Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? - Moparts Forums

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Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: 70HemiGTX] #1243073 06/01/12 10:11 AM 06/01/12 10:11 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 13,357 Marion, South Carolina [><] an8sec70cuda I Live Here
an8sec70cuda I Live Here Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 13,357 Marion, South Carolina [><]	Quote: Quote: Quote: I can find the stage lights on my own. I'm not blind. I haven't raced much, but I try to trip the pre stage and then immediately go in to the stage light and get ready to go. That way when the other guy is staged I'm ready and not hurring to get my rpms up. If that makes any sense. Not real nice to double bulb the other guy. You are supposed to wait till both are prestaged. I'm not trying to rush the other guy. I just want to get in there and be ready. I know there is a time limit on the lights. Like I said I haven't raced much yet. I'm just trying to get my crap in order so I don't have the other guy sitting there waiting on me. As for all the other people running around a car, to me that would be a huge distraction. All you're gonna do is make people mad if you double bulb every time you run. Wait to stage when the other guy has prestaged. CHIP '70 hemicuda, 575" Hemi, 727, Dana 60 '69 road runner, 440-6, 18 spline 4 speed, Dana 60 '71 Demon, 340, low gear 904, 8.75 '73 Chrysler New Yorker, 440, 727, 8.75 '90 Chevy 454SS Silverado, 476" BBC, TH400, 14 bolt '06 GMC 2500HD LBZ Duramax

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: codfish] #1243074 06/01/12 10:42 AM 06/01/12 10:42 AM
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,586 Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana ProStDodge master
ProStDodge master Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,586 Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana	As a track worker, and after standing on the starting line at several races, it is amazing how many cars are NOT lined up in the groove. Some are not even close. I am not talking just fun nights, but bracket races and divisional points meets. You will often see me helping friends on the line, mostly to ensure they are indeed in the "groove". The starting line is a tricky area, bald spots can begin to appear very quickly and are not always visible form the drivers seat. It never hurts to have that extra little bit of confidence that your in the right spot on the lane to get a more consistent launch, particularly on a car with border-line traction. How many of you drivers have actually had the opportunity to stage your car, then get out and walk around it to see how you are lined up? If you haven't done that, how do you know your "spot" is actually in the grove? A couple of inches one way or the other could make the difference between a perfect launch and a sudden pull to towards the wall. And while the track prep guys work hard, it is not uncommon for them to miss a few drops of oil from the previous car. The driver cannot see these well enough, so that is the spotters job. In a perfect world, the entire starting line area should be prepped and sticky, but at an event trying to run 300 cars down the track 7 or 8 times in a day, the starting line is not always consistent and the best place to be can move a little. Since bracket racing is all about consistency, why not try to have an extra edge and added confidence by knowing you are properly positioned and on the sticky part of the starting line? I am not talking about show boating, with 3 guys on the line, but just an extra pair of eyes to help the driver at one of the most important areas of the track. Just my , but you will never see me knock a guy for trying a little harder to win! Scott

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: an8sec70cuda] #1243075 06/01/12 10:50 AM 06/01/12 10:50 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,533 Alexandria, LA B Blucuda413 master
Blucuda413 master B Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,533 Alexandria, LA	A few years ago my crewguy said I was not lining up in the groove so I let him line me up as I come out of the burnout. His being there is not to help me find the lights, I can find them. This does 2 things, it makes sure I'm in the groove good and it gets him to be more involved in the run. It sure makes a difference to him. Double bulbs and deep staging. All of the tracks I race at have a courtesy staging rule and do not allow deep staging. If someone double bulbs me you better be ready to sit there a long time because I won't prestage. Several times I have montioned to the starter to back him up and almost always they do. A couple of times the starter has waved me on in and when that happens the track manager and the starter are going to hear from me. I have been redlighted before by the starter when I accidently deep staged. I couldn't gripe because that's the rule.

