Front tire pressure vs Reaction time

[Rick Angles]

With my Starfire stocker project on hold for now ( blame the economy ), I have been running my daily driver for some track experience. Always learn something about different staging techniques, leaving at different times off the tree and judging the finish line. I know the 2 cars will drive differently, but I figure all the practice couldn't hurt. I have a problem that I haven't figured out yet, so hope you don't mind my question.

The car is a ( don't laugh or throw anything ) a 93 Civic with automatic, totally stock. ET's run about 18.2-18.4 during time trails ( temp about 70-80 deg ). I have driven it enough to know when 1st round rolls around ( about 8-9 PM, temp 60-75 deg ) it will run about 18.0-18.1. Reaction times will range from .050 - .150 during time trails. When 1st round comes around with the cooler temps, I know the engine may be running better and the starting line is stickier because I here the tires as I roll forward. Anyway, I have lost the last 3 weeks out, 1st round, by turning on the big red one. -011, -041, and -009. I have gotten into a rhythm of driving 2 footed, with my right foot resting on the accel and gently taking out the cable slack. I leave when the last yellow comes on ( slow reacting car ). I hate to now go and change my place on the tree and can't leave 1 footed, as I will have to raise my foot off the brake to move to the accel. I run 36 lbs in the tires ( for gas mileage )and wondered if I lowered the front when I race to 30 ( as a starting point ), will this raise my reaction time back up? This would increase the rolling distance, correct?

Thanks for any suggestions

Rick

[Billy Baker]

Rick, lowering the front tire pressure will increase rollout some. Typically your reactions are going to be faster when it gets dark, because you see the light better. I would not change your spot on the tree if you are comfortable. Instead you could try lowering front tire pressure. Other thoughts would be to stage a little more shallow and even lowering rear tire pressure on my stocker will slow my reactions some. Just remember if you stage more shallow, your et will be faster from the momentum you are gaining. Hope This Helps!

[Mark Yacavone]

Rick, I suppose somebody's got to tell you . You are not leaving on the last yellow, at an idle, shallow staged, with an 18 second car,...and going red. Just ain't happenin'

[greg fulk]

Hey Rick you need to come down to K&D dragway some saturday night and play! you can get 10 time trials (if you want) & have to only run about 18 or 20 cars in street. It's 1/8th BUT you'll be making laps & learning!

[Rick Angles]

Typically your reactions are going to be faster when it gets dark, because you see the light better.
Other thoughts would be to stage a little more shallow.

Thanks Billy, I remember now that the you react quicker in the dark. I may also try the lower pressures and staging more shallow.

Rick, I suppose somebody's got to tell you . You are not leaving on the last yellow, at an idle, shallow staged, with an 18 second car,...and going red. Just ain't happenin'

Maybe it is not supposed to happen, Mark. Maybe I am not staging that shallow. But this is what is happening, red and all.

Hey Rick you need to come down to K&D dragway some saturday night and play! you can get 10 time trials (if you want) & have to only run about 18 or 20 cars in street. It's 1/8th BUT you'll be making laps & learning!

I just may have to Greg. But first I need to find out where it is. They have a website?

[Mark Yacavone]

Rick , Are you shallow staging or deep staging? If you are deep staging, then lower the RPMs .You shouldn't have to worry about tire pressure.