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Etiquette for drag racers
#7457
11/27/03 12:22 PM
11/27/03 12:22 PM
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Anonymous
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Etiquette for drag racers.....is there such a thing?
What things should a first time track user be aware of so they don't piss off the seasoned guys?
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7458
11/27/03 12:48 PM
11/27/03 12:48 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,172
Park Forest, IL
slantzilla
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Park Forest, IL
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The biggest thing would be to ask questions BEFORE going on track, or at least just watch the starting line for a while to see how things work. Another big one is to make sure you know where the finish line and return road are so you can stop safely and get off track without crossing in front of the other car. Read a rule book. Lots of good information in there. It's up to us old-timers to help the newbies along, no matter hwat kind of vehicle they are driving. New blood is our future. 
"Everybody funny, now you funny too."
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: slantzilla]
#7459
11/27/03 01:10 PM
11/27/03 01:10 PM
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be sure you don't block someone elses pit space. I feel that the CARS have the right of way over pedestrians. Guys may be coasting back to their spot to help speed cool down, and they don't want to hit the brakes as they would then need to re-fire the car. Also, they may be trying to get into the lanes quickly.
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7460
11/27/03 01:20 PM
11/27/03 01:20 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,104
Wheels up, MO
nhramark
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Posts: 3,104
Wheels up, MO
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Quote:
I feel that the CARS have the right of way over pedestrians. Guys may be coasting back to their spot to help speed cool down, and they don't want to hit the brakes as they would then need to re-fire the car. Also, they may be trying to get into the lanes quickly.
ABSOLUTELY!! Every track should have this posted.
Also if you have to bring your kids, dog, etc., keep track of them. The racetrack can be a dangerous place for innocents like that, and it's your responsibility to keep them out of harms way.
[image]http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/nhramark1/library/Racing[/image]
9.100 @ 150 mph
5.780 @ 120 mph
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7461
11/27/03 01:26 PM
11/27/03 01:26 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,362
Out of the State of Confusion
blue_stocker
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,362
Out of the State of Confusion
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Real good valid points from all! Let's not forget about NOT leaving the cars in the staging lanes and wandering off to talk w/friends or check out something else, (jamming up the lanes when the staging director's trying to keep things moving smoothly) or blocking the staging lanes with ones pals in that ever-present 'Bull-Session', that can be addressed from another place, preferably out of the way! One note to the 'experienced' racers...try to remember the early days when we ALL made mistakes (like we don't do these things anymore?!), be patient and helpful to the new folks, they need it, as we STILL do ourselves! Have a great time...*varoom*
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
Thomas Jefferson
Freedom must be repurchased by every new generation
General Daniel Jones, WW2 Tuskegee Airmen
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7462
11/27/03 01:34 PM
11/27/03 01:34 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,361
Las Vegas
Al_Alguire
I Live Here
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I Live Here
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Posts: 19,361
Las Vegas
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Good points above.
ASk questions. Drag racers for the most part are very friendly folks. If you are not sure about something ask. After all we were all newbies at one time.
Watch the cars stage. Try to get a feel for where the pre stage and stage beams are.
My biggest pet peave is courtesy staging. What this means is do not rush in and light both your pre stage and stage bulbs before your opponent has pre staged. Wait until both pre stage bulbs have been lit before you pull in to stage. If the auto start system is on(does not happen much at most tracks)you have seven seconds before 3 of the bulbs are lit until the tree starts. Some feel if you light both bulbs before they prestage that you are trying to gain an unfair advantage on them by making them hurry. I dont feel this way personally. If it happens to me I make them wait even longer before I pre stage. Besides it is called Courtesy Staging for a reason 
Be aware of where the finsh line is and where the return roads are and stay in your lane in the shut down area! In other words if you are in the left lane racing and the return road is on the right side the person in the right lane has the right of way. One of my only on track iincidents happened this way. I was in the right lane and was first to the finish line by over 1.5 seocnds. While slowing down in the shutdown area the other guy in the left lane continued to run under power in the shut down area. He cut in front of me to make the second return road and it was all I coudl do to avoid hitting him and ended up in the grass. Still not sure what his problem was. Just pay attention and know where things are at all times.
