[Myron Piatek]

* Normally shift at a lower RPM, then shift at the optimum RPM during heads-up race.

* Swap out your normal oil for a lower viscosity. i.e.: normal 10w-30 conventional oil, heads-up 5w-20 or less special conventional or synthetic.(Consult your engine builder.)

* Rear end can usually have a quart or a bit more drained below normal capacity.

* Advance/optimize timing if running conservative.

* Make sure your jetting is optimized without a filter if removing it. Otherwise, removing the filter may lean out the carb if the filter has any restriction

* Add air to rear tires, IF it will hook with a smaller contact patch.

* If cutting weight close to minimum, remember to weigh EXACTLY what you take out and include the weight of any oil drained. Keep a little safety margin.

* Adding air to front tires will help minimize rolling resistance too, but it can also reduce rollout and quicken RTs. (Don't redlight.)

* Switching from same size bias ply slicks to radial slicks usually helps pick up ET as well as RT. But finish line RPMs will be a bit higher because radials don't grow like bias ply. (As long as your engine can handle it.)

Just remember that you have to be able to return to a predictable dial-in afterwards for the next run if you win the heads-up race.