Advice for beginner wanting get into drag racing?

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Kmrumedy

Kmrumedy

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Thinking about finally going to a track this summer. I have never raced in my life. In addition to safety concerns and mechanical issues, I guess in all honesty I also don't want to look stupid in front of people. Is that normal?

Before considering this further I am trying to educate myself before going anywhere near a track. I was looking for some good literature to read. I found these two books. ( How to Drag Race and How to Hook and Launch ). I have some of their other books on Holley carbs etc and they are good quality.

Are these a good start in terms of reference? Or is there a drag racer bible so to speak of what everyone uses?

[ame="http://www.amazon.ca/How-Drag-Race-McKenna-Kevin/dp/161325072X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400288323&sr=8-1&keywords=How+to+drag+race"]How to Drag Race: McKenna Kevin: 9781613250723: Books - Amazon.ca[/ame]

[ame="http://www.amazon.ca/How-Hook-Launch-Traction-Street/dp/1934709352/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400288732&sr=8-1&keywords=How+to+hook+and+launch"]How to Hook & Launch: Traction Mods for Street & Strip: Dick Miller: 9781934709351: Books - Amazon.ca[/ame]

What is the best way to approach drag racing for someone who has never done it.....is older...and not as reckless as he used to be! Lol! Any sites or literature you would recommend? Do they have racing lessons at tracks?

I did a search on beginners and novice on here but could not find anything.

I was hoping there was a Drag Racing Basics sticky thread or something similar.

Thanks in advance.
 
Go for it!

Some of the best times I have had.

Go to your local track watch and learn and talk with the safety inspector.

Get your car legal and go have fun!!!!
 
Front suspension and converter.

Go to the track and run it.
 
bad440 said:
you need money....[/QUOT
Yep. Depending on the output of your current internal combustion missile, the current NHRA rulebook, would be a good read.I don't recall,if it's available online,think it is. Or actually buy ,the book. Good luck!.
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You can either "spend money" and get the latest NHRA rules, or Google around and download recent copies. That is a must, at the least. Read the rules, and get some idea of what class you will be "in", and check the car accordingly.

At some level, you'll need a roll bar, and at some level, you'll need a certified cage. If you have either a trunk mount fuel cell or certain types of trunk battery, you'll need a firewall in the truck, and it must be so thick steel, and so thick for aluminum.

There are safely rules concerning such things as wheel studs, and if you are "quick enough" to need race restraints (belts) as opposed to factory belts, these much be certified or replaced every two years.

Then there's the special crap. Things like throttle stops, computers, RPM steppers, transmission locks, and so on. Some classes don't allow this stuff.

Unless your local track(s) are uncertified (non NHRA) backyard low ball (and probably uninsured) operations, gone are the days of showing up with some junk jalopy and running anyhow. Your, and others, lives depend on it.
 
I have to ask, what car are you planning on taking out the first time? There's no shame in getting your feet wet with a "slow" daily driver vehicle. I did it, and I'm sure most here did the same thing.

Just a little secret between us :D, I won my first bracket trophy (plus a case of oil and a pit pass) in a 17sec car.
 
I agree with just taking your daily driver down the track for a pass or 2. That will give you a feel of how it works...

Then take your fast Mopar :D :burnout:
 
Just go to the track and observe. Ask questions you have, here or at the track. Go out when they have test and tune sessions and run her through as many times as you feel comfortable with. Don't worry about making mistakes. We all do that when we are beginning. I remember taking a huge nap on the lights and even starting out in second a time or two. Let's not talk about about the first few times with the line lock! LOL
 
Taking a slower car is a great tip. Thank you. No pressure and no expectations other than learning. Thanks for all the tips guys please keep them coming.

It is the "controlled" burnout that concerns me. Only ever done them in abandoned parking lots with wide open space and lots of room. Some are good some are very bad.
 
Kmrumedy said:
Thinking about finally going to a track this summer. I have never raced in my life. In addition to safety concerns and mechanical issues, I guess in all honesty I also don't want to look stupid in front of people... Are these a good start in terms of reference? Or is there a drag racer bible so to speak of what everyone uses?
Click to expand...

If you still own a VCR this is a really good video for Drag Racing beginners.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VHS-from-street-2-Strip-NHRA-HOW-TO-DRAG-RACE-Frank-Hawley-/360781276786

Good luck, be safe, and have fun.
 
Kmrumedy said:
Taking a slower car is a great tip. Thank you. No pressure and no expectations other than learning. Thanks for all the tips guys please keep them coming.

It is the "controlled" burnout that concerns me. Only ever done them in abandoned parking lots with wide open space and lots of room. Some are good some are very bad.
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Take a gallon or two of water out to a lonely road and practice burnouts, and you'll discover that it's not that hard. If you are on street tires, you don't need a burnout. Drag radials and slicks, go to the track and see how others do it. Eventually you'll have a certain amount of time, RPM or tire sound you listen for. Go for it!
 
Never thought about bringing water. Another good idea. Thanks.

You guys have been very cool about helping out. I really appreciate it.
 
Tire presure gage, 4 way lug wrench, pump up srayer with water in it to spay on the outside of your radiator if it needs to be cooled down after a run, helmet, and a folding lawn chair and a small BBQ grill and make friends at the track, have fun and learn as you go.
 
My first time out was with a 73 cuda,318 w/2:76 gears in the rear, ran 20 sec.

The first time out, don't put any pressure on your self, you are simple making laps to learn.

Its a lot different in the seats, then in the grand stands.........and them grand stand can be vary intimidating from the drivers seat.:D

But soon the grand stands go a way and you focusing on that killer light.

Start with something stock and simple. you will have a blast, even though its not fast:burnout:
 
Just do it. Honestly not much to learn for your first time. If it just for a test and tune then do a burnout if you have slicks if not drive around the water and spin them a little. Pull up to the light and put one foot on the gas the other on the break and get your revs up then when the last yellow light flashes let off the break and keep your foot down until you pass the signs then hit the brake.

Now if your wanting to get competitive and win money then you need to go to test and tune first then ask questions lol.
 
Kmrumedy said:
Taking a slower car is a great tip. Thank you. No pressure and no expectations other than learning. Thanks for all the tips guys please keep them coming.

It is the "controlled" burnout that concerns me. Only ever done them in abandoned parking lots with wide open space and lots of room. Some are good some are very bad.
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Not trying to be a jerk here but how is a burnout bad. For drag racing you just power brake it for a few seconds then pull forward. And for your first time just out the car in drive, don't worry about shifting.
 
First off congrats on using your brain. I agree on previous posts. Go watch a little get a good understanding on the process. Start small and work your way up.
 
doogievlg said:
Not trying to be a jerk here but how is a burnout bad. For drag racing you just power brake it for a few seconds then pull forward. And for your first time just out the car in drive, don't worry about shifting.
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I have to say, if you haven't seen a "bad" burnout you haven't seen many. There is PLENTY of videos (at race tracks!!!!) of "burnouts gone bad" Everything from unexpected handling of the car, water on one side, broken axles, wheel studs, one where the axle came clear out of the car. I could go on, but I see no point

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v9_dOV9g6Q"]Redneck Burn Out Gone Wrong!! - YouTube[/ame]
 
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