Also pay attention in the pits. Dont block someones car in or block a trailer. Watch for people on thier pit bikes, scooters etc, because they dont watch out for you. I wish folks walking and riding in the pits did but fact is they dont.
Go have fun, and dont be afraid to ask questions....Al
"I am not ashamed to confess I am ignorant of what I do not know."
"It's never wrong to do the right thing"
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: weedlayer]
#7466
11/27/03 01:59 PM
11/27/03 01:59 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,314
The Swamp
MegaDart
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The Swamp
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Mike, all the things mentioned are great advice, and there's lots more too.
I feel its best to go prepared, mentally and physically and also be well equipped. Lots of things you can do WEEKS ahead of time to prepare.
1st, have a gameplan!
what do you want to accomplish? You lookin' for 10's first time out or a nice straight launch?? You lookin' to cut a perfect lite or find your cars perfect shift point?? there's so much to this you'll only begin to learn the first time out.
Sit in the car and mentally go thru each step of the burnout, are you driving thru the water or around?? pre-stage, and stage, are you leaving on 2nd or 3rd yellow?? tbrake, footbrake?? Have you checked your tire psi, fuelpsi, ?? Make a checklist and go thru it every pass. As you accumulate data from your car and your driving skills you can then look to improve certain things like 60', rt, mph, etc.
also remember the tool you leave home will be the one you need. Its difficult if your driving the car to the track, if your trailering its much easier to bring what you need. Don't forget additional fluids for your car.
Most of all, have fun and make some friends, to me thats what racing's all about!
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: MegaDart]
#7467
11/27/03 03:26 PM
11/27/03 03:26 PM
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Wow thanks for the great advice so far!
I have found with the different sport activities that I have done over the years that there is an un-written set of rules to follow for common courtesy to your fellow participants.....and yes I would like to start out on the right foot  , so thanks again for the heads up on the "do's and don'ts"
Every single reply so far has giving me a head start in perparing for the big day in Feb of 04 when I start test and tune at my local track. This is where I will apply the suggestion that you guys are giving me now, because I want to be as relaxed as possible for the Vegas at the Strip meet im March of 04.
I will be printing out this thread for myself so that I can read it daily for the next couple of months, and make the suggestions given, become 2nd nature to me before hitting the track.
Thanks for the help guys, I knew I could count on you.....
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7468
11/27/03 03:47 PM
11/27/03 03:47 PM
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All good advice. And some more little points: (1) Unlock both front doors (2) Roll up the windows before staging (I got yelled at the very first time to roll up the driver's window!  ) In general, develop a routine that feels comfortable. Have fun! Happy Thanksgiving, too! 440shorty
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7469
11/27/03 05:02 PM
11/27/03 05:02 PM
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another thing- if it is a small track, and you get there early, see if you can have a chat with the starter. Let him know it is your first time, and that you'd would appreciate a bit of help. Keep your eye on him even if you do not talk to him. The guys running the water box at Englishtown, for example, are usually very good. They will put you in the right spot to start your burnout, let you know when to "hit it" and then let you know when to let off. Of course you can just do your routine and not completly follow their guidence such as a shorter or longer burnout. Sometimes they will even motion you (hand waving up, or thumbing up) to give a bit more throttle. When they know you are a rookie they will even help you into the beams.
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7472
11/27/03 06:23 PM
11/27/03 06:23 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325
Truckville, the capital of NY
85_Ram_4speed
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master
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Truckville, the capital of NY
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i really cant add any more to this then the others have said. i watched ALOT of racing before i did it---actually, i just finally got the nuts to go out and do it. study, study, study. like others have said, watch where the cars are on the line and see what they do. if you dont act like you know what you are doing and have attitude, then others will help you out. walk to the end of the track and see where the turn offs are, find the ticket booth AND , OBEY ALL TRACK SPEED LIMITS. countless times i have been almost hit by someone(usually a ricer) that was going far too fast in the pits.you will be nervous enough as it is so try to settle yourself down and dont forget to breath---seriously. i have been racing for a short time--about 10 years, but i love the feeling everytime i get to go down the track and get out of the car. experience is all for the taking here. good luck
Outcast Dodge guy.
