Santa Pod launch technique

GazHyde

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It's a one off fee (think it's either £20 or £30) and you can run the strip as many times as you can in the time. The amount of runs you can fit in is determined by how many others are there, and the weather conditions.
 

oldcarman

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I'm here @Dino D the best launch I've found with my little M44 is RPM's at 2500 and no popping the clutch. Ease it out to avoid wheel spin and as you're going go to full throttle, pull second gear at 6,000 without taking your throttle off the pin.. Don't rev over 6k if you have the clutch delay but get that clutch in and out as quick as you can by slipping your foot off as it hit's the floor. That way you should be quick enough to keep the revs up and the clutch will catch up. Same into third gear. You should be near the finish line by now so judge whether or not you need to go to fourth or not. How are they running your light tree? One yellow to green or ?? If so, release the clutch as the yellow flashes to take up the delay in the clutch. You may need a couple of try's launching on the rubber so adjust your release so you come out with no wheel spin and let the motor build but be ready for the 1-2 shift it happens fast!! HTH
 

Dino D

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Hi Jim,

Haw you had yours Dow the strip already?
No clutch delay valve here thankfully!
How does that change things?

Keep the throttle pinned? You must be quick with the change. I'd have done that in one of my Hondas but I don't think I'll push it that hard, the shift on the BMW feels too 'heavy' for me to try shifting it that quick, especially 2-3.
I'm sure there are guys that do and I'm just to soft on it...

Will try it on Reggie first to get the hang of it.
 

oldcarman

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The only thing I'd change then is the timing coming off the amber to green. Wheel spin is your enemy and costs precious time. Yes even with the dreaded valved line I shift that quick but if you're afraid of the 2-3 shift just let off for a second, if that long, the throttle! Remember it's the car that crosses first wins so the quicker you shift the less power you drop by backing off the throttle. Ideally you only want to see a couple hundred RPM's drop on any shift and work to cut that to as close to no drop as possible and you'll be successful! On your 2-3 shift literally bang the lever into third don't waste time zig zagging it into third. It takes practice and more practice but it's coordinating leg, feet, arm, hand that gets you to the winners box. My sister, RIP Barb, was the only person that could make a 2-3 shift nearly as quick as me back in the day and she used to street race for $$ on Friday nights and make a bundle. Good luck and don't be afraid to experiment with launching RPM's just don't spin those tires, it's costly time and moneywise!! JIM
 

Dino D

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good tips Jim thanks:

Re the wheelspin, I hear Reggie needs a new set of rears anyway...
 

pgunter

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Well people. I watched one turbo go to the makers as well as an E46 prop shaft let loose. Some people were really trying hard to get a good start without realising that the surface is sprayed with a grip fluid.
 

Lee

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Drop the rear tyre PSI down to 15 to maximise the grip.
 

oldcarman

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Agree totally @Lee drop the rear tire pressure and up the front to give less rolling resistance. With the rears it is dependant upon getting the pressure down to a point where the tire structure is not compromised but puts the largest tire footprint on the track. It takes some experimentation but the trick is to find a launch style and repeat it exactly the same everytime as that's the only way you'll get a true read on changes you've made. Keep a notebook to track 60' times by marking down any changes to each and every run. HTH. JIM
 

Redline

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Sounds like we need a practice track :whistle:
 

oldcarman

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Would help @Redline as long as you also get the Xmas tree. A great way to work on reaction time is to by the NHRA DRAG RACE CD and work on your computer to train your eye brain and hand coordination. This will translate to your foot/hand once you start on the track. Then it's practice, practice, practice to get to a point where each movement is consistent everytime you launch. HTH. JIM
 
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