What do you do in the off season to stay sharp

[Dan Fahey]

Gym, Crosfit/Kettlebells, Ref Indoor Soccer !!


oh....and catching up on Honeydooes !!

[Dave Casey]

I really should practice on the tree, but I don't

I do a little snowmobiling, going 100 across a lake at 0 degrees at least keeps you alert

[442OLDS]

Staying sharp in the off season is overrated......................................... .........

In October of 2010,I made my last run of the season.

Didn't get out again until May 2011 at the Topeka National event.

Because of rain,got ONE time/qualifying/practice run.

Went .056 red on that run.

Eliminations started,and 6 rounds later,I won my first NHRA National event.

[David Horn]

That's call experience. Again great job. David STK3811

[442OLDS]

Originally Posted by David Horn

That's call experience. Again great job. David STK3811

Actually,LUCK and I would rather be lucky than good any day.Thanks.

[BRIAN SEATE]

I dropped the front end of my Colorado on a guy the other day at a speed limit sign....lol. Today I let a Trail Blazer come back around me, story of my driving career! All jokes aside, judging a cars close rate is a good tool on the highway. Gotta stock the trailer back up, best to be prepared.

[countrypuppy4865]

Chad,

I'm not a member myself, but I have always heard good things about it. Luke is very knowledgeable.

[Bobby Fazio]

Originally Posted by Chad Rhodes

I've had a practice tree for years, but never really developed a routine. I set my practice tree up on my desk with the pedal underneath. I created a spread sheet, which analyzes the data over every 100 hits (but does average the green lights every 10 hits as well). One of my new years resolutions is to take 100 hits at it every day. So far I've learned quite a bit about my own driving, what I've been doing wrong, and where some inconsistency is coming from. I haven't solved it yet, but i am seeing the patterns and noting what I'm doing differently. With lots of data, I've been able to find some things I was doing, that I would have sworn i wasn't. Hopefully I'll be able to eliminate my self from the list of variables on the starting line soon.

What are some of you guys doing to stay sharp, or improve yourself?

Chad, 100 hits is way too many in a day. You never get that in a race day. You will get faster and faster and start red lighting as you go. 5-7 very spaced out hits are all you need. When you are walking past it, do one, just like you would in a real race day. Try to simulate that pressure of having one shot at it. That's how you build confidence. Practice trees build confidence, that is all, they do little else to simulate a real race situation, that part you have to do on your own.

[Michael Beard]

Originally Posted by Chad Rhodes

Cooter, I've come so close to joining that site several times. But then I find something else on the car to spend $119 on. In your opinion is it worth the investment. I guess it just seems like a lot of money to just join a website, although I'm sure the information is good.

There is now *years* worth of information on the site, plus a forum where members get into deep analysis of runs and strategy. When I first got involved on the site, I had a chance to read for a few weeks, discuss certain situations on the forum, and at the first national event of the year, I used something specifically from the site to win the final round -- a difference of several thousand dollars. (not to mention all of the other important rounds where specific knowledge made a crucial difference) $119 doesn't look so bad at that point! It's not just Luke, either. There are a large number of guest instructors who have shared their knowledge and experience as well.

You spend money on your car to improve its performance and consistency. Invest a little in the driver.

[Marty Knox]

I drive - in Michigan!
My wife was worried about me drag racing - my response was 'Are you kidding? It's a LOT safer than driving on the street - there's only one other car to worry about!'