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: 85_Ram_4speed]
#7473
11/27/03 07:24 PM
11/27/03 07:24 PM
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I can't really add anything either, But stress the watch, listen and learn factor. And don't concentrate on how much smoke the guy is making in the waterbox, watch him watch his tach and pull gears. and don't be amazed about how big a wheelie a guy just pulled. watch when he reacted to the light. Get the feel for everything going on. There is a bunch of things you need to remember when going racing. and a bunch of things you must do from the time you pull out of the staging lanes, until you shut it off in the pits.
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7474
11/27/03 07:40 PM
11/27/03 07:40 PM
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Well, I thought we covered everything but, I just remembered this little note for first timers. DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT IF YOU HAVE BEEN DRINKING OR ARE HUNGOVER, OR UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ANY KIND OF DRUG THAT CAN SLOW YOUR REACTIONS. It takes 100 percent of your concentration. If you break a axle, blow a tire, or find a greasy spot, you need to be able to react. And one more thing. If you blow something up, get it on the shoulder as quick as you safely can. I've seen people blow them up and let it roll down the track surface, causing a hell of a mess and making it dangerous for everybody after them.
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: Hemi_Jack]
#7475
11/27/03 08:15 PM
11/27/03 08:15 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,020
Pangaea
B5 Bee
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master
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Pangaea
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After reading the rules in the link from Hemi Jacks post, #11, shut down area rules, has never been clear to me. I've been drag racing off and on for 30 years. I've heard all possible solutions to who should pull off the track first in the shutdown area, or who has the right of way. I feel if the turnoff is to the RIGHT, the right lane should turn off ahead of the left lane so the left lane racer can see it's clear to turn off. In some cars it's hard to see out of the right rear, so the right lane, with it's good visibility out of the left window needs take control and exit first and in front of the left lane so the left lane racer knows it's clear. And if the turn off is to the left, the left lane racer goes first and in front.
Anyone have any other ideas of shut down area rules.
Cecil
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7476
11/27/03 08:25 PM
11/27/03 08:25 PM
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Here's a couple more; Don't do an across the starting line burnout if you have front brakes!!! Stay in the burnout area. Most tracks have a guy that waves you into the water box when it's time. If they don't, don't just sit in the lanes until the cars ahead of you take off towards the finish line, you need to be sitting in the water box, ready to do a burnout, when the cars ahead of you take off. Watch the car ahead of you, when he's obviously finished doing his burnout, fifteen dryhops, and is pulling his car into the beams, it's time to pull into the burnout box. Make sure that your neutral safety switch is working and make sure that your car is in park or neutral before trying to start it. I saw where a guy was letting his wife drive his car. She had been pulling the car forward in the lanes. When they were about one car away from their turn, she hit the key and nothing happened. In a huge panic, the guy jumps under the hood and starts the car at the relay. When the car started (the wife had left the car in gear) it lurched forward and almost hit some people. This sounds simple, but, keep it in your head that if you go through the finish line and the throttle stays wide open, just turn off the ignition. I've seen guys panic and go a long way past the finish line before they realize what to do, some have even wrecked.
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7477
11/27/03 08:55 PM
11/27/03 08:55 PM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,919
Long Island, NY
B1Ken
top fuel
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Posts: 1,919
Long Island, NY
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Quote:
I feel that the CARS have the right of way over pedestrians. Guys may be coasting back to their spot to help speed cool down, and they don't want to hit the brakes as they would then need to re-fire the car. Also, they may be trying to get into the lanes quickly.
