I've never been to a drag strip before, even as a spectator. I was curious to see what my car could do, and how it would compare to the times given in magazines. I was especially curious to see if the magazine times were done with a "launch" start or a regular start. A launch is where you rev the car up to 4000 - 5000 RPMS and dump the clutch. This usually breaks the rear tires loose and is supposed to give you a quick start. As you might suspect, this is not very good for the transmission. I was not going to be doing this to my new baby. The Honda s2000 is not a drag race car. It's really much better suited to a road course style race track, with it's excellent handling. Also, it's not so quick off the line, as it really needs to be revved up to 6000 before it's real power kicks in. However, the next Auto-cross is not until March 28th. I'll report on that at that time.
As explained on the site, on Saturdays, any car can come race. You need a drivers license, a helmet, and a car. If your car is street legal, it's probably ready to go. I borrowed a helmet from a friend (thanks Nate!). It was a little tight, but bearable. Passengers during the race are not allowed.
Anyway, I followed the driving directions on the web site, and got there just after noon. I pulled up to a shack, and paid the man $25. $15 to get in, and $10 to race. He gave me some flyers and a entry form, and said "follow the yellow dirt road." I did so, for about a 1/2 mile, pulled up to the track, and got in line for racing.
I borrowed a pen and filled out the form. Just name, license plate number, make, model, year, and nitrous or not.
There were all kinds of cars there. Old muscle cars, Vettes, Mustangs, Civics, Mercedes, VW Golfs and old bugs, an Infinity G35 sedan, etc. I didn't see any trucks. In the line to race, there are 3 lanes for cars and motorcycles go up one side. The left 2 lanes are for regular cars, and the right lane is for sub-14 second cars. These cars have special rules and need additional safety equipment, as explained on the raceway's web site.
Everyone was really friendly and helpful. All age groups were there, from teenagers to 50+. Everyone was eager to explain what mods they did to their cars. Several people complimented me on my car. When it was discovered that I was a noobie, a few guys explained what was going to happen, where to pick up your race slip, etc.
First Run
So, after about 10 minutes, it was my turn. I put the top up, put my helmet on, and gave my entry form the guy working the line. He had me sign something, and wrote my number (59) on my front and back windows. I pulled up to the starting line. The guy working the start had some words for me.
"Every wear a helmet before?"
"A few times", I replied, which was strictly accurate. I have worn a helmet twice before.
"Ever have one come off because you forgot to fasten the chin strap?"
"Oops! Sorry." I fasted my chin strap.
He then had me pull up until these two lights at the top of the light tree came on. He explained that was the indicator that the sensor was right at my tire. When the guy I was racing got into position, the light on his side lit up, and then the yellow start light came on. 3 - 2 - 1 - GREEN!
It all happened so fast! It was a lot of fun. That first time I did a 16.232. The timer does not start until you actually move. You could sit there all all day and the timer won't start. You do get a time on your race slip for "reaction", which is the time between the green light and when you actually start. From my slip you will notice I sat there for 2 seconds. I really was not ready for how fast the start lights count down! My opponent in that race was in a Infinity G35 sport sedan, V6 with a super charger. He had the track package with Brembo brakes and upgraded suspension. He did a 15.049.
At the end of the run, I put it in neutral and hit my brakes. I turned left onto the "pit lane" and stopped and got my race slip from the lady working there. I then drove around again to get back in line to run #2. You can run as many times as you like, time permitting. You just have to wait in line each time. Someone told me there was a big drag even in LA today, so less people were here than usual. I waited about 15 minutes for my second run.
Run Two
Some of the racers were doing burnouts before their run. They would pull up to the start, then back up to the end of the track. The pavement there was hosed down. Then they would spin their tires and smoke 'em up, and jump forward to the start line again. I was on street tires, so I did not do this. Mostly it was the sub-14 cars that did this, although I saw a few Civics with fat baldies on the front who did this also. It was kinda funny looking, seeing fat bald tires on the front instead of the rear.
For my second run, my opponent was a sub-14 car. All the sub-14s went together, and he was left as the odd man out. I was at the front of the line for the regular cars, so I raced him. Though it was hardly a race. He was in a Mustang. It looked new, and stock from the outside. I don't know what he had under the hood. I muffed the start. I let the clutch out too quick and the car bogged down a bit. Once I got going, I paid closer attention to my shift points, and actually had a faster run, with a 16.128. As you can see, my reaction time was still pretty bad, but I wasn't really trying for that. You can also see that I got smoked, with my opponent putting in a 12.781.
Run Three
At about 12:45, a roach coach showed up, selling cold soda and food. I didn't look at the menu, but the soda was nice and cold, and cost $1. I needed it at this point, and it was good.
On my third run, I was ready. I knew what to do, and I knew what was going to happen. My opponent was in a modded Civic looking car. It didn't have any markings on it, and he was in deep conversation with his friend, so I didn't get a chance to ask. He did have "NOS" written on his window below his number, so I figured he was going to be fast.
I got a good start, and hit my shift points pretty good. I did a 15.574. My opponent did a 12.798. I'm thinking he was in the wrong line.
At this point, I was hungry, thirsty, and more people were showing up, so the line was getting longer. I decided to call it a day.
Conclusion
Most magazines say the Honda s2000 can do mid 14s in the 1/4 mile. Granted, they probably have much better drivers than me, but still, I bet they are dumping the clutch.
It was a fun day, well worth $25. It's not often you get to drive over 90 miles an hour legally. Everyone was really friendly and helpful. Even though I was a total noob, the whole day was hassle free.
A note on the timeslips: Someone told me the results for MPH are out of whack. They said the track's timing was fine, but the MPH readings were "wacked". They do look a little odd, with run 2 giving the highest MPH, even though I botched the start.