The drag strip uses a timing system that most people don't understand. Everyone has seen the Christmas tree, but most don't understand how the timing system works. You can read on the NHRA or IHRA web sites about how it works. If it's the first time on a track for you, I've got some simple advice. Deep stage the bike.(push the bike forward until the top yellow stage light goes out) Leave the starting line after
seeing the 3rd yellow light come on. Most new racers are unsure on the starting line, taking a while to get started. There are two different times that affect who wins and who loses. The time it takes you to go from the starting line to the finish line AND your reaction time. Reaction time is how much time it takes you to move the bike forward after the green light comes on. Move forward before the green light and you will redlight (lose). Why leave on the 3rd yellow, when it sounds like you will redlight? The bike doesn't move instantly. You have to decide to let out the clutch, let out the clutch, the rear tire starts rotating and then you start to move forward. By starting that process on the 3rd yellow, the bike actually moves just about when the light goes green. If you start moving after seeing the green light, you've given your opponent about a half second or more advantage. The hardest part of the race is in the first 60'. The time slip that you will get for every run will include your reaction time, 60' time, 330' time, 660' time and mph at that point, and the quarter mile elapsed time and mph. With practice you can learn how to reduce the 60' times. The right launch rpm, the right heat in the tire, the right tire pressure, the shock settings, and even how you sit on the bike can affect your 60' times. In general, the quicker you go to 60', the quicker your run will be. Getting used to the timing system before you race against the car is what you want. If you can't practice before running him, pay attention to how the racers stage and leave the starting line in front of you.
Ideally, your gearing will have you running at redline in 5th gear right at the finish line. About 100 mph (+/- 5 mph) The competition will probably be going faster at the finish line. You have to lead the race in the first few hundred feet to have a chance at the finish line. Since a bike weighs a lot less, it is easier to get moving than a ton and a half or more 4 wheel vehicle. Expect to lose the first time out. As you learn more on how to do it, you'll get better at it. Good luck! Always keep your bike under control. It's better to lose a race than become a hood ornament.
Hondamatic
(drag racer since 1971)