This is one of my pet peeves. Guys come FLYING through the pits or staging lanes with the engine shut off. My son almost got run over by Mark Dickerson at Cecil County one day. There IS a speed limit in the pits. My son said he didn't hear him coming and he must have been going 30 mph. I feel that people who do this should be thrown the f*ck out BEFORE they kill someone. 
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: B1Ken]
#7478
11/27/03 09:35 PM
11/27/03 09:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,142
Central New York
slippery440
Crybaby440
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Crybaby440
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Posts: 1,142
Central New York
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Anyone going 30 at our track will get a a$$ chewing from the owner.Not to smart but we have the ricers and they most of the time are not to smart. How old was your son?
If the MODS did their job I would not be hitting the notify MOD button. LOL
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: slippery440]
#7480
11/27/03 10:07 PM
11/27/03 10:07 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,401
Tucson, Arizona
MRMOPAR
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,401
Tucson, Arizona
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At SIR we normally run at night and people who coast thru the pits with engines off, no lights, over that speed are idiots. If you hit someone you will quickly discover that the courts may not be sympathetic about your thinking you have the right of way because you are driving a race vehicle. 5 MPH in pits and return road is the rule here at SIR. That is to allow you to STOP if someone happens to wander into your path. At that speed you can probably not coast all the way to your pit location. Pedestrians in most states, and in AZ, have the right of way, not some smart a$$ in a race car. Further, the pits can be very crowded, and someone backing out of a space with the engine running may/can not hear or see you. Use a lot of caution.
Also the jerks that bring all their "quads, golf carts, and motorized bikes", and then let their kids and family cruze around the pits like it was their own race track. Personally if they outlawed all that stuff it would not bother me. At SIR the rule is that you have to be licensed to ride those things around anyway.
Pulling forward in the lanes with other cars, that depends. Here in Tucson the evening temps can exceed 100 degrees most nights. I DON'T start my engine and pull forward everytime the line moves. It is really no big deal if you don't do that. You are not going further than the front of the lane anyway until you are pulled out to the water box by the lane steward.
Most tracks require at least one rear light on the car after dark.
Staging depends on the track. We don't do courtesy staging here. Some tracks do, you should watch what the locals do. I like the autostart. It gets rid of the guys who like to screw around getting staged. I usually wait for the other lane to at least light the top bulb before staging the rest of the way.
68 RR 528" INDY MAXX
07 2500 CTD
Southwest International Raceway - IHRA - Tucson, AZ
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: slippery440]
#7481
11/27/03 10:26 PM
11/27/03 10:26 PM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,919
Long Island, NY
B1Ken
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Posts: 1,919
Long Island, NY
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Quote:
Anyone going 30 at our track will get a a$$ chewing from the owner.Not to smart but we have the ricers and they most of the time are not to smart. How old was your son?
He's 28 now and he knows his way around the track and he's aware of his surroundings. He said Dickerson came within a few feet of him and he was just about to cross over the road when he went by. I've also seen this guy do this and I think it's time for me to give this guy a talking to. I almost got run over by someone on a motor scooter that had to be going 40 mph through the pits at Maple Grove. He came flying around a curve and I never saw him coming. Also kids drive quads and scooters through dirt pits stirring up all kinds of dust. If your working on your engine at the same time it can really piss you off!
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: B1Ken]
#7482
11/27/03 10:37 PM
11/27/03 10:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,021
MN
JERICOGTX
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,021
MN
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Quote:
Pulling forward in the lanes with other cars, that depends. Here in Tucson the evening temps can exceed 100 degrees most nights. I DON'T start my engine and pull forward everytime the line moves. It is really no big deal if you don't do that. You are not going further than the front of the lane anyway until you are pulled out to the water box by the lane steward.
I'm guilty of this, and will continue to do so. As Bill said, you can not go very far anyways. I'll wait at lest 5 car lengths, or move when someone waves me forward. Tearing up clutch discs, and heat in the motor, to go 5 feet is a waste.
