I took my 03 Z out tonight, for the first time, to Houston Raceway Park and I was feeling a little nervous, having very little 1/4 mile track experience. I went armed with a Vararam and a otherwise bone stock on F1's.
Let me say this, a good burnout takes a little patience and a little practice. I guess everyone looks a little clumsy at some point in time when they start. I won't go into detail and describe what I did wrong on each pass, but suffice to say it revolved around poor launching, to include a proper burnout. I ran three runs:
1. 12.916 111.65 mph 2.431 60 ft.
2. 12.795 113.91 mph 2.360 60 ft.
Then I got lucky, someone named JRod had been observing my runs because he to owned a ZO6. He intoduced himself and began to educate and explain. He was very cool, and a good teacher. With his help and advice I made one more pass.
I ran a 12.387 115.57 mph 2.052 60 ft.
Experience is the best teacher, and JRod I thank you for making my first track experience one I feel proud of. I know there is alot of room for improvement, and I look forward to future track visits. Drag Racing is a blast. Thanks, you the man.
Way to go man! JRod is the Mr. Miyagi of the quarter mile. I think JRod would shave all his hear off, strip down to his birthday suit, and join Jenny Craig just to reach his goal of 11.6
Originally posted by z06nut I think JRod would shave all his hear off, strip down to his birthday suit, and join Jenny Craig just to reach his goal of 11.6
That's what I'm going to do next time to the track for a 11.99
I enjoy reading post like this, it proves that people still care about other people. We are fortunate to have this site as a bond and link to one another. Kudos JRod! Bill
Way to go, Dust!!!!!!!!!! That is one sweet run for your first time out........it is one sweet one.....PERIOD. I haven't had my car out there yet, but want to get it there. Hopefully run into Jrod for a little clinic. Cheers to both of you!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't really think I could do him justice but this is what we talked about: lower rear tire pressure, get the tires hot, run your own race, prevent the car from bogging by paying attention to track conditions, being patient the first 4-10 ft., feeling/sensing the hook at anywhere from 20-30 mph, capitalize on each high rpm shift. Each has a number of tips-PM JRod, I'm sure he woudn't mind meeting you at the track.
Originally posted by ZO6 DUST I guess everyone looks a little clumsy at some point in time when they start. I won't go into detail and describe what I did wrong .........
Congrats on a very nice run. When I ran my Z last month at New England, on my first burn out, I first left my traction control on .So, I backed up, did a good burn out, and then proceeded to stage.(with my rear tires) Realizing I was "deep staged' ,I backed up and staged normally. And I have raced on this track for over 30 years( although not in the last 4 yrs ) ,but it just goes to show we all can look clumsy and make mistakes. Nice run !
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My 16th Corvette. 2001 ZO6. Lowered 2 in,04 shocks, HRE 547s, Mich Pilots,Eradispeeds, TPIS,Borla ,Cartek 2X, Blackwing/Power Duct,LS1 Edit,Kirban, DRM Roll Bar,Sparco, Specter Werkes rear facia and C5-R Hdlts, ACI splitter. 515 HP/471 TQ CSX1965@comcast.net
I ran into several Z owners this weekend at the track. I think it is important to pass along whatever advice you can. I know there are plenty of guys who can do better than I can, but it sure helps if someone can get you past that initial learning curve.
Once you get your 60's into the 1.9s and you run quicker than a 12.20 -12.30 without powershifting the rest is just finesse. Z06dust just showed that he is a competent driver, and with just a few "pointers" is as good as anyone else and has plenty of potential to smack me down after a bit more practice.
Hey Baron I have been know to leave T/C before so it happens to the best of us...
As for everyone else, thanks for the props. Most of what I covered has been posted by Ranger and Powershifter. A search of their posts will yeild a treasure trove of good advice. I will try to post some of my basic tips also.
If anyone else is ever out at HRP, or planning to be out there PM me or whatever. I am always around to help. It also helps that I am only 5 minutes away from the track. Its cool to get together with any of my fellow owners...
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Bill 
.So, I backed up, did a good burn out, and then proceeded to stage.(with my rear tires 
) Realizing I was "deep staged' 
) ,but it just goes to show we all can look clumsy and make mistakes. Nice run !
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