[adamknoxville]

What is the optimum RPM and and clutch release speed to get a fast start off the line with a Cooper S?
Each time I try I either leave a trail of smoke as the wheels spin away or I don't give it enough grunt and it crawls away untill the revs build up?

Any Ideas?

[Westy]

Hi Adam,
I hillclimb/sprint a Westfield in a roadgoing class. The intial launch is a critical part of the overall run because runs are so short. Also, a lot of venues split time at 64 feet so you can gauge your optimum start.
My 0-64 feet times are better than most and this is what I have found to be best:
I hold the engine at 3800rpm, then let the clutch out reasonably quickly (don't just drop it) and feed the throttle allowing slight wheelspin to prevent bogging but not spinning up. As soon as the tyres bite stamp on the thottle.
There are two key points:
Firstly: you have to find the optimum rpm for your car (probably higher than my Westfield) so as not to bog or spin up wildly
Secondly: Your throttle should be fairly light (certainly not floored) until until the car is rolling. So long as you have fed and not side stepped the clutch, you won't have bogged (your launch rpm will prevent that) and your initial light throttle will prevent initial spinning up.

It is a difficult balance, when you are practising just change one thing you do at a time otherwise you won't know where your improvement came from.

Think I'll have a practice on the missus MCS today. Awsome car, luvit

Kev.