Ok ive never been to a drag strip. I know that theres one about twenty miles from my town and I think that they will be opening up soon. I would just like to know what to expect/ what to do. Ive only got street tires but do i still warm em up, where do you get your time slips from and all that. Its a small 1/4 mile track, I guess i better just have one of my older buddies in the car so he can walk me through it. It shouldn't feel like an intimidating thing but it is to me.

expect 1-2 seconds slower than you think

Good place to find out what works and what is bs!

Just because they spent alot of money, does not make it fast. It is all in the setup.

you will kinda intimidated the first time out....but that's normal...start with the basics...you car needs to be clean and have nothing loose on the inside of car....you need to wear a sleeved shirt and pants with shoes (no sandles)...make sure you have enough gas...check your tire pressure and car....etc.etc.....when you go to track....get their early..hours before race....because you have to 'tech' your car in.... K...when you get to track..you'll have to pay to get in at main gate....pay your money, and tell them your racing...they will have you sign a waiver there...drive slowly (speed limit) down to pit area, and when your ready..get in line to have your car tech inspected...fill out your tech inspection card...and just watch what others are doing...make sure you get a racing number too....if your car passes inspection..you need to wait until they call you 'to the line' to go racing over the p.a. speakers. When your class is called, drive down the staging road slowly, and get in line...if your in left lane you'll be in left lane going down drag strip...if your in right lane on staging road, you'll be going down right lane of track. (again watch others, ask someone if you need help, or ask and listen to track officials) when you get towards the front of line...be ready, in car, running, seat belt on, windows up....don't watch them racing, watch what others are doing...the official will tell you when to go onto the track...get into the correct lane and drive AROUND the waterbox (wet area on track)...you probably don't need to do a burnout if your on street tires...you can do a dry burnout (spin tires a little on pavement with no water), but to make it easy the first time out....just don't worry about doing a burnout.....the guy right next to you might do a burn out, but don't worry about it.....don't pull foward until the track offical signals you (don't do anything but pull onto your lane until offical says so)...when he does you'll pull up the the 'line'...sometimes there is a line or cone on side of track. Or watch the guy next to you....if you can't figure it out, the officials will sometimes come up and help you....but when you pull up to the line, on the 'tree' (where starting lights are)....it will have bulbs on very top...you light the top set of bulbs by crossing the laser beam with your tires, called pre-stage.....then you'll barely pull foward to light up second set of lights called staged (go slow cause they light up fast)....when those are lit, and your competetion lights his two sets....the race is ready to begin...so be ready...watch the lights...nothing else...you'll see either all 3 yellow light at once, then green....or you'll see each yellow light up one at a time, then green. when green lights, GO. (actually, you'll probably be better if you left when last yellow lights up, you'll get a better reaction time) But hit the gas and run down the track.....you'll pass either a line on the road, or the road will change from concrete to pavement...either way...where ever the finish line is....let off the gas and slow down. Usually on your left at end of track is a road to exit on....go on that road (obey speed limit)....you'll drive back towards the pits....somewhere should be a little building/shack, with an official holding papers (looks like a receipt)...pull up to them slowly and they will give your time slip to you...drive to your parking spot, and then read your timeslip. oh if you have a problem while racing....don't be afraid to pull over and wait for help...let's say you blow a radiator hose just after starting race...don't run the whole way down the track dumping water on track, pull over and wait for crew to come to you....anyways....also when you get to the track...ask for an rule book....in there should be a run down on how to race your first time also...but don't be afraid to ask for help....try to find someone to go with that knows what to do....once you get the hang of it, it's a blast..but it's very very addiction, so be ready.....good luck to you, hope you have fun and do well....sorry this post was all over the place and choppy, but that's how I type...hope this helps some, go ahead and ask me with any questions....

yea, that was very helpful^

Thanks 91interceptorZ, that was exactly what i was looking for.

Go when they have a casual street night/ test and tune for the first time. If you have a buddy that's been before, he can ride in the car with you and walk you through it, help you get past being nervous. Once you get the hang of it, then you can work on cutting better lights etc. Got to warn ya, it's kinda like taking that first hit off the crack pipe, it's very addicting.

Dan

I agree 110%.....that would be a very good idea....I have raced auto cross and drag racing for years....but last year I started doing road course racing, and even with my experience...I still went to a beginer session, and took an experienced driver (a friend) with me to show me the ropes.....and believe me that helps a TON!!! Dan's advice is very good.....get someone to race with ya and show ya the do's and don'ts.....that's the easiest and best way to do it....

Just wanted to add in here, great advice for newbies to drag racing!

I've never been to a formal drag competition but I plan on going. This advice is GREAT for what to expect and how to handle yourself. Thanks!

Make sure the battery is securly tied down (battery clamp) and the radiator overflow bottle (minimum 1 pint) is attached to catch any radiator coolant overflow. Carb must have a return spring ( 2 are prefered) and all wheel nuts must be installed.
13.99 et and faster and all convertibles require a helmet (usually snell 95 or newer{no "M helmets})
They frown on large lengths of rubber fuel hose. Use steel hard line and or quality braided fuel line. Short rubber hose with clamps is ok to connect fuel line. Take all your junk out of the car and leave it at home. Bring a pen that works (for your "tech card") and some white shoe polish if you are going to enter the Bracket Eliminator.
Tune the car up if nessessary so it runs correctly, before you go. (Ignition system spark timing spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor, new fuel filter, oil, trans fluid, coolant levels)

Very good info, for got about that stuff...I think the NHRA rules for rubber line is 12 inches max length, and I think that's total for car (i know some tracks don't check).....and also your supposed to, I think, run a drive line safety loop when going 13.99 or faster too.
oh also for the newbie's.....NHRA rules dictate the track rules, so it's nationwide...my rules here are supposed to be the same rules you have somewhere else.

Guys don't hesitate to ask if you have any more question...even if you thinks its stupid.

i would bring a helmet, the local track here makes u run a helmet in any vehicle regardless of your times. if your engine has leaks, clean the piss out of them. if they are bad leaks, that drip while running, dont take it to the track. its dangerous to the other drivers/cars and wont pass tech.