I recently turned 16, and i have loved cars my whole life. My uncle and cousin drag race their mustang. Ive never been to the strip, but i would love to go. The closest one from Augusta. GA is Jackson in South Carolina. what all do i need to know before going out to the strip and learning the basics of racing? i dont want to race on the street because someone could get hurt and it is illegal. Does it cost $$ to go to the track? What should i expect there? Are the people ususally friendly to the new guys? What should i know about racing an automatic? Any tips (gas, tire pressure...). Post any suggestions to make things run smoothly for me.

thanks.

edit: drag strip is called Carolina Dragway and has a website:
http://www.carolinadragway.com/directions.htm

 

well if its like the track near me youll need 15 - 20 bucks to race. I need a race number which is 2 bucks for the season. A helmet, or maybe they have on to rent. Long pants. You probably only want time trials...

Might have to go to tech inspection to get you car tech-ed in. They usually tell you what lane to pull up in. When they call you lane follow everyone else. watch the signals that the guys working at the tree give you. If running street tires dont go through the water box. That just spreads water down the track and pisses everyone else off. When you get to the line watch for the single yellow light and double yellow at teh top of the tree and once the double yellow light are lit stop. Thats where you take off. Last yellow go.....
Bigest thing is to watch others before you go up and this will all make sense and to get a real good idea of what to do. I would watch a couple f runs before you go up though.

goodluck.. youl have fun.

 

thanks, ive been looking into the track and i think its only about a half hour away from here. it seems like a fun place and pretty professional. i dont want to be lost so ill probly go with my uncle and cousin, but i cant wait to start being able to drive my stang!

edit: i looked at the picture gallery form the track and every 9 out of 10 cars is a stang. seems pretty mustang friendly territory.