first drag race

[Outlaw Throttle Jockey]

I took my car out to Southwest International Raceway (the only drag strip here in Tucson) last week. My best time was a 14.4. URGH!!!! . Granted my reaction time was .432, I only went through the traps at 99.65 MPH. I spoke with some of the regulars and they said you can typically add a full second onto what cars are supposed run when running at this track. That comforted me a little bit, but still not very happy. I had trouble hooking up each time. It may be the track. Do most people let a little air out of the tires when at the track? Or would wider tires help? I was hoping to report better then this.

[JMatt]

Originally Posted by Outlaw Throttle Jockey

I took my car out to Southwest International Raceway (the only drag strip here in Tucson) last week. My best time was a 14.4. URGH!!!! . Granted my reaction time was .432, I only went through the traps at 99.65 MPH. I spoke with some of the regulars and they said you can typically add a full second onto what cars are supposed run when running at this track. That comforted me a little bit, but still not very happy. I had trouble hooking up each time. It may be the track. Do most people let a little air out of the tires when at the track? Or would wider tires help? I was hoping to report better then this.

Congatulations on taking it to the track!!!

1) Reaction time is irrelevant to 1/4 mile time or speed
2) Yes - most will drop to 32 pounds - some even less. My best results are at about 32 pounds
3) What was the temperature, and what were your 60' times?

[zmw]

remember reaction time has NOTHING to do with trap or ET, no worries best i was able to muster my first time out was a 13.69 which seemed slow to me when everyone was claming 12.9 12.7 this that and the other... seems MOST people are in the 13.4-14 range so don't worry about it... learning the car will help.

-Z

[Outlaw Throttle Jockey]

I don't remeber my 60' times, I'll bring in my slips manana. The tires are the stock 245 all seasons. I'm going to get new skins on it and the B&G stage II flash then give it a go again in a couple weeks.

[Moose]

Hey Throttle J. Welcome aboard. I see you're from Tucson.

You can forget about good times at that track. You have everything going against you. Tucson is actually high in elevation and this time of year is very hot. In order for you to achieve really good runs and a stock car you will need to wait for the winter and drive down to Firebird.

I'd say your DA was over 4500!!!

Moose.

[Brute SRT]

Originally Posted by JMatt

Congatulations on taking it to the track!!!

1) Reaction time is irrelevant to 1/4 mile time or speed
2) Yes - most will drop to 32 pounds - some even less. My best results are at about 32 pounds
3) What was the temperature, and what were your 60' times?

Drop to 32 pounds? Thats the factory recommended psi. I drop mine to 26 psi from 32 when drag racing along with a decent burn out. This technique has netted me consistent 2.0 60". This is done with the F1 tires though.

[familycar]

What was the DA? I'm sure the DA will account for most of that extra time. You wold be shocked at how much DA affects your time.

[srt8danno]

I wouldn’t beat myself for that time either. Considering the track conditions that Tucson would offer…..good luck. Do as Moose suggested and I’ll bet you’ll see a remarkable difference….and get rid of the All Season tires.