[Markac]

I went to the Bristol Dragway for Street Fights today, and didn't do so hot. It was a half mile track. I went a total of 4 times. First time I got around a 16.5, second time I got a red light (don't know what the hell for, the other guy took off before i did), third time I spun the tires AND missed two gears ending me up with 17, and finally, the fourth time, I got a 15.1. I lost by like a car's length to a Camaro with nitrous (he said it automatically sprayed at 3k rpms). I started out beating him, then every time I shifted I fell back a bit. I guess I need to work on my shifting (only been driving a stick for two months). I totally forgot to turn off my Traction Control, guess I should next time huh?

Anyone have any tips for improving my time? I want to get closer to 14 seconds because that's the slowest class I can compete it. Also, any mods I can get with a couple hundred bucks to get as close to 14 as I can?

I drive a 2002 Mustang GT, stock except for exhausts.

[347stroker]

Practice, Practice, Practice, it just takes seat time. A couple hundred could get you a CAI, pullies, STS, any number of things. Good luck with your class though.

[Markac]

Another issue I have is that this is my daily driver, what are the chances that I break down at the track? And are there precautions I can take to keep it from happening?

[347stroker]

Dont powershift, our tranny's usually dont last long doing that. Stay off the rev limiter haha. There is always a chance your gonna break at the track, something we all face every time we stage.

[Markac]

So I guess instead of spending that couple hundred on mods, keep it for repairs?

I actually didn't plan on racing when I went, but once I got there I had to, and now that I have I'm addicted. I want to go back every weekend for the Street Fights event now, lol. I knew I shouldn't have raced. =\

[347stroker]

I wouldnt go that far haha, its just a chance you take. Its very addicting and a money pit. Ive had my car a couple years now and only had to replace the rear tires and change the oil. I dont rag my car out by far but im not afraid to get up and go when Im feeling like it.

[SteviGX]

our tranny's can take a powershift, its just getting it slammed wrong or missing that kills it. I had my tranny rebuilt after i bent the fork and i powershift quite often and it's holding up. We will see how long that last, *knock on wood*

[drazga97]

what elevation are u at? with enough practice u can get into the 13s with a stock gt. ive done it myself with bald tires and just a jlt and i dont consider myself to be an amazing driver by any means.

[tom2000r]

Originally Posted by 347stroker Dont powershift, our tranny's usually dont last long doing that. Stay off the rev limiter haha. There is always a chance your gonna break at the track, something we all face every time we stage.

I ran in the 10s with a stock t-45

[Markac]

According to the drag tracks web site:
Elevation: 1,475 feet above sea level

[drazga97]

find out the conversion next time you go. it should be somewhere in the low to mid 14s.

[jlaw98gt]

Originally Posted by Markac Another issue I have is that this is my daily driver, what are the chances that I break down at the track? And are there precautions I can take to keep it from happening?

AAA

[Markac]

Does AAA offer something for drag racing?

[jlaw98gt]

no but they can tow you home when you break something =)

[dude496]

Half mile drag track???? You mean quarter mile traps with quarter mile slow down area, right?

[Markac]

Originally Posted by dude496 Half mile drag track???? You mean quarter mile traps with quarter mile slow down area, right?

Yeah... guess I said it wrong, meant 1/4 mile.

Oh, and I found the time slip for my best run:

R/T: .575
60: 2.307
330: 6.320
1/8: 9.741 @ 73.15
1000: 12.613
1/4: 15.016 @ 95.91

I noticed that every time I shifted I slipped further behind my opponent:
R/T: .505
60: 2.532
330: 6.528
1/8: 9.771 @ 77.15
1000: 12.557
1/4: 14.879 @ 97.62

I would have won if it were an 1/8 mile... =\

[68 dlxcoupe]

man you need to get the rt's down and DAMN!!!!!!!! 2.5 60ft!!!

It all comes with practice bro. here's a tip DONT DROP YOUR TIRE PRESSURE WITH STREET TIRES

[DanTheMan]

Originally Posted by jlaw98gt AAA

FTW!! I got it after my alt went out

[White99stang]

here is the biggest advice for all you newbs racing, DO NOT FLOOR IT OFF THE LINE, IF IT STARTS SPINNING LET OUT AND FEATHER THE GAS AND CLUTCH TO GAIN TRACTION. I don't know how many times i see people just floor it off the line and figure it will get traction some day and then they wonder why they run a 15. The absolute worst 60ft you should ever get is maybe a 2.1. I will tell you now if you are just a young kid and the mustang is your only means of transportation and you are still paying for it i would not recommend racing. Cause you never know if something breaks and you cream into the wall, can you say no insurance will cover a car that was racing plain and simple and then you will be stuck paying for a car that you can't even drive cause its totalled

[the real shocker]

Originally Posted by 68 dlxcoupe man you need to get the rt's down and DAMN!!!!!!!! 2.5 60ft!!! It all comes with practice bro. here's a tip DONT DROP YOUR TIRE PRESSURE WITH STREET TIRES

a .500 bulb is perfect here... dunno about where you are


but yes, the 2.5 60's are awful

and yes, drop your tire pressure even with street tires, just dont do a long burnout