New to drag racing ,picking up dragster 8/7/12

[FED 387]

Looking at the car it appears to be a BBC so ya got some power there as well as torque too---if ya have a rev limiter maybe the first few passes put say a 3500-4000 RPM chip in it till ya get used to the sound/movement /going fast /your surroundings etc then go up say to 4800 as you become more accustomed to whats happening..probably should concentrate more on burnouts/staging etc do not worry about "cutting a light" just yet. ya I know its slow but as you said you're not used to this!!!! another thing when ya take your foot off the throttle after making a run give the chassis a second or 2 to settle before ya push on the brakes---eliminates bouncing etc.---just some added thoughts

[FED 387]

another suggestion ya might also put on your firesuit/helmet fasten the belts like you were gonna make a run and just sit in the car for a while at home--these things tend to be a bit claustrophobic at first---learn to be comfortable and how to adjust the belts & where the controls are-- it will come to you but ya hafta go thru a learning process we all did and you did to with the other cars you've driven-FED387

[doglover44]

What class do you plan to run in ?

[Another Friendly Racer]

Suggestions:

1. Click the Biondo link at the top of classracer and purchase a practice tree. Find out what kind of lights it takes to win in whatever class you are trying to win at and get good at the tree.

2. Go to an NHRA points race and talk to Super Comp & Top Dragster guys. You have some of the best dragster cars & drivers in the country at these events. Most are willing to share their knowledge.

3. Don't cut any corners with your car. Saving a few bucks is not worth crashing (or worse).

[Thornhill16]

Thanks a lot guys i really appricieate it , as far as class goes im not sure what we would fall in , the guy said the car has electronics, delay boxes etc. so im guessing an electronic class , i was wrong on my date i meant 8/17 not 8/7 , so friday i should know more class wise i really do appricieate the advice guys this is all greek to me lol

[Bill Baer]

Well the most common are the bracket racing classes they are pro (no delay boxes allowed) and super pro which is for faster cars and allows delay boxes . Both allow you to declare you own handicap (dial in) the object of which is to do a better job on the starting line (reaction time) and beat you opponent to the finish line without going faster than your dial in. Go under your dial in and you lose.
Super comp is similar to bracket racing but the handicap for everyone is 8.90 the object of which is to do a better job on the starting line (reaction time) and beat you opponent to the finish line without going faster than 8.90.Go under 8.90 and you lose.
Most super comp racers have a timed throttle stop to slow the car down to 8.90.
I would suggest that after you have some laps under your belt and you get your competition drivers license that you try super pro at one of your local tracks. But be for warned most super pro racers are experienced and tough to Beat.

But not unlike baseball "it's the fact that it's hard that makes it great"!

[1855sc]

go over every nut, bolt, lugs, spindles, 4 link, etc. take the body off and check to make sure no broken frame rails before you make a run. Start off slow and work your way up as previously stated.