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: ProStDodge] #1243076 06/01/12 11:08 AM 06/01/12 11:08 AM
Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,058 bigfork mn D dragram440 super stock
dragram440 super stock D Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,058 bigfork mn	I race at Brainerd and they dont allow anyone at the starting line, Every once and awhile someone will have one person help them stage the car but you never see anyone at the line other then track oficials or maybe a photagrapher. Obviously some of the real fast classes that have a crew like in outlaw or something will have some people on the line. As for double bulbing someone, I dont do it and it just seems to be a no no! 67' charger 499 RB 10.57 at 127

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: joshking440] #1243077 06/01/12 11:19 AM 06/01/12 11:19 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 16,923 NC 440Jim I Live Here
440Jim I Live Here Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 16,923 NC	Quote: I will say for a turbo guy...its pretty nice to know that you are almost in the prestage.... that building boost on teh starting line, bump in....then the transbrake in the prestage beams and bump it on and off a few times to creap forward into the stage beams is a lot to do in just a few seconds I am sure there are a couple more examples of types of cars (ProStock, Funny Car, etc.) that really benefit from staging beam assistance. Excessive use of the clutch approaching, etc. However, in the bracket racing levels; I don't think anyone other than a pure beginner (first few races) should need help finding the beams. Now getting lined up correctly (straight, in the groove, etc) is another story and I can understand the benefit of an outside observer. I go to the track by myself, so even if I wanted it, nobody is there but me. 1993 Daytona, 5.50 at 130mph (1/8) 1.19 sixty ft (PG). Link to 572 B1 - Part 1

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: 70HemiGTX] #1243078 06/01/12 11:19 AM 06/01/12 11:19 AM
Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 20,630 in a cattle trailer down by th... G Guitar Jones Paddle faster! I hear banjo music!
Guitar Jones Paddle faster! I hear banjo music! G Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 20,630 in a cattle trailer down by th...	Quote: Quote: Quote: I can find the stage lights on my own. I'm not blind. I haven't raced much, but I try to trip the pre stage and then immediately go in to the stage light and get ready to go. That way when the other guy is staged I'm ready and not hurring to get my rpms up. If that makes any sense. Not real nice to double bulb the other guy. You are supposed to wait till both are prestaged. I'm not trying to rush the other guy. I just want to get in there and be ready. I know there is a time limit on the lights. Like I said I haven't raced much yet. I'm just trying to get my crap in order so I don't have the other guy sitting there waiting on me. As for all the other people running around a car, to me that would be a huge distraction. Double bulb someone around here and you'll get backed up right away. "Follow me the wise man said, but he walked behind" '92 D250 Club Cab CTD, 47RH conversion, pump tweaks, injectors, rear disc and hydroboost conversion. '74 W200 Crew Cab 360, NV4500, D44, D60 and NP205 divorced transfer case. Rear disc and hydroboost coming soon! 2019 1500 Long Horn Crew Cab 4WD, 5.7 Hemi.

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: ProStDodge] #1243079 06/01/12 11:23 AM 06/01/12 11:23 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 13,357 Marion, South Carolina [><] an8sec70cuda I Live Here
an8sec70cuda I Live Here Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 13,357 Marion, South Carolina [><]	Having someone line you up in the groove if you have a fast car is one thing...that I can understand. Also someone to turn on the datalogger. The rest is unnecessary. CHIP '70 hemicuda, 575" Hemi, 727, Dana 60 '69 road runner, 440-6, 18 spline 4 speed, Dana 60 '71 Demon, 340, low gear 904, 8.75 '73 Chrysler New Yorker, 440, 727, 8.75 '90 Chevy 454SS Silverado, 476" BBC, TH400, 14 bolt '06 GMC 2500HD LBZ Duramax

