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 color 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
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
A GOOGLE AD IS SHOWN BELOW-IT IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE PRODUCT ABOVE