Went to the track yesterday and the trans brake would not set immediately. Took a couple seconds to get it to second. Older a&a valve body. Not sure if it's in the brake or some where else.

Do a quick check of the trans adjustments
but it sounds like the brake is the issue..
slow to activate is dirt or a crack in the
brake.. pressure could be low

couple of seconds is a long time.... as always check the wiring. Band adjustment and associated parts ok? Another possibility is that it is setting, but creeping due to fluid loss. When my old Tranzact brake would set, but move forward a few inches, it was time for seals.

Another issue I had was second to third shift . It was slow going into third. Could this be related too each other.

I dont think so.. once the shifter is in either
second or third/drive the brake is not involved..
only in low/first gear(on MOST brakes.. there are
brakes that allow a second gear start)... look at
the line pressure

Clarify your first post. You said it took a couple seconds to second? Did you mean to "set" or to "second"?

Also.. low fluid lever will act that way

Since 3rd gear is the front clutch and the front clutch is also used for the brake, I'd say it's likely. (Worn seals/rings, leakage)

So the teflon seals are bad?

No it took a couple of seconds to set the brake.

You will have to drop the valve body, inspect the case for damage or cracks and do an air check on the front clutch port. It should produce a clunk sound when applied. Excessive air leaking is also a sign a something is failed or not put together right. If it appears to be OK, you could try another VB. Were it me, I would just get it out, air check it on the bench and/or pull the drum and look at it. Verify or fix it and try another VB if I don't see anything obvious.

No mention of having a problem going in to reverse. The A & A brake, like others uses the front and rear clutch and the L/R band for the brake. You could also have an issue with the rear band servo. If you pull the valve body check the rear servo apply too. A rubber tipped blowgun should apply the band with no leakage. The front clutch apply the same - but you may hear some leakage because you are dealing with sealing rings and a bleed orifice.

The front band has nothing to do with it?

Front band has nothing to do with the brake, in a 3 speed. Front band applies to get it in to second gear. Releases on the shift to third. A slow to release band will affect the 2-3 shift.

I have had this happen twice in the past 14 seasons of racing. Both times the solenoid was replaced and the problem was solved.

After air checking I would have to agree with cl440. A recent experience with a CRT valve body leads me to believe either dirt or electrical issues with the solenoid.

Ok. The valve body in this trans is from 1991. Hate to take it out if all it is is a bad solenoid. It is the original one.the pan did not have anything in it. It was clean.is there a certain part of the trans I should concerntrate on . I have own this trans since 2002 and never had and issue with it. Rebuild it ever year .

I'd call Rick at A & A and see what he says.

I check the trans solenoid. It doesn't seem to bang like before. Use to be able to hear it in the car when you pushed the button.

You can try to clean it - take it off and find the bleed orifice and backflush it with brake clean. Doesn't take too much debris to cause a significant leak. I would have hoped there would be a screen on the fluid source side before the fluid got to the solenoid seat. 26 years ain't bad 😀 For a solenoid.