Once your car is prepped,...
Once your car is prepped, make your way to the tech line. Depending on how early or late you get there results in how crowded tech can be. A lot of drag racing is hurry up and wait, so while you're chilling in line, feel free to socialize with others and ask questions of those who have been there before.
Once you're settled in, the next thing to do is fill out the tech card. Most tech cards for a regular test and tune consist of name, address, age, state driver's license number, some basic information about the vehicle, and a place to sign your name. With the tech card filled out and your John Hancock on the dotted line, proceed to the tech line, where a track official will look over your car and make sure everything is in order.
"When a car comes to tech, I look to see if it is solid and safe to race," Bailey says. "I make sure your tech card is filled out properly, that the driver has a valid license, and that, in the case of our street nights, the car has mufflers on and is within the decibel rating we specify.
"The best time to ask a track official a question is while you are at tech or in the staging lanes," Bailey says. "Also, you should pay attention at all times."
Make sure you have the proper safety equipment before you try to get through tech. You must wear a shirt with sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to not only race, but also to help out your buddy on the starting line. Double-check and make sure that your seatbelt works, too. Finally, a helmet is required to run your Mustang. "To get through tech, you will need a helmet that's K98 or better in rating," says NHRA Division 1 Technical Director Tony Romano. "For the average street enthusiasts, there is not a lot that you have to have, just basic things and a bit of common sense, like making sure there is nothing loose in the car and that everything is secure." One common mistake is to have a loose battery and no radiator overflow tank.
When it's your turn, a tech...
When it's your turn, a tech official will come over, take your tech card, and look over your car to make sure it's safe and legal to run. He or she will then look over your safety equipment and make sure it's all in order as well. After getting your lane assignment and number for the night, you're ready to cruise into the staging lanes.
"As the car's performance level increases, so does the amount of safety equipment and items that are needed," Bailey says.
It is also a good idea to give your car a good look-over before you cruise to your local strip. Make sure that any leaks are fixed. If track officials see your beloved Mustang or fast Ford dripping fluid on the starting line, for your safety, they will not allow you to make a run. Check all of the hoses and lines, along with their respective connections, and make sure there are no cracks or frays that could possibly lead to a leak. Also, make sure your fuel lines are secure.
While you're at it, check all fluid levels and top them off accordingly. While most of the newer Mustangs come with a factory-installed coolant overflow tank, if you have replaced that tired 302 with a hopped-up 347 stroker and a new radiator, install a coolant overflow tank on your own. If you happen to run an intercooler with your turbocharged or supercharged powerplant, make sure the intercooler is secure and leak-free. The same thing goes for those running a nitrous bottle.
 After your lane is pulled,...  After your lane is pulled, you will roll around the back of the starting line and, when directed, into the burnout box. You have a choice of whether or not you want to use water to heat the tires. If you don't, then drive around the box. If you do, roll through the box slowly and wait until it's your time to smoke the hides. |  Chaining or strapping the...  Chaining or strapping the tires securely to an immovable object, such as a light post or a tree, will keep potential thieves from jacking your wheels and tires. If you bring a chain, don't forget a lock. More importantly, stash the key in a place where it can be accessed later, such as the console or glovebox of your car. |  When you're done with your...  When you're done with your burnout, you are ready to roll up to the starting line and stage. Before you do, however, run through a checklist in your mind of things you need to do and have turned on. Make sure the car is in the proper gear and that all needed accessories such as an electric water pump and/or fan are turned on. Then slowly roll to the staging beams. |