Drag Racing Q & A

[Paul@1320]

With 3 drag racing Mini events coming up in the next couple of months I thought it would be a good idea to have a thread where we can discuss the do's and dont's of drag racing.

14th & 15th July British Mini Showdown

19th August Mini in the Park (track is open Fri & Sat)

23rd September The BMW Show (track is open Sat)

[Paul@1320]

Do have a go, It doesn't matter what your car runs or what the other car in the other lane runs, its a chance to have a bit of fun.

I have run as slow as 23 secs @ 58mph in a 3000kg 68 Pontiac Station Wagon, but it was fun.

[Paul@1320]

This is what they call the christmas tree, most RWYB (Run What You Brung) events like ours run a heads up pro tree like this;

RB Racing's .400 Pro Tree

In bracket racing they use a sportsman tree like this;

RB Racing's .500 Sportsman Tree

Have a go and see how well you do.

When on the track if you light your top stage bulb let the other person light both there bulbs before you move 6 inches to light your 2nd bulb then zone in on the element of an amber bulb and as soon as you see it glow, go

[Hartge220]

Thinking about having a run (or 2) at Mini in The Park, have you got any idea what they charge Paul?

What's the best launch rpm ?

Cheers
John

[Paul@1320]

John,

Its usually £20 for all day and as many runs u can get in.

Its whatver you can get away without wheelspining to much or bogging, a controlled turning of the tyre is what you're looking for, its finding that magic combination which is the trick.

[Hartge220]

Just checked out the MITP web site, £15 for three runs.

I'll be practicing some launches on my private test track

Looks like I'll only be able to make it on the friday though, Sat/Sun clashes with my mates pick up truck racing at Rockingham Motor Speedway, I got promoted to Crew Chief last weekend!

[Paul@1320]

Friday is what as known as a private test session so its £60 you can still get in for £10 or £12 for the day though.

[Hartge220]

Might come up & try & blag it, £60 is a lot though

I take it you'll be there for the whole weekend (including Friday)?

[Bhozar]

I'm going to be at the mini showdown on Saturday. Should do a few runs too. Cant work out from the website how you join classes to race, rather than just RWYB.

One very important tip I learnt last year: Dont forget to turn traction control OFF.

[Loui]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bhozar (original)

I'm going to be at the mini showdown on Saturday. Should do a few runs too. Cant work out from the website how you join classes to race, rather than just RWYB.

One very important tip I learnt last year: Dont forget to turn traction control OFF.

Why would you ever leave it on???????

I cant do the showdown but im hoping to be at MITP an the BMW show

[Paul@1320]

If you do a burnout and leave the traction control ON, do not attempt another burnout just drive out the water and nail it to clear the water then go into stage.

If you heat the clutch 3 times the clutch will slip, and it doesn't matter whose clutch you've got.

Or maybe its my driving

[Paul@1320]

[quote=Bhozar;3079300]I'm going to be at the mini showdown on Saturday. Should do a few runs too. Cant work out from the website how you join classes to race, rather than just RWYB.
.QUOTE]

The classes are assigned when you have your car scruitneered Bhozar, it'll be good to see you there.

Mini One Class E record 16.621

Cooper Class F record 12.571 @ 111.92

[Bhozar]

Quote: Originally Posted by Loui (original)

Why would you ever leave it on???????

First time I had ever been on a drag strip, I didnt do a burn out and then when I went for it the traction control kicked in and the seatbelt choked me. You leave it on because you forget to turn it off

[Bhozar]

[quote=1320autos;3079497]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bhozar (original)

I'm going to be at the mini showdown on Saturday. Should do a few runs too. Cant work out from the website how you join classes to race, rather than just RWYB.
.QUOTE]

The classes are assigned when you have your car scruitneered Bhozar, it'll be good to see you there.

Mini One Class E record 16.621

Cooper Class F record 12.571 @ 111.92

Thanks Paul. Hope your engine mount doesnt break this time. Last I saw you at the fast show you were doing well until that point.

I doubt I'll make it anywhere near that record. I did drag racing once last year after they dried the track out and put glue on it. I managed 15.1 on s-spokes and runflats that had metal beading showing. Added GRS intercooler, coolant hoses, new rad, light weight wheels/tyres. I intend to take out the back seats etc this time too.

[Paul@1320]

Everyone seems to think that the et is important which it is in heads up racing.

But for most Mini owners it should be the mph which is more important, because this will show how much horsepower you have once you know your weight.