From race registration to the finish line and everything in between, How to Drag Race explains all the steps for successful drag racing, so the aspiring drag racer can easily setup his or her car, launch off the line, and quickly run at every racetrack. It offers the first comprehensive description of every aspect of drag racing, including car set up, driving techniques, class information, and getting active in racing at the local level.
Author Kevin McKenna, editor at National DRAGSTER, NHRA's weekly news magazine, uses 300 b/w photos to show you what to expect your first time out, how to set your street car or race car up for consistency and speed, and driving techniques for racers at all levels. He discusses tires, safety equipment, driving aids, such as line-locks and delay boxes, choosing a class, and advanced racer math. Special sections detail how to maximize your setup and strategy bracket racing success. If you have ever thought it would be fun to give drag racing a try, this book is for you. If you have ever thought it would be fun to give drag racing a try, this book is for you.
From race registration to the finish line and everything in between, How to Drag Race explains all the steps for successful drag racing, so the aspiring drag racer can easily setup his or her car, launch off the line, and quickly run at every racetrack. It offers the first comprehensive description of every aspect of drag racing, including car set up, driving techniques, class information, and getting active in racing at the local level.
Author Kevin McKenna, editor at National DRAGSTER, NHRA's weekly news magazine, uses 300 b/w photos to show you what to expect your first time out, how to set your street car or race car up for consistency and speed, and driving techniques for racers at all levels. He discusses tires, safety equipment, driving aids, such as line-locks and delay boxes, choosing a class, and advanced racer math. Special sections detail how to maximize your setup and strategy bracket racing success. If you have ever thought it would be fun to give drag racing a try, this book is for you. If you have ever thought it would be fun to give drag racing a try, this book is for you.
Introduction
Chapter 1: Drag Racing: A Sport of Universal Appeal
In the Beginning
How Far Can I Go?
The Basics
Types of Drag Racing
Chapter 2: How to Get Started in Drag Racing
Track Personnel and Job Descriptions
Basic Vehicle Prep (Safety and Performance)
Buy the Rulebook
First-Time Expectations
Chapter 3: How to Drive
Proper Warm-Up
Burnout Techniques
Staging and Launching
The Run
Shutting Down
Chapter 4: Safety Gear, Vehicle Prep and Smart Racing
Essential Safety Equipment
Brakes and Parachutes
Competition Driver’s License
Performing a Proper Safety Check
Between Rounds
Troubleshooting
Necessary Tools
Chapter 5: All About Tires
Racing Slicks
Tire Selection, Pressure and Maintenance
Radial Versus Bias Ply
DOT-Approved Racing Tires
Chapter 6: Improving Performance
Common Performance Upgrades
Moderate Performance Upgrades
Power Adders
Improving Performance Affordably
To Use or Not Use Race Fuel
How to Improve Driving Performance
Suspension Tuning Tips
Weight Transfer
Chapter 7: Driving and Tuning Aids
Aftermarket Tachometer
Trans Brake
Line Lock
Two-Step and Three-Step Ignitions
Delay Box
Throttle Stops
Weather Stations
Infrared Thermometers
Air and Electric Shifters
Practice Trees
Prediction Software
Putting It All Together
Chapter 8: The Basics of Bracket Racing
The Current State of Bracket Racing
Bracket Racing Versus Other Forms of Drag Racing
Understanding Reaction Time
Dial-Ins and Breakouts
Why Should I Bracket Race?
Chapter 9: Advanced Bracket Racing Strategy
Posting Consistent Reaction Times
Making Your Car Consistent
Choosing the Right Dial-In Time
Starting Line Tactics
Driving the Finish Line
Chapter 10: The Psychology of Drag Racing
Sizing Up the Competition
Visualization for Racing
Avoiding Distractions
Honesty Is the Best Policy
Tricks of the Trade
Chapter 11: Racer Math
How to Determine True-Win Margin
Using Math to Help Predict Performance
Tracking Your Round-Win Average
Recording Your Runs
Useful Formulas
Appendix A: Glossary of Drag Racing Terms
Appendix B: Drag Racing Run Sheet
Appendix C: Drag Racing Data Sheet