bulb come on at 0.500-second intervals. The other common form of the Tree's countdown is known as the Pro Tree. This is where all three amber lights come on at the same time and go off after a set amount of time, either 0.500 second or the more common 0.400 second. The full Tree format is mostly used in bracket racing, while the Pro Tree format is mostly used in heads-up and index-type bracket-racing competition.
Once the green light is on and you leave the starting line, focus on a spot straight ahead at the very end of the track, such as a gap in the trees. This will help you keep the car in the center of the lane, known as the groove. If you keep your eyes peeled on the track directly in front of the car, you are doing what's commonly known as "wheel driving." As you make your way down track, you will notice bright-orange Styrofoam blocks. These blocks are located on the centerline, or center of the track, and measure your elapsed time and speed at certain points on the course. The last block indicates the finish line.
When you get to the finish line, slow down and exit the track. Gradually lift off of the throttle and get into the brakes. Do not jump off the gas and slam the brakes. It's not necessary as you have ample room to slow down, and you could throw the car into a spin or other unwanted action. When the car is slowed down enough and you are near a turnoff, check your mirrors and your surroundings to make sure the car in the other lane isn't in a blind spot or about to take the turnoff the same time you are. If things are all clear, carefully exit the track and make your way up to the timecard booth where you get your timeslip. Once you have it in hand, slowly cruise back to the pit area and ready yourself for the next run. At no point while on the track should you take off your safety equipment. While you may think things are safe while traveling through the shutdown area, something untold could still happen. Take off your safety equipment only after you have exited the track and made your way onto the return road.
It's a good idea to perform regular maintenance and check-up work before you go to the track. A proper battery hold-down is a must for safety.
Prerace Prep
There are a number of things you need to take care of before you take the trip to the track. An easy way to find out what you need to run your car is to pick up a rule book from one of the major sanctioning bodies such as the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) or International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), or from one of the Ford-specific sanctioning bodies such as the National Mustang Racing Association (NMRA) or Fun Ford Weekend (FFW). A rule book normally costs about $10. Thumbing through a rule book allows you to familiarize yourself with the sport, what it's all about, and what you may need to go racing.
Each rule book has an overview of the sport, along with rules and specifications for each category that competes. For the average street enthusiast, however, there are some basic things to know. Make sure you have a valid driver's license as you won't be able to race without it. The age to race is dependent upon each state's legal driving limit, and in certain states, such as New Jersey, your age also determines how fast you are allowed to go. For example, in the Garden State, if you are 17, you cannot record an elapsed time quicker than 12.00 seconds or run a car that is not equipped with DOT-approved tires. Once you turn 18, you can go as quick as you want, granted that you have the proper credentials to do so. Also, if your car runs quicker than 13.49 (convertible) or 11.50 (hardtop or coupe), then a rollbar is needed.
If you plan on using the tires you drive on daily at the track, check their condition and tire pressure. If your shoes are showing low tread or a few cords, they might not be safe to run on. While checking the tires, pull out a torque wrench and double-check the lug nuts, and make sure all of the wheel weights are still in place. At high speed, a wheel weight that has fallen off can cause serious vibrations that lead to numerous problems. If you plan on using slicks, make sure the sidewalls are not cracked and there are no flaws in the tires themselves. Also keep in mind that, if your slicks are tubeless, metal screw-in valve stems are required on cars that run 11.99 or quicker. Also, make sure the wheel studs are long enough to protrude or enter the lug nuts by at least 7/16 inch. If the studs are too short, you won't pass tech.
While you're at home, don't forget to check all of the underhood hoses and lines to make sure there are no cracks in them that could cause a leak. Now would also be a good time to check the fluid levels on the car and perform other light maintenance, such as putting in new spark plugs. | 
It's a good idea to pick up a rule book from sanc-tioning bodies such as the NHRA, the IHRA, the NMRA, or the FFW before you go. Thumbing through it will help you know what you need to have on your car before you go to the track, and what class your Mustang or Ford will fit into. |
Drag racing is an affordable and safe way to show off the power of your ride. Who knows, maybe one day you'll wheel a Pro car like John Nobile's. | |