First time at track tomorrow, EVER

[GQ4Life]

Originally Posted by Steers

Ok, I'll just get general info out right from the start so you guys know where I'm coming from.

Bone stock 2SS M6
First manual ever driven (I've had the car for exactly 1 year this month)
...and the biggest factor, I'm only 19 years old.

What does help though is my dad also owns a '10 2SS M6 and ever since I've owned my car he has shown me what to do/not to do, how to shift properly, how to shift quickly, and how to shift when letting the car run loose, assuming that helps with this. This is also my first trip to the dragstrip sub-forum and I'm reading through threads that relate to the giant wall of text I'm typing out now to try and get at least some knowledge pro-actively.

Now, I'm not the type that drives around acting like top dog because I was lucky enough to get this car at such a young age, nor do I want to even pretend like I know what I'm doing when I go out there tomorrow, so I'm coming here to ask for help.

I pretty much just want a basic rundown of...

Before even going on the track, is there anything I should practice?

Anything "on" the track I'm a complete newbie, so I would GREATLY appreciate a basic/general/quick walkthrough of things to avoid doing, Trac-On/Off or Comp. mode during, what RPM range should I aim to shift at, and when shifting do I let off the gas completely to shift or "powershift" is what my dad called it (I think?) when he taught me...aka not releasing the gas at all when shifting.

I get enough criticism as is for being so young and having a car "my daddy bought" so please try to be rational if youre going to rag on me for that. Sorry if I'm asking WAY too much and/or the wrong questions, I'd just prefer to leave the track my first night with the car and myself in one piece

TLDR: First track run, first manual, young driver, help?

Only thing I'll add. being its still only april and not hot out. I would do a very short burnout just to warm tires up a hair. Pirellis need a tiny bit of heat. No where near drag radials or slicks but I notice I got better 60ft on colder days with a 1 sec burnout.. cleans tires and get a warmth in them..

Find starting RPM like 2500rpm and gradually release clutch dont just drop the hammer... Then just work RPMs and clutch release speed a lil to find perfect point.. 1.9 60fts possible on stock pirellis
Dont get discouraged.. remember good or bad run you just out there to have fun..
My first run every at a drag strip I spun first bad so sad f*ck it and kept it floored spinning down the track for a smoke show.. Horrible time but crowd loved it haha...

[GQ4Life]

Originally Posted by Steers

So, do I run with just traction off? or Comp mode?

Traction control off or hold down button 10sec and turn everything off..
I havent noticed time difference between those modes but a lot of people say hold button and turn everything off.. (Traction control and Stability)

1 Button Press - Traction Control Off & Stability Control On
2 Button Press - Comp Mode (10% wheel spin allowed and limited stability control.. Has Launch control but that thing sucks)
Hold Button 10sec - Traction Control Off & Stability Control Off

If worried about spinning & going sideways just turn traction control off only then if get too sideways stability kick in.. Hopefully..

[Nightspore68]

Steers, I applaud you for seeking out advice and for testing out your car on the track. Something I never thought to do when I was 19. (And I lived in Midlothian and could have used your track!) Unfortunately, I know nothing about drag racing, so can't offer you any advice. Sounds like the crew here knows what they're talking about though.
Have fun!