16. Shallow Waters
If you're going for low elapsed times, then shallow staging is the best way to accomplish this. Once you trip the top pre-stage bulb, ideally you want to roll forward just enough to make the stage bulb below it flicker on. It won't make much sense unless you understand how the timing equipment works, but the further away from the finish line you are, the more head start you get before the timing clock starts the count.
17. Dirty Thoughts
Believe it or not, the dragstrip is a dirty place. Aside from the fact that the pavement reflects the sun back up at you and you can get a full tan while wearing a sombrero, tire smoke actually has small particles of molten rubber lofting amidst the clouds, and it's easy to get covered in that and other grime. Bring some sunscreen and something to wipe yourself down with once you get dirty.
18. Baking In The Sun
While we're on the subject of sunburn, keep your tirepressure gauge handy and check it frequently. Tire pressures can rise quite a bit in direct sunlight, and you'll want to not only utilize the precise tire pressure for maximum e.t., but also make sure they're even from side to side.
19. Jack It Up
If you bother to bring a jack to the track, bring some jackstands, too. The hydraulic seals on floor jacks occasionally fail, and if they do, you don't want to be under the car without some stands.
20. Rev-Limit Abuse
Don't sit in the burnout box with your engine hanging on the rev limiter. You'll be cutting power at a time when you actually need it to keep the wheels turning. It's a safety mechanism designed to save your engine, and if you use it to make up for a lack in skill, you'll end up going even slower in the end.
21. Drag Racing Is A Solo Affair
If it's your first time racing at the track, leave the crowd of friends at home. That way, you can concentrate easier and won't have to hear your pals talk trash. If you've been to the track before, you don't need all of your buddies up at the starting line watching you make your hit. Unless you're behind the wheel of a seven-second car, there shouldn't be anyone at the starting line aside from the other competitor and the track starter. Depending on the track staff, you may need someone to help position you in the burnout box, and that's acceptable if you're strapped in with a harness, as it may be diff cult to see where you are. Excess people impede the flow of cars and, more importantly, emergency vehicles, which may need to get down the track in a hurry.
22. Safety First
Don't skimp on the safety equipment. It's your life that you're trying to protect. Enough said.
23. Don't Be Afraid
To ask questions, that is. The track workers are there to help you and will answer any questions you have. It's also a good idea to survey the track before you run. Find out which way the track turnoff goes, where the return road and timeslip booth are, and the location of the scale. Knowing the lay of the land will get you back to the staging lanes that much quicker, so don't hesitate to ask.
24. Cars, Not Carts
Check with your local track to find the rules regarding pit bikes and fourwheelers. Many tracks have age limits for motorized vehicles, while some don't even allow them.
25. Have Fun
Drag racing is all about enjoying your mean muscle Mustang and having fun going fast. Leave your problems and attitudes at the door, and everyone will have a great time.