Getting consistent RT's

[TonyB83]

Been bracket racing for a few years and usually lose due to slow RT's. I have a practice tree which I use quite a bit but am very inconsistent. Rarely red, but RT's can be anywhere from .00's to .6xx's. Are there any exercises I can try to become more consistent?

[FED 387]

r u talking about button release??

[TonyB83]

Sorry, should have been more specific. I run the footbrake class and I have the pedal attachment for my practice tree.

[FED 387]

probably be the same type of practicing but--- put your driving suit on helmet ,gloves etc... get into the car fasten belts etc. do not focus on anything going on around dont talk to anyone nothing you but look at the tree pretend you are in the car at the line and try to hit the tree. If ya don't hit a good light the first time OK try again and again and again maybe 15-20 hits---you are gonna have a bad light its inevitable but you will find over time you hopefully will get better. Get out of the car walk around etc get back in go over the same routine again. Do this on a regular basis a few times every day for a week or so then go to the track see if you have improved. Keep practicing the same way fully dressed every time you practice and avoid any distractions while doing it. You will get better... Practice will help..FED387

[Greg Marshall]

Hey Tony your reaction times will vary depending on numerous different factors.
What i have found is staging of the car is critical to being consistant as well launch rpm. If these two things arent the same the reaction time and e/t will be all over the map. If you go in first and put the pre-stage light on you will have more time to stage accurately and control launch rpm. There are some racers such as Dan Fletcher who are up on the convertor when staging to make the car more consistant by preloading the chassis . Some guys like to wear blinders so their is no anticipation of the light. Reaction times will vary of course under overcast sky versus the sun shinning of the tree. Good luck and keep practicing

[TonyB83]

Thanks for the replies.

Do you guys find it beneficial to work with the practice tree at the track?

[FED 387]

absolutely but I would not intensely focus on it

[HR9121]

Have you ever tried a blinder? They can really be effective for some people.

[Ron Gusack]

I've read where some racers practice one hit and then wait a minimum of 30 minutes before trying another. Supposedly doing a bunch in quick succession isn't really a good training method, anyone buy into that?

[RacingRicki]

I've heard of that as well. I guess the theory is that you are trying to simulate real world conditions where you get only one shot at it. I think this method should be used as only part of your training regiment.

I think hitting the tree numerous times over and over again helps with muscle memory and gives you that second nature feel for it so that you don't have to thing about it. Also doing it over and over again can help you find areas that make you inconsistent.

Originally Posted by Ron Gusack

I've read where some racers practice one hit and then wait a minimum of 30 minutes before trying another. Supposedly doing a bunch in quick succession isn't really a good training method, anyone buy into that?