Quote:
Staging depends on the track. We don't do courtesy staging here. Some tracks do, you should watch what the locals do. I like the autostart. It gets rid of the guys who like to screw around getting staged. I usually wait for the other lane to at least light the top bulb before staging the rest of the way.
Courtesy staging, should be done at EVERY track. I do like the auto start also.
69 GTX
68 Road Runner
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: slantzilla]
#7483
11/27/03 11:26 PM
11/27/03 11:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,437
Omaha Nebraska
Brian_wo
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Omaha Nebraska
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Quote:
The biggest thing would be to ask questions BEFORE going on track, or at least just watch the starting line for a while to see how things work.
Another big one is to make sure you know where the finish line and return road are so you can stop safely and get off track without crossing in front of the other car.
Read a rule book. Lots of good information in there.
It's up to us old-timers to help the newbies along, no matter hwat kind of vehicle they are driving. New blood is our future.
coming from a guy who hasn't had much time to go race I can say this is great advice,when I finally had time to go I went to the line and watched the guys stage,watched where the first yellow came on then the second,also watched when the lights came down and at what point the guys were taking off,then looked at the reaction to see who was doing it right,after watching for at least an hour I went and got my car,pulled right up as if I had been doing it for years and when the light came down pulled a .530 for my first ever light 
Once I get done with this damned house I am going to get a car ready and start trying to go racing much more often,for the first time in many years I have a job where I have weekends off
who is that guy?
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: B1Ken]
#7484
11/27/03 11:33 PM
11/27/03 11:33 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,142
Central New York
slippery440
Crybaby440
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Crybaby440
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,142
Central New York
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You need to talk to the track owner.Ya those scooters are a pain in the a$$ here to.Like I said the tracks around here will not put up with that.Scares me after its dark and my car has few lights and little kids if not watched will run out into the pit roads.
If the MODS did their job I would not be hitting the notify MOD button. LOL
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7485
11/28/03 12:36 AM
11/28/03 12:36 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,840
The Swamp
Sixpak
master
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master
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Posts: 6,840
The Swamp
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Best bit of advice I can give, aside from all the other comments, is to make your first time racing at the track on a test and tune night. Usually the atmosphere is a little slower, no great rush to get everyone's time trial in before eliminations, not as many cars typically, and you can embarass yourself in front of fewer people in the stands.  Get the bugs out of your car, and you, on test and tune nites. When you are ready and know the drill, try elimination day.
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7489
11/28/03 03:41 AM
11/28/03 03:41 AM
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Anonymous
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How about being carfull when your opening your doors in the staging lanes. Some of the lanes are quite narrow without much room to open your doors all the way. I have a nice little scratch and ding about the size of a quarter in my passenger door from someone in the Sportsman class flinging the door open into mine. Show some respect for others property. Also dont be leaning on someone elses car or hanging your head through the window.........cant tell you howmany times I have had someone leaning against my car when I come back from using the bathroom.
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7490
11/28/03 08:35 AM
11/28/03 08:35 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,918
Akron, Ohio
ProSport
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,918
Akron, Ohio
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Very good point, my drivers door needs some serious body work, one year the previous owner was at Norwalk, a tech guy opened the door on a windy day to tell him something, the door flies open and wedges itself into another car.  Norwalk did nothing to pay for the damage.
1970 Challenger, all aluminum 528 Hemi, HDK suspension, Tremec 5 speed manual
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: wildcargo]
#7492
11/28/03 11:35 AM
11/28/03 11:35 AM
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Anonymous
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Every reply to this post is excellent info. I would like to copy and compress it into a document form for the tech archives, for the first timers, if that would be Ok and Tom would agree to that, unless he's already doing that.
