Chevy S10 Drag Racing Tips

The Chevrolet S10 is a small scale pickup truck that was first produced in 1982. Initially used as a light towing vehicle, racing enthusiasts soon reclaimed the earlier models for drag racing purposes. The light weight of the vehicle combined with its powerful v8 engine make it a desirable truck for the drag strip. Owners often modify the engines to upgrade torque and overall acceleration.

  1. Launch Tips

    • In automotive competition, drag racing is the equivalent of a sprint. A quarter mile track is set and two vehicles race against one another to decide a winner. A race is decided almost entirely by the launch of the automobile. The driver can control the launch by placing the right amount of weight on the wheel, slipping the clutch and turning the tires. Practice is essential to figuring out the right combination of these factors for a Chevy S10. At the starting line, engage the parking break and work simultaneously with the clutch and pedal throttle. When you are ready to launch the vehicle, disengage the parking break and maintain control of the truck as it shoots out onto the track.

    Driver Safety Tips

    • Drag racing is a dangerous sport. The speed of the vehicles combined with the variability of weather and track design make drivers susceptible to high speed crashes. It is important to always wear a helmet when drag racing in case of a collision. Early models of the Chevy 210, especially popular in drag racing circles, are lightweight and do not absorb impact very well. Custom racing seats and seat belts can help secure a driver in case of high speed impact. Weather must be taken into account when competing in a drag race. If the track is wet, either because of rain or morning dew, the race should be postponed until the course has dried.

    Truck Care and Safety

    • Drag racing will put a large amount of stress on the engine of a Chevy S10. The constant use of the clutch and throttle will wear out an engine that is not properly cared for. Maintenance and check ups must be performed frequently to insure that the vehicle continues to run safely and efficiently.

      The manual transmission of the Chevy S10 is often used for a racing technique called "powershifting." Powershifting involves maintaining full weight on the truck's pedal while shifting gears. The procedure can create a good deal of speed and torque, but is very dangerous for the engine's overall health. If the driver shifts at the wrong time it can cause the engine to over-accelerate resulting in permanent damage. Powershifting should only be performed by advanced racers.