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: an8sec70cuda] #1243080 06/01/12 11:39 AM 06/01/12 11:39 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,421 Balt. Md 3 383man Too Many Posts
383man Too Many Posts 3 Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,421 Balt. Md	I can understand some Pro cars like to have someone let you know when you are just about at the prestage lite as some of them look as if they can be very hard to judge. But for the normal weekend racer I have to agree it is no reason for it unless you want to look like the bigshot. I do know that sometimes as I creep up to stage and it seems like as I keep rolling forward I sometimes find myself saying to myself in the car.......where the heck is that prestage lite ? But I would never need any help as I just keep creeping forward until I lite the prestage lite. I also dont know how people cant find the groove. As soon as I do my burnout I look for the track marks of the groove and I make sure my tires are lined up right in them. If I have to I back up to get in the groove marks. Then I roll up and prestage. If the other guy is not in yet then I wait for them to prestage before I go in and lite the stage lite. Dont matter to me if I am first or last. If I go in first then I just use their stage lite to get ready and come up on the converter. I will say at most tracks it really makes a difference if you are not in the groove. Ron

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: 383man] #1243081 06/01/12 01:11 PM 06/01/12 01:11 PM
Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 3,978 Hilltown Pa 1967dartgt master
1967dartgt master Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 3,978 Hilltown Pa	Hey 383man from your picture it looks like you are in the far right side of the grove. Just sayin! Brett Miller W9 cnc'd heads STR Chassis fabraction

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: 1967dartgt] #1243082 06/01/12 02:11 PM 06/01/12 02:11 PM
Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 13,247 Mt. Vernon, Ohio dartman366 I Live Here
dartman366 I Live Here Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 13,247 Mt. Vernon, Ohio	I have absolutly no problem with finding the beams,,,but I just cannot for the life of me find the payout window. Light travels faster than the speed of sound,,,this is why some people seem bright untill you hear them speak.

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: dartman366] #1243083 06/01/12 02:25 PM 06/01/12 02:25 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 19,361 Las Vegas Al_Alguire I Live Here
Al_Alguire I Live Here Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 19,361 Las Vegas	Quote: I have absolutly no problem with finding the beams,,,but I just cannot for the life of me find the payout window. Well I guess I need some serious help atthe division level too. I can find the beams and the win light on occasion but I will be damned if I can find the winners circle at those races "I am not ashamed to confess I am ignorant of what I do not know." "It's never wrong to do the right thing"

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: Al_Alguire] #1243084 06/01/12 02:38 PM 06/01/12 02:38 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,931 P Paul_Fancsali master
Paul_Fancsali master P Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,931	The quicker the jerks who play games get their cars staged the more passes available for everyone else. It pisses me off to no end that people have to play like a pro in regular cars. Also the 3+min to stage pro cars so we get two time trials in 5 hours on a test and tune night.In the old days out you go for screwing around staging

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: 1967dartgt] #1243085 06/01/12 02:50 PM 06/01/12 02:50 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,421 Balt. Md 3 383man Too Many Posts
383man Too Many Posts 3 Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,421 Balt. Md	Quote: Hey 383man from your picture it looks like you are in the far right side of the grove. Just sayin! Na thats just an illusion. Look at the right rear tire and you can see its right in the middle. Ron

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: Guitar Jones] #1243086 06/01/12 02:59 PM 06/01/12 02:59 PM
Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,058 bigfork mn D dragram440 super stock
dragram440 super stock D Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,058 bigfork mn	Quote: Quote: Quote: Quote: I can find the stage lights on my own. I'm not blind. I haven't raced much, but I try to trip the pre stage and then immediately go in to the stage light and get ready to go. That way when the other guy is staged I'm ready and not hurring to get my rpms up. If that makes any sense. Not real nice to double bulb the other guy. You are supposed to wait till both are prestaged. I'm not trying to rush the other guy. I just want to get in there and be ready. I know there is a time limit on the lights. Like I said I haven't raced much yet. I'm just trying to get my crap in order so I don't have the other guy sitting there waiting on me. As for all the other people running around a car, to me that would be a huge distraction. Double bulb someone around here and you'll get backed up right away. [/qu From what I understand it is legal to double bulb someone just not courteous. A good friend of mine got bitched out when he doubled bulbed someone with his turbo car trying to get the boost up! I dont do it. I see more people do it on accident then anything. 67' charger 499 RB 10.57 at 127

