Launch a Car in a Drag Strip

This is an elementary guide on how to properly launch a manual, rear-wheel drive (RWD) car. The process of launching the car is possibly the most important part of a drag race. Improper launches can result in a significant loss in time and terminal velocity at the end of the run. Different types of cars require specialized strategies for optimum performance. For this guide, a car with rear wheel drive configuration is assumed. Anyone can learn from this guide but only experienced drivers and enthusiasts should follow the instructions provided below.

Steps

Assumption: The slicks have already been warmed up to operating temperature through a “burn-out” (keeping the car stationary and spinning the driving wheels).

  1. Depress the clutch once the car is ready at the starting line.
  2. Shift transmission to first gear.
  3. Maintain engine revolutions per minute (rpm) to about 50% of the maximum engine range (for example, if red line is at 6500 rpm, maintain at ~3200 rpm).
  4. Wait for the signal lights to turn green.
  5. Once green, move clutch to fully engage, modulating throttle input (gas pedal position) to balance rear wheel spin.
  6. Shift appropriately during the proper shift points and move up the gears.
  7. At the end of the strip, SLOWLY apply the brakes and follow directions away from the track.



Tips

Shifting at the proper shift points are essential and the reader needs to experiment and find the optimal range. This range depends heavily on the particular engine. Proper modulation of the throttle during first gear and a part of second is another important factor that requires trial and error. Perfecting proper shift points and throttle modulation is the key to fast times!

Warnings

  • DO NOT perform these stunts on the street.
  • Drag racing is DANGEROUS! ALWAYS wear proper protection gear.
  • Make sure ALL loose material in the car is secured properly.
  • The instructions presented are extremely detrimental to the health of the car. Repeated attempts can cause damage to the transmission or engine or both.
  • ALWAYS follow directions from the track safety crew.

Things You'll Need

  • A manual, RWD car with less than 350 horsepower (hp).
  • Track-specialized tires installed on rear wheels (known as slicks)..

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