1/4 mile launch tips

[Matt Kennedy]

Thanks guys. Just went live with a large project at work so I was working overnight - had plenty of time on my hands.

Don, Excellent point about the air pressure in the tires. I forgot to mention that I normally lower my rear tires to 15lbs at the track. Also, regarding straight axle vs. IRS - if you do have IRS that is another very good reason to NOT hammer it with a high-rpm launch off the line. Those half shafts cannot take the abuse. I personally know someone with a 500 hp car that broke 2 half shafts on his 1st and 2nd trups to the track trying to hard launch. He then had custom, over-size shafts made and then broke one of those before throwing in the towel (although all he really had to do an easy launch and he'd have been fine).

Lastly, I almost forgot one other tip that greatly improved my reaction time. This will seem silly but it makes a big difference. When staged and ready (assuming you have a std shift) let the clutch all the way out until it is just at the point where it catches. Leave your foot on the pedal right at that spot. You'd be amazed at how much faster your reaction will be vs. having to lift the pedal all the way from the floor. And remember reaction time can be key to winning a race but it has no reflection on your ET or your trap speed. Be sure to stop pick-up your slip after each race. Our track has a small shed like building in the return lanes where you stop and p/u your slips after each race. Check your reaction times. On a .500 tree you should be in the low .500s.

Have fun!!!

p.s. Here is a pic of launching using the roll away start technique. With some practice you really can hook pretty well. Notice how the rear is squatting and the front is lifted way up. And if you look really close you can see I am lined up with a late model Corvette. The crowds always love the cobra/corvette races.