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7494
11/28/03 02:55 PM
11/28/03 02:55 PM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,919
Long Island, NY
B1Ken
top fuel
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top fuel
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Posts: 1,919
Long Island, NY
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Here's one I haven't read here. DO NOT do your burnout with a car sitting on the starting line. Most times the guy in the water box will signal you, but sometimes there won't be anyone there. My son used to run the tree at the local track here on Long Island. The owner was too cheap to hire a water box guy, so my son had to be the policeman. Some guy did a burnout with the two cars still on the line. My son walked over to him and had him shut it off. He respectfully reminded the guy, who was an experienced racer, not to do that anymore. Needless to say, the guy was not apologetic. He resented my 23 year old son telling HIM how to behave. There was also a group of street racers there with a $hit box T-bird with a heavily sprayed BB Chev. in it. They gave him a HARD time when he was tech'ing their car. REALLY threatening! The first time down the track the car got out of shape and crossed over into the other lane. The A-Hole got back on it and continued the run in the wrong lane. When admonished for doing this (not kicked out mind you) he said "WTF are you talking about? I went straight down the track! The owner, as I said, was too cheap to hire any security and wuold never turn anybody's entrance fee down. I wasn't too happy that my son had to put up with this Bull$hit, I can tell you.
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: 1BadLiLCharger]
#7496
11/28/03 08:27 PM
11/28/03 08:27 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY
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Master
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Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
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Quote:
How about, take someone with you that knows their way around a dragway.
Like 1 Bad said, this is one of the best things
you can do, because you cant remember all of the
stuff the first time out, take someone that has
done it before(hopefully a feeeww times), he can
help with tires, refueling and checking your
coolant over flow bottle and other things, YOU
as a beginner just cant remember ALL of it, have
fun and ALWAYS be SAFE
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: MR_P_BODY]
#7497
11/28/03 09:56 PM
11/28/03 09:56 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,437
Omaha Nebraska
Brian_wo
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,437
Omaha Nebraska
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Have a working neutral safety switch!
from time to time someone will start their car in gear while in the staging lanes,this leads to bent sheet metal,I know a guy this happened to,worse yet you squish a guy inbetween cars.
who is that guy?
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: Brian_wo]
#7498
11/28/03 11:53 PM
11/28/03 11:53 PM
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Anonymous
OP
Unregistered
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Anonymous
OP
Unregistered
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Quote:
Have a working neutral safety switch!
from time to time someone will start their car in gear while in the staging lanes,this leads to bent sheet metal,I know a guy this happened to,worse yet you squish a guy inbetween cars.
I hear an echo!!! 
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: MRMOPAR]
#7499
11/29/03 12:32 AM
11/29/03 12:32 AM
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Anonymous
OP
Unregistered
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Anonymous
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Unregistered
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Quote:
Quote:
I feel that the CARS have the right of way over pedestrians. Guys may be coasting back to their spot to help speed cool down, and they don't want to hit the brakes as they would then need to re-fire the car. Also, they may be trying to get into the lanes quickly.
This is one of my pet peeves. Guys come FLYING through the pits or staging lanes with the engine shut off. My son almost got run over by Mark Dickerson at Cecil County one day. There IS a speed limit in the pits. My son said he didn't hear him coming and he must have been going 30 mph. I feel that people who do this should be thrown out BEFORE they kill someone.
i NEVER said speeding or driving with the lights off was OK, yet you make it appear as if I feel that it is OK. My point was that pedestrians need to pay attention to what is going on, and not assume that a driver will stop for them or that they can just walk around not paying attention.
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7501
11/29/03 10:47 AM
11/29/03 10:47 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,918
Akron, Ohio
ProSport
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,918
Akron, Ohio
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Yea I can't believe "Jerks" bring their quads, golf carts, and bikes to the track so that their friends and families will actually come out to the track since they rarely do because of the miles and miles of walking that goes along with a day at the track.  Give me a break, slow down in the pits and take a few extra seconds to get back to your pit area. Every car should be able to make a run and get back to the pit area w/o over heating, if not they need a new cooling system or a quad to pull them back to the pit area slowly. The mopar nationals looks like the golf cart nationals and it doesn't bother me a bit, just more people to watch you rumble by.
