Since my car is still torn apart (once again) I thought I would make a post about the 1st time I went to the drag strip to give people an idea what it is like. It can be pretty intimidating your first time. For me I was apprehensive bc I didn't know what you are suppose to do and I didn't want to look like an idiot out there. But there is nothing to be afraid of. If you've ever punched it from a stop and kept the hammer down to get on the highway then you have enough driving skill to head out to the track for a street night. Basically how it goes down is when you are paying to get in, they will either ask if you are racing or if they don't then tell them you are racing. After you pay they will hand you a tech inspection card which just asks for basic info about your car and the back has all the legal jargon about liabilities and what not and you sign at the bottom. Then you need to spot where tech is at or ask someone. Usually you will see a long line of hot rods and ricers, just jump in line behind them. When its your turn they will take your card, look at your car to make sure the car it isn't leaking anything, and shoe polish a number on your rear window. It only takes maybe 1 minute total to go through tech. Once you are ready to race make your way to the staging lanes and pick a lane. Some tracks will have several lanes, and some will only have 2. The ones with several lanes usually will have a lane for race cars or a lane for bikes etc... If you're at a track with several lanes and your lane isn't moving, this is a great time to get out of the car and mingle. When its your time to move onto the track there will be a track worker standing near the burn-out box. You need to have your windows up and seat belt on at this point. He will signal with a hand gesture like he's drawing a circle in the air, this means its safe for you to do you're burn-out and move up to the staging lights. As you're approaching you will see the "groove" which is where rubber has been layed down by the other cars, try to line up in the groove. You will also see 2 painted lines near the lights. The first light is pre-stage, once your tires are at that point you will see the top lights on the tree light up. Now inch your way forward to the second line, when the second row of lights come on you are staged. Stop and quickly get your revs where you want them for your launch. There is an art to leaving on the tree, but your first time just go on green and don't worry about your reaction time. Once you've passed the timing boards you need to spot the turn off. Most tracks have 2. In a street car the first turn off is usually the perfect distance for you to slow down and safely turn in. If you are on the opposite side of the track from the turn off BE CAREFULL. If the other car is behind you they could be a moron that's going to blast past you and head for the 2nd turn off like he's John Force or something. I usually yield right away to the other car unless I'm way ahead and can clearly see that they are moving pretty slow. Some tracks have a little shack there at the turn-off and some you have to go up to the press box but those are where you get your time-slips to show you how you did. And that's all there is to it. Its a big-time rush and alot of fun. And as intimidating as it seems at first, its that much more rewarding after you've done it. :thumbsup:

:thumbsup: great post and very informative - rep points for that - the best way to go is with another ride thats going to race also, especially if they have done it before

That's true, that's how I did it my first time too. Bottom line is, if you want to do it then you really need to even if you are afraid of looking dumb. Because everything is very controlled there and people are every where that can help you, and its so much fun you really don't want to be missing out on it.