Jeepmon, The goal is to try to get to the stripe first and take as little as possible stripe. I like to shoot for .015 and less. Make sure you also know the finish line at the track. I know of some crooked finish line tracks.

Here is what I go by.

-Know that you hit the tree.
- Trust your car.
- Dial what you think it's going to run

If you know you hit the tree and you can trust your dial the finish line racing becomes much easier.

For example if you hit the tree and your chasing a guy down and you don't catch him....dump him right before the stripe. chances are he is either dead on or breaking out. If you are being chased and the guy hangs a fender on you push him out until the last minute then hit the brakes right before the stripe.

I wouldn't try ' sand baggin ' until you've got the stripe figured out pretty well.