Drag racing for beginners

[sYc]

For those on here who see the posts and videos of other members racing their cars, who think it looks cool and a lot of fun, but are hesitant to do it, here is our personal invitation to you to join us at Beech Bend on Friday during SCR19.

What we do is not racing. Racing implies organized competition, which we are not real organized and certainly not competitive. There is no better place for someone who has never drag raced to learn, then at the SCR. Though the years we have walked many drivers, male and female, though their first pass, which is all it takes to get the hang of it. I would say 50% or more of our group made their first pass at a SCR.

Making a pass looks a lot more difficult then it really is. We have the track to ourselves, so no need to hurry, or worry about being embarrassed in front of others. Before your first pass we will be glad to take you to the line and let you observe others, answer any questions, then once you are ready, walk you through the process. If you want any tips, on racing, car setup, etc, any of our group will be more then willing to assist as well. What you need to remember is, all of us have been in your shoes.

IMO, the best part of any SCR is seeing the ear-to-ear smile when a racer returns to the pits after their very first pass and is looking at their time slip. As they say, "the most fun one can have with their clothes on".

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I once did my burnout in reverse! I forget which SCR it was, but try topping that for a rookie move! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

[JBALL]

Well said Tom.

I took my first pass at SCR 18. Yes, I tripped the lights, screwed up the burn out, slowed down before I went through the trap and red lighted twice. Bennie was right there to help me through these issues. Once I did get a good launch, it was a blast!

Added a few thing to the car for this year. Can't wait.

Jason Ball

[PxTx]

First time drag racing are special memories. Many were lucky for them to be at an SCR event.

The adrenaline rush when you pull to the line and your left knee is dancing around as you try to keep your foot on the clutch to finally dump as the light goes green and the car accelerates off the line. Yep, good times!

[earntaz]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I once did my burnout in reverse! I forget which SCR it was, but try topping that for a rookie move! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif</div></div>

Saw this happen a the old BeeLine Dragway -- except the dude in a 59' Chevy backed into the car next in line behind him ... ugly scene from there ... TAZ

[ted]

Had a 62 Vette 327 and I figured let's have a go at Napierville here in Quebec. Went out and bought a Second World War Naval gunner's helmet i.e. the one with the up and down flaps for the ears. Anyways, I put this thing on with no cinch strap and the lights come down. I pop the clutch and did not go anywhere but could smell rubber. I was sitting there spinning the tires wit smoke coming up from the street hides. I turned quickly to the left and don't the helmet spin and put one of the flappers in front of me eyes. I, as quickly as I could, turned the blasted helmet straight so I could see. Managed to blow the balancer off the front of the mill not far from the lights, maybe 60 feet out. Never raced again on a track for 20 to 30 years. Had cars, but someone else drove 'em.
This is the honest truth. Once a hero, always a hero, eh boys!!
T. in Montreal

[COPO CARTEL]

I have a good story my first pass ever I thought I missed the turn lane to exit the track ...so I stopped ...turned around and drove back up the track ....boy they were not happy with me but it was funny as hell

[earntaz]

Sounds like Ted was wearing one of those Floyd Turbo hats ... TAZ

[old5.0]

It's funny. I did a lot of street racing when I was kid, launching off a pair of flashlights. Despite that experience, I was still nervous as hell my first time on the track at the age of 18. Good times.

[sYc]

Not uncommon to see notes on the dash boards of race cars, reminding the drivers to do certain things. My Deuce had a couple. One, to turn the air on for the airshifter and the other for the transbrake (for reverse).

I need one for fuel pump. After my burnout I like to shut the pump off for a moment to clear the carb out. On more then one occasion I have left the line only to have the car fall on its face due to lack of fuel.

The first pass in the funnycar I was so nervous I left when the pre-stage bulb came on.

[ANDY M]

I am proud to say that my first pass was at the SCR in 2006. In fact it was the first time I had ever even been to a drag strip. Every word said is true, because if you don't already have the need for speed, you will after dropping the hammer on your gas for the first time, and holding it there til you pass the finish line at wide open throttle 1320 feet later. I am hoping to return again this year, once I get the rebuilt short block reunited with the heads I had rebuilt last year.(Seems I spun a bearing last year). <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif
Stuff happens, both on and off the track. Despite all that, this is the reason I call that car my &quot;anti-depressant&quot;. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif
Andy