TorchRedBeauty

I'm new to street legal racing, but am going to IRP on Tuesday to do some racing and have a few questions. According to the rules, you need a helmet for vehicles running 13.99 and quicker. Will a newbie like me with a completely stock car be able to come close to that (i.e. should I buy a helmet)? Also, do you guys do a burnout before a race to heat up your tires? Any tips would be appreciated too.

-Thanks

1fast05GT

Get a helmet (or borrow one) just in case. Burn out with stock tires IMO is a waste of rubber. Go around the water box even if you are going to do a burn out (don't want to get water in the front tires). Make sure to turn the traction control off. Make sure A/C is off, and all windows up. Take off at around 1,800 to 2,000 RPMs if racing with stock tires (if to much wheel spin try 1,500 next run). shift gears at 6,000 RPMs (speed shift - don't power shift - It'll break traction with stock tires) Hopefully this will help. Good luck.

RetiredGeneral

Get a helmet... nothing sucks worse than running 13.99 on your first run then having to go home...

I've found that doing a burn out on street tires didn't make much difference... most tracks have that sticky compound on the ground anyway.

Don't forget, leave on the last yellow. If you wait for green, you are too late...

TorchRedBeauty

Thanks for the tips, guys. I'll make sure to locate a helmet before going just to be safe.

As for breaking traction, I assume you want to avoid the chirp going from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd when speed shifting? Or, is it not a big deal since it is such a short chirp.

-Thanks

dc_mann8

no, chirp them hard, shift hard, as long as it isnt losing too much traction, chirping is alright but if it spins for a bit then its too much,

as for the burnout, no dont do one it may actually hurt your traction, and will waste your tires.
just when going up to the line give a quick spin of the tires for a second to clean off dirt, rocks, anything. and good luck!!

speedemon

My 2000 GT ran 13's stock so Your 05 better run a 13

dRiBz

wtf, i thought 05s run 13.5 stock, then how does a 2000 run 13.

TorchRedBeauty

I knew that the 05s CAN run in the 13s, but I'm not that confident in my driving yet to assume that I can take the car to it's limits. With some practice maybe...

But, I will find a helmet to borrow just in case.

Spencer069

good luck post results

dont forget for help remove spare tire ETC

Orion_240

A couple of questions that might help others:
What is a good model of helmet? I have only experience with motorcycle helmets (Bell). Is there a type specifically for auto racing? Price range? Any links to reputable sites?

Also 1fast05GT, why do you suggest turning the traction control off? I thought having it on would keep it from doing a burnout at greenlight.

With Auto do I shift it or just keep it in D?

Some good tips so far all. Keep 'em coming.