1970 Challenger, all aluminum 528 Hemi, HDK suspension, Tremec 5 speed manual
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: B1Ken]
#7504
11/29/03 11:22 AM
11/29/03 11:22 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,841
S.E. Michigan
ZIPPY
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,841
S.E. Michigan
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The pits is NOT the place to check converter stall speed, practice your burnout, or see how your car hooks up.
Don't give everyone in your party a mini bike, quad, or other motorized vehicle and allow them to spaz out with it in the pits, and piss off racers.
Re: walking the track, great idea but I don't think anyone would take too kindly to stopping the program to let me walk it. And it isn't like I can walk it when there is a race going on, so when is a person supposed to do that? Get there before anyone else does, and just do it without asking? That would also be frowned on.
Agree 100% on courtesy staging, and right-of-way to the turnouts.
Easy instructions for courtesy staging: Do your burnout, then light the prestage light ASAP, then wait for the next guy to prestage and/or stage.
In other words, whoever finishes their burnout first should prestage (only) and wait for the other guy to pull in before he stages the car.
I have never seen the autostart turned off, ever. It always says it's on, on the timeslip.
I'm guilty of not being 100% ready at the perfect time, and having to take an extra second to cinch the helmet down. I wear glasses, and in the summertime they can fog up something awful when the car isn't moving, so I tend to wait. I figure I am better off taking an extra second rather than trying to drive blind.
Rich H.
Esse Quam Videri
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: ZIPPY]
#7507
11/29/03 06:13 PM
11/29/03 06:13 PM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,919
Long Island, NY
B1Ken
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,919
Long Island, NY
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Quote:
I have never seen the autostart turned off, ever. It always says it's on, on the timeslip.
They only turn the autostart off when you're testing a Super Gas car and your interested in your reaction times. That's when you get quick bulbed and you waste a run. If you complain, they'll likely give you a 5 second wait on your next run.
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: ProSport]
#7508
11/29/03 07:50 PM
11/29/03 07:50 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,401
Tucson, Arizona
MRMOPAR
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,401
Tucson, Arizona
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Quote:
since they rarely do because of the miles and miles of walking
Perhaps, In Jay Leno's words's, as one of the "fattest" nations on the earth, a little walking would do us some good.
You might also want to think about the fact that if you or someone in your family "hits" someone, you will probably be involved in a law suite. The tracks insurance does not cover you, the racer, and your own insurance frequently has a clause that allows them to hang you out to dry in such cases - participation in contest of speed. You could own a whole lot less assets in the future if that happens.
Most tracks with a web page, also have a first time racer page.. here is one:
http://www.sirace.com/rules/newracer.htm
Some key things, that have been covered before are:
1. NHRA requires at minimum a state drivers license.
2. Seatbelts - they may need to be SFI date coded and 3" width if your ET is 11.99 or quicker (13.99 or quicker if a convertible).
3. Safe tires (no cord showing)
4. All lug nuts in place. The wheel studs have to protrude thru the wheel and into the nut at least the diameter of the stud - and the nut will have to be open ended to allow the inspector to verify that.
5. No wheel covers
6. Radiator coolant overflow catch canister (the factory one may be OK) min 16OZ
7. No fluid leaks
8. Battery tied down
9. Long pants (no shorts allowed), and no tank tops.
10. If your car runs faster than 13.99 you will need an approved (SNELL 90 or better) helmet.
11. Opreational neutral start switch.
12. One functional rear tail-light for night operations.
13. 13.99 or quicker - drive shaft loop (on street tires your OK to 13.00)
14. If floorshifter - need a reverse lockout on the shifter.
15. Battery in trunk - you need a battery cutoff switch.
Your track may have other requirements too, and the tech inspector has the final say...
68 RR 528" INDY MAXX
07 2500 CTD
Southwest International Raceway - IHRA - Tucson, AZ
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: MRMOPAR]
#7509
12/09/03 02:03 AM
12/09/03 02:03 AM
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Anonymous
OP
Unregistered
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Anonymous
OP
Unregistered
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I know sometimes it is un avoidable... I know that, but at local small time drags/weekend deals. Shut the damn car off for the national anthem. Nothing worse than a couple of reds leaning over a Chivy Nova revving it to 8000 during the anthem. Nascar issues fines.
