Okay, hope i don't get flamed here...

I took a trip down to the track last night. In fact, this was my VERY FIRST drag strip race ever!

I took my 2011 mustang gt with 3.73 with a BBR 91 Tune. I was using stock 18" wheels with the all seasons.

My reaction time was 0.618 and my 60' time was 2.1(??)

1st gear was fine, let off the clutch while giving steady, heavy throttle.
2nd gear came and my tires broke loose with the same amount of throttle and car started to go a bit sideways (let off the throttle a bit then)
3rd came after a 6800rpm shift from second, and i almost lost control since my tires would not grip. Almost at the finish line, i bounced off the rev-limiter and seem to not wanna go to fourth. As soon as the rev limited hit, i almost lost control of the car (AGAIN) and skidded a bit to the right, pressed on the brake, and finished off the 1/4 mile that way. SOOO EMBARRASSING! My fail time was 15.1 (this was at the las vegas speedway.)

Any tips besides better stickier, wider tires? Control my throttle better?

At least i wasn't the only fail, there was an 07 gt500 that ran 15.8 since he could not get traction 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear to save his life, probably a rookie like me as well.

p.s. i did not perform a burnout, don't know how this would've changed the outcome

ANY TIPS WILL HELP! THANKS!

 

Sounds like they had no track prep, was this just a track time for street cars?

A SHORT burnout to clean the tires off and put a little heat in them would probably help some.

Have you checked the air pressure in the tires?

I wouldn't run the tires real low on air presure but maybe just a little lower than the oem recommendation, maybe 30 psi.

Mostly what you need is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

Just need to get a feel for the track and the car.

Don't worry too much about cutting lights to begin with, or with 60' times. As you get used to what you are doing those will come.

Ultimately, drag tires are going to be the only way to get the best times. These cars just have too much power to be able to put the full power down without sticky tires.

The real thing is just to have fun with it.

 

First let me say that I'm glad you were at the track and not on the streets. I don't think a burn out would have helped much either with all season street tires. May have even made things worst. You didn't do too bad considering it was your first time out. Lowering your 60' time takes practice, even the pros screw up every now and then. I usually compensate with steering when she tries to get sideways on me, and back off just enough to control the spin and get right back in her. I try to shift a hair before hitting the limiter, so you have to keep your eye on the tach. For getting hung up in 3rd I think it might be the return spring on your clutch pedal. Many if not all '11's with manual have problems with high RPM and the pedal return spring. I forgot the details but there is a TSB out on it. True you are going to need some stickier tires and maybe some suspension upgrades to get better times. Also practice. Don't be embrassed or shame. Keep after it and stay the course.

 

Here is another thread already covering this topic with a lot of good pointers.

https://themustangsource.com/f669/dr...ewbies-434643/

 

I've gone drag racing before, but it was in a 220hp, FWD automatic. The runs were not what you'd call "breathtaking".

In any case, when I go to the strip in my '11 it will be the first time in a RWD vehicle, a manual, or anything with more than 250hp so it might as well be my first time ever.

The easiest way to avoid disappointment? Manage expectations. I plan on writing "N00B" in huge letters on my rear window with window markers before I start. That way nobody will expect me to go fast. If I do, then hey - bonus!

 

I really appreciate everyone's feedback and will definitely put it to use. Everything was stock in my car and I guess I was too unprepared for the torque jump the BBR tune gave me, early on in the RPMs. I was also in sport mode (i'm wondering if leaving the traction control on would've netted me a better time). The next open track day is next month, ON MY BDAY, lol! I'll definitely take it easy until i get real used to my car at such high throttle like that.

 

did you have stabilty control off? I wouldn`t thought car go sideways going that fast with it off?

 

Years ago there was a computer training program that helped you practice launches. I don't remember the name of it. It had a xmas tree and recorded your reaction times, 60' and some other stuff. It was a long time ago and I really don't know if it was any good. Maybe there is something like that still around. Just a thought.

 

I went for my first drags last night. its harder then playing around at stop lights. plus all the people looking on is awful.

 

Yeah, I get more nervous at a drag strip than I do on stage, and I get pretty nervous on stage. It's kinda weird, but at the moment you're staring at those staging lights and running through a hundred things in your head... do I have the right RPM? Am I going to feather the clutch right or am I gonna dump it too hard and spin out? God I hope I don't miss a shift... it's like crack. I can see why people are so addicted to it.

 

It's the ADRENALIN pumping...

 

Automatics rule on the strip.

 

they are kinda boring on the track. they are amazing for bracket racing

 

Elscorcho, I will be in the same boat with you whenever I get myself to a track. It will be my first time ever. Plus, since my spouse has a '10 Camaro 2SS RS, people naturally expect us to compete.

 

can you post your slips?

 

Really honestly the best thing you can do is keep going and getting experience. You will need to learn where you can launch the car and get the best traction without bogging. Learn where you can shift the car and keep as much traction, without short shifting to much.

practice practice practice man. Remember et is a function of traction so your launches are the most important part.


What was the mph?

 

I was using one of these to practice launches:

http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugede...earch&gid=3293

This is the same gauge that they use in the Boss 302LS gauge pod (but not Ford-Racing branded). It was a great learning tool to get some real-world feedback instead of going by butt-dyno or stopwatch. In retrospect, though, what I would do is find a way to mount it in a non-permanent way (like a small pod) and power it off of the lighter -- I have mine in an A-pillar pod and find the LEDs somewhat annoying now.

Edit: I see I'm not the only one -- They have a solution right on the page.
D-PIC Mobile Suction Mount w/ 12v Accy Plug