How to Race Cars on a Quarter Mile Track

Many street and drag racers prefer to compete on quarter mile tracks, as opposed to longer courses, due to the reduced wear on their cars and the decreased risk of accidents. There are a few simple steps you can take to encourage success while you race cars on a quarter mile track.

Things You'll Need

  • Quarter mile track
  • Car
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect the entire length of the quarter mile track before you drive on it, ensuring that there are no hazards or unusual conditions that may affect you while you race, such as damaged asphalt, bumps or potholes. Take a few friends along with you to make sure you do not miss anything.

    • 2

      Drive along the length of the quarter mile track at a significantly reduced speed in order to determine how your car will handle the surface of the road. This will greatly reduce the chances of a surprise during the race.

    • 3

      Determine what method will be used to start the race and familiarize yourself with it completely. For instance, in the case of the traditional "Christmas Tree" lights that are used on organized tracks, you will need to observe the sequence and speed of the signal lights. If a flagger is used, agree on an appropriate and clear signal to start the race.

    • 4

      Decide upon whether or not you should wet your tires before the race. Many formal tracks offer "water boxes," which are troughs you drive through before you reach the start line. Note that wetting the tires is for racing slicks only, not for treaded tires, as a wet, treaded tire will burn more rubber at the launch.

    • 5

      Practice revving your engine to determine which level of Rp.m.s will give you the best launch. With turbocharged cars, for instance, you may have to rev your engine a little higher to accommodate turbo lag--the drop in the power of the engine--before the turbo kicks in. Remember, however, that revving your engine too high may cause the clutch to pop too roughly, causing the wheels to lose traction.

    • 6

      Launch your car down the track. Maintain as straight of a line as possible, reducing your overall time, since any adjustments in steering will slow you down.