Obviously, I'm not as good of a driver as I thought I was.

I didn't even know how the track works.. the lights, how to line up etc..
I moved out a bit too far on the 1st run and tried to move back a little bit but it wasn't enough and i got confused when the lights didn't count down.. then all i saw is the red light and i hesitated for a second then punched it.. spun like hell

result - 17.1
3.7 60'
-.6xx RT.


2nd run after waiting for 2+ hours... red light again.. got too anxious and there was some problem with the lights as they didn't get to the count down so we had to wait for a little bit... but anyways, i couldn't wait and jumped early on red again..
2.7 60'
16.1

both times
i trapped at 88 mph.


i felt like i shifted alright, right near red line and very quick but i was spinning a little too much..

i'm very dissappointed in myself..
i wish i could get more runs in but i spent a good 5+ hours there and only got 2 damn runs..

I'll be returning next week in hopes of better times.. i can't launch for sh*t.



oh yea,
it's a 97 5spd with a dirty cone filter.. my goodyears are gone too but would it make that big of a difference?

 

Hey Steve. Dont worry about the red lights. Next time switch gears 1-2 @ redline, 2-3@ 62-6300, 3-4 @6000.

 

I switched 1-2 at just about redline.. 2-3 the same.. and i didn't shift into 4th at all..

i just can't launch for sh-t

 

How do you launch? I get best results launching of idle. I cant do that feather the clutch bs.

 

Launching a five speed can be tricky. Honestly, I think the best way to get better is practice. You can read all the advice in the world, but until you learn to meter wheel spin, it can be challenging. I am no expert myself, but a few launches helped me at least learn the right ballpark to be in. I'm not condoning illegal activities, but I just went out to a desolate road and practiced a few. Of course the track is different, but you get the feel for how much wheel spin is optimal. With a little practice, you should be in the mid to low 15's easily.

 

i also launch best at idle, but i havent been to the track since last summer.... when i put my y pipe in which will hopefully be soon im gonna hit up the track and see what i can run...

with the 6 speed its tough getting a good launch if you bring the rev's up and slip the clutch.. you have to be too precise between giving it the right amount of gas and feathering the clutch the right amount

 

man dont beat yourself up ! that sounds about like what happend to me .. i took off spinning in first so bad i wasnt moving ! smoke was going all over the place , so i let up a bit and shifted into second and the same thing ...!

just have fun your first few times .. and it sounds like to me you had a blast and dont know it ..all that sounds crazy !

you will bounce back in no time, this whole track thing gets addicting and is to much fun.. im always thinking will i see the same people again, with new mods will i whip them, or did they get new mods. just that kinda stuff .

on the tires .. i would get some new ones soon, especially if your going back .. GET DRAG RADIALS !! maybe that is just for crazies ...im going to do it soon .. but hopefully i can be in a position to have two sets .

hey good stuff and keep me posted .. im dying to get on the track and have a good time !

 

thanks man, i definitely had a great time despite getting in 2 runs, running horrible times and waiting forever.. I am going to go again as soon as i have some time and try different launching methods..
i'm currently looking for some new wheels and will throw new/good rubber on them.. The goodyears on my stock 16s squeal in regular turns.. they suck bad.

 

Practice makes perfect. My first time to the track, I ran a no lower than 16.2.

 

Be VERY worried about red lights!

Why? Because the second you trip the light, the timers start. You had better be going WOT if you get a red light or you're going to be VERY slow.

Example #1

A consistent 15.0@92mph Maxima stages and the tree starts counting down and on the first amber the driver accidently rolls thru the beam and the red light turns on, but he stops and still waits for green. He ends up running a 16.5@92mph with a 3.2 second 60' and a .112 reaction time.

Example #2

The same Maxima lines up and stages. The tree starts counting down and he takes off too early and red lights again. This time instead of waiting for the green he goes WOT the whole way. He ends up running a 15.0@92mph with a 2.20 60' and a .451 reaction time on the .500 tree.



Dave

 

I mean if he gets a red light it is not a big deal just keep going.