How about an article on drag racing for beginners?

Maybe this has already been covered but:

I was sitting on an airplane last night reading GRM of course, when the thought occured to me that GRM runs lots of "get out on track, its not that hard" articles, but I have not seen one for drag racing. The only drag racing I have ever done is at the challenge, so, its, um, limited experience.

I know we have had some recent threads too asking for info. So maybe it makes sense. Some ideas for content:

• how to find events (and what types of events are good for beginners!!)
• what to bring
• quick rundown of tech/classing
• how to drive it
• car prep
• spectation

Thoughts?

In reply to Robbie:

That's not a bad idea. Drag racing is very Grass-roots.

I like this idea. Drag racing in stock classes is inexpensive, no special safety equipment required (this statement is based on info from 15 years ago, i don't know if stock classes require a helmet now) and your grocery getter will work just fine. It seems like a simple and even boring sport if youve never been involved, but that changes once you do it. Its like texas holdem, it takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to master.

you know how you sit at a red light and wait for it to go green before you go so you can beat the woman in the minivan next to you to the next light?

it's like that, except you get to do a burnout and they give you a piece of paper at the end that says how fast you went..

novaderrik wrote: you know how you sit at a red light and wait for it to go green before you go so you can beat the woman in the minivan next to you to the next light? it's like that, except you get to do a burnout and they give you a piece of paper at the end that says how fast you went..

Yeah, I've done that before. I think that piece of paper is called a "speeding ticket", right?

novaderrik wrote: you know how you sit at a red light and wait for it to go green before you go so you can beat the woman in the minivan next to you to the next light? it's like that, except you get to do a burnout and they give you a piece of paper at the end that says how fast you went..

The butthurt is strong here.

Go to the track on test and tune nights and most people will offer you advice/tips. Make sure your windsheild isnt cracked and your battery is secure. Drag racers overall are a friendly crowd if it isnt big money grudge racing.

My FIL used to bracket race and was apparently really consistent with his times. Apparently, much like Texas Hold-Em mentioned above, there was much wagering going on.

93gsxturbo wrote:

novaderrik wrote: you know how you sit at a red light and wait for it to go green before you go so you can beat the woman in the minivan next to you to the next light? it's like that, except you get to do a burnout and they give you a piece of paper at the end that says how fast you went..

The butthurt is strong here.

How so?

I just described what drag racing is. I found it very easy to do when i tried it and i enjoyed beating cars that i had no business beating.

We have written about it, but I admit that it was a long, long while ago. If there's demand then we'll have to look into it!

I'm trying to be less demanding but I'd like one.

novaderrik wrote:

93gsxturbo wrote:

novaderrik wrote: you know how you sit at a red light and wait for it to go green before you go so you can beat the woman in the minivan next to you to the next light? it's like that, except you get to do a burnout and they give you a piece of paper at the end that says how fast you went..

The butthurt is strong here.

How so? I just described what drag racing is. I found it very easy to do when i tried it and i enjoyed beating cars that i had no business beating.

I think he's implying novaderrik got beat by that mini-van.

There may even be an opportunity to tie it in with practice for Pro Solos, if you need the crossover.

I'd like to see at least how to launch a small 4cyl turbo without 1)breaking traction or 2)bogging down. Very few aggressive starts in the Abarth don't fall into one of those outcomes.

Hoping to hit a test-n-tune next year since I missed it this year. Just to say I've done it.

hmm, ideas to submit to the zine.....

David S. Wallens wrote: We have written about it, but I admit that it was a long, long while ago. If there's demand then we'll have to look into it!

How about following someone (maybe an editor) using a long term test vehicle that is both a novice drag and autocross racer. Track their progress of the vehicles performance and benchmark each week with an experienced racer. Written as two separate experiences that acknowledge the other, determine if the crossing over helps either way. Record the last portion at the Challenge for ultimate tie in.

Jerry wrote: I'd like to see at least how to launch a small 4cyl turbo without 1)breaking traction or 2)bogging down. Very few aggressive starts in the Abarth don't fall into one of those outcomes. Hoping to hit a test-n-tune next year since I missed it this year. Just to say I've done it.

Slip the clutch like you hate it and want to replace it immediately when you get home. Works really well for street tires and drag radials on fwd cars. Or get slicks and dead hook and figure out what breaks first.

David S. Wallens wrote: We have written about it, but I admit that it was a long, long while ago. If there's demand then we'll have to look into it!

Rabble rabble rabble

John Brown wrote:

David S. Wallens wrote: We have written about it, but I admit that it was a long, long while ago. If there's demand then we'll have to look into it!

How about following someone (maybe an editor) using a long term test vehicle that is both a novice drag and autocross racer. Track their progress of the vehicles performance and benchmark each week with an experienced racer. Written as two separate experiences that acknowledge the other, determine if the crossing over helps either way. Record the last portion at the Challenge for ultimate tie in.

For what little it's worth, I like this idea.

Here is what the magazine should do, team up with Flyin Miata to send me an LS car next spring. I will then drag race it for an entire season, at no charge to the magazine, all the while chronicaling the experience in a most eloquent and engaging manner. It would be a sacrifice I'm willing to make for my fellow readers. Because im a giver.

I'm interested in an article, too. However, there is a ton of stuff aimed at novices on the net already. What I'd like to see GRM do is maybe a three way tutorial, using low and high powered FWD and RWD cars. Perhaps make it a multi part series, including how an LSD, different tires, clutch materials and such affect launching. Maybe include a bit about how to stop safely at the end and avoid hitting the wall.

It's something every car guy should get out and do a couple times. Around here, the local 1/8th mile track has open test n tune / "Import night" on Thursdays. Roll up, pay the man at the entrance, line up and run all night. Bring a helmet if you can break into the 8s and some require long pants. They never even looked at the car.

It's an interesting scene. I've used it as a poor man's dyno, to bed in brakes and break in engines in race cars, etc.

There is a lot to be gained by knowing how to launch your car and getting quantifiable data on RT and 60' times.

The first thing to know is that you most likely will be bracket racing. Bracket racing is far from the Stoplight Grand-prix described previously.

Bracket racing is pretty much a game of consistency off the line and a car that runs the same every time. Beating the guy to the end is good, unless you went faster than you said you would, then it is bad and you lose even though you won. Got it?

Go to a test and tune. Drive like you stole it and have fun figuring out the tree and getting over the jitters every time you stage. Do a couple of grudge matches (My car is faster than your car). Check out some cool cars.

It is kind of like learning to shoot Heroin; seems complicated at first, but if the game resonates with you, you will figure it out in no time. Wont be able to help yourself actually.

David S. Wallens wrote: We have written about it, but I admit that it was a long, long while ago. If there's demand then we'll have to look into it!

Consider this post as more demand.

I volunteer to help testing. We can run the Datsun on street tires and slicks in multiple configurations. Stock converter, high stall converter, nitrous and not on both. Thats 8 combos.

All i ask is one of the advertisers send me a 3000 stall converter for an lsx 4L65e.