I know alot of guys on here don't go the the strip alot so here are some tips for getting your car to run its best and to have a good time.
1. Bring a Tire Pressure Gauge (Use the same one every time to get most accurate and consistent readings.)
2. Bring a pen (You usually need to sign a few papers and a tech card)
3. When going to the track generally drop your tires to around 25psi to start with in the rear. Put the fronts around 40psi for least rolling resistance.
4. Bring a trash bag. When you buy bags of ice they generally are very thin plastic and drip all over the place. To solve this put your bags of ice in a thick trash bag and then put them on your motor. Makes racers alot happier also.
5. For street tires drive AROUND the waterbox. By going through the waterbox without drag radials or slicks all you are doing is dragging water up to the line where it will hurt your 60' times and piss off other racers.
If you want to do a cool burnout for your buddies just do one in front of the waterbox not IN it. Ricers are famous for dragging water up to the line. Don't be like them.
6. Watch the other racers before you go up and learn how the lights work. Nothing is more frustrating than having someone have to back up 100 times because they go past the staging lights. By learning first you are taking pressure off yourself and others.
7. If it is your first time at the track don't worry about dropping all sorts of weight and aiming for the best 1/4 mile ET. Just go, learn how your car responds to certain tire pressures, launching techniques etc. This way you will be ready to be 100% at your second trip.No one ever runs their best times there first trip. It takes practice.
8. TALK to other people and learn about the little tricks like which lane to pick, where the groove is, weather conditios etc. Don't be one of those kids that just sits in their car the whole time in silence.
9. Try to let your car cool for about a half hour between runs for best results. If you have the choice push your car though the lanes so it doesn't heat up.
10. Try to have about 1/4 tank of gas. Anything more is just useless wieght. If you have a few extra pennies put some 93 in for kicks if your car is stock and doesnt necessarily need it.
11. For 99+ you can take out your passenger side headlight for a little ram Air effect. Some say it is worth a tenth in the 1/4. its only 2 pins holding it so it takes 20 seconds to remove and put back in.
12. For automatic try to brake stall the car to 1200 rpm and see how it responds there on your first run. For 5 speeds try a 2k rpm launch by slipping the clutch a little. Don't just dump it and light your tires up.
Thats all I can think of at the moment. If anyone has anything to add just chime in.