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: dragram440] #1243087 06/01/12 03:24 PM 06/01/12 03:24 PM
Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 20,630 in a cattle trailer down by th... G Guitar Jones Paddle faster! I hear banjo music!
Guitar Jones Paddle faster! I hear banjo music! G Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 20,630 in a cattle trailer down by th...	Courteous staging is a rule here, if you double bulb and don't back up yourself you will be instructed to do so. "Follow me the wise man said, but he walked behind" '92 D250 Club Cab CTD, 47RH conversion, pump tweaks, injectors, rear disc and hydroboost conversion. '74 W200 Crew Cab 360, NV4500, D44, D60 and NP205 divorced transfer case. Rear disc and hydroboost coming soon! 2019 1500 Long Horn Crew Cab 4WD, 5.7 Hemi.

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: Guitar Jones] #1243088 06/01/12 03:25 PM 06/01/12 03:25 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 19,361 Las Vegas Al_Alguire I Live Here
Al_Alguire I Live Here Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 19,361 Las Vegas	FWIW in the PSCA double bulbing is fine. I never do it but boy so they like to try it on me. makes no difference to me I can wait.. "I am not ashamed to confess I am ignorant of what I do not know." "It's never wrong to do the right thing"

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: Al_Alguire] #1243089 06/01/12 04:36 PM 06/01/12 04:36 PM
Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI MR_P_BODY Master
MR_P_BODY Master Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI	My friend was double bulbing all the time on drag week and I told him that wasnt the thing to do... I must have told him 10 times during the week.... he kept saying he forgot... he still does it once in a while

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: codfish] #1243090 06/01/12 04:43 PM 06/01/12 04:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 3,101 cincinnati ohio M mcat4321 master
mcat4321 master M Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 3,101 cincinnati ohio	i help with a unlimited 8.5 car. the tire size is 9 inches wide, it goes low 1.2x sixty foot. it runs low 5's in 1/8. it take a certain mind set to do that. in the time after the burn out, the driver needs to check all gauges, turn on nitrous, open bottle , find the best part of the track as possible , pre stage bump im... all while worrying about how the car is going to react... will it hook and go, will it blow the tires off? will it stand straight up?, all of which he has to deal with differently... so if anything having your buddy put you in the beams is just a little comforting. having him put you in the best groove is that much more comforting. and knowing he is making sure your perfectly straight, so you dont mow the tree if it wheels stands helps too. its a lot mental

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: mcat4321] #1243091 06/01/12 05:16 PM 06/01/12 05:16 PM
Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,008 Sweet Home Alabama M MRMOPAR622 top fuel
MRMOPAR622 top fuel M Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,008 Sweet Home Alabama	The Rules at most tracks say you can have 1 helper so why not use them.That's an extra set of eyes to help check every thing like oil or lose parts left over by other cars. Unlike a lot of people I can load my race-car in the trailer unload it and race it at the track all by myself I need no help what so ever,but it makes everything so much easier when you have good help.At the present I have 2 of the Best that I have ever had in my 25+ years racing,so yes they are going to be out there with the car every time. If you want to Win races you have got to be on top of everything that is going on,and 1 person just can not do that. 7231563-mmp02.jpg.jpg (53 downloads) Last edited by MRMOPAR622; 06/01/12 05:17 PM. "To Be The Man'You Have Got To Beat The Man" "T/D and Pro-Bracket Racer"

Re: Why do some need help finding the staging beams?? [Re: MRMOPAR622] #1243092 06/01/12 05:39 PM 06/01/12 05:39 PM
Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 9 WI. H hemi67s member
hemi67s member H Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 9 WI.	Stage with your rear tires,window down and AC on. LOL!!! Seen alot of guys do that. Seems like most had mustangs. "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" Ben Franklin

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