As far as safety...... nothing like a leaky overflow/fuel cell overflow..
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7510
12/09/03 02:09 AM
12/09/03 02:09 AM
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Anonymous
OP
Unregistered
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Anonymous
OP
Unregistered
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This is really going to hurt some feelings too, but you asked..
"10. If your car runs faster than 13.99 you will need an approved (SNELL 90 or better) helmet."
You have a 12 point roll cage, you bought a simpson 3 layer fire suit, you bought $140 simpson 2 layer gloves, you bought the No fear foil/heat shoes........ Yet your wearing a motocycle helmet... Its Snell 2000, but it is designed to take a different style of a hit and most important to me, is that it is not Nomex interior !!!!! Motorcycle is different.
As for people walking in the pits, if you walk in the pits like a wondering Gomer, then wonder in straight lines and be predictable. Seriously, be predictable.
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: Vert]
#7512
12/09/03 02:35 PM
12/09/03 02:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,619
Almost Heaven
B_Body_Bob
Master of nothing
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Master of nothing
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,619
Almost Heaven
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Quote:
any dive shop or ski shop shoud sell anti-fog for glasses.
Often under the brand name "cat crap". No, I'm not kidding.
Proof
Last edited by B_Body_Bob; 12/09/03 02:40 PM.
Everybody makes fun of a hillbilly until they need something fixed
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
#7513
12/09/03 07:10 PM
12/09/03 07:10 PM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,919
Long Island, NY
B1Ken
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,919
Long Island, NY
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Quote:
Nothing worse than a couple of reds leaning over a Chivy Nova revving it to 8000 during the anthem.
I call this a Chevy "tune up". At our local track there's ALWAYS some maroon leaning over the engine snapping the throttle open right after they pull it out of the trailer. We have a real noise issue with the residential locals near this track and yet every Sunday these guys still have to wing the engine in the pits for no apparent reason other than to listen to their own noise. I've had guys do this right next to me in the pits, while I was leaning down to check tire pressure. Like to blow my f**kin' ear drums out! PISSES ME OFF!
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: B1Ken]
#7514
12/09/03 07:47 PM
12/09/03 07:47 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,410
Weatherford, Texas
RapidusMaximus
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,410
Weatherford, Texas
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Checking the trans brake for operation in the staging lanes...no sh%t...actually saw a guy in the staging lanes do this at WOT..let go of the button and went into the car ahead of him plus about three others...police had to be called to control the near riot that broke out...incredible...
Last edited by RapidusMaximus; 12/09/03 07:49 PM.
1968 Plymouth GTX
1974 Dodge P/U Long Bed Stepside 318
2019 Ram 2500 6.4, auto, 4WD
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: MRMOPAR]
#7516
12/09/03 11:16 PM
12/09/03 11:16 PM
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Anonymous
OP
Unregistered
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Anonymous
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Unregistered
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WHAATTT?? SPEAK UP!!  Actually, yes, I already have permanent partial hearing loss due to (1) a bicycle tire inner tube exploding in my right ear (2) Playing in rock bands, and (3) hanging around loud race cars. It sucks. Wear ear protection! 440shorty
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: FastmOp]
#7518
12/10/03 10:41 AM
12/10/03 10:41 AM
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Anonymous
OP
Unregistered
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Anonymous
OP
Unregistered
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FASTMOP, that lil Valiant looked like an altered at first. That thing has stance !! Cool.
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Re: Etiquette for drag racers
[Re: 1BadLiLCharger]
#7519
12/10/03 10:52 AM
12/10/03 10:52 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
SE Nunya
Bubba
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
SE Nunya
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Quote:
How about, take someone with you that knows their way around a dragway.
Listen very carefully and Ask questions to people like pat. They will not steer you in the wrong direction.
He was very helpful this year at the classic.......Thanks Pat..
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