Drag radial info needed

I have nowhere near that horsepower, but have been using drag radials for 15 years. 18 to 20 # is good to start. My Dart @ 2800 lbs liked 20#. Big smokey burnout is just wasting rubber.Others have also stated that too.I would just clean them off with a short burn.Now this was just me and my car,,,Your usage may vary. Also is the track prep good/bad where you attend ?