How To Drag Race For Beginners

How To Drag Race For Beginners
Are you new to drag racing? Do you want to learn how to drag race like cleetus mcfarland and pfi speed? Then look no further. I will walk you through your first day of drag racing at my local track Irwindale and try to quickly explain how to navigate on your first race day so you know where to go so you can make your first 1/8 mile or 1/4 mile drag racing pass.
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[@JohnsJunk]

Wish I'd seen something like this before my first run down a track. Would have made it a lot less stressful.

[@Burndown]

I had friends that were supposed to help me out but I just stumbled around and figured it out. Its not too bad but its much easier if someone explains it to you so thats what I tried to do.

[@funfun8095]

There will always be a stressful, nervous, anxious, excited feeling about it. At least for me... Was always hoping my wheelies would go straight and not too high. lol Only 1.28 60s though.

[@Burndown]

​@@funfun8095 Fortunately for me and guys like me with 2.0 60" times wheelies are the least of our worries. 🤣

[@funfun8095]

@@Burndown I use to launch at 4500 with nitrous. NA I was always around 1.40. Weighed 3460lbs. I think you need to hit it harder with lower tire psi.

[@Burndown]

@@funfun8095 I have a new converter coming so I can get closer to 3800-4k on the chip. Should leave much better this go round I hope.

[@BillytheKid213]

Love it. Grew up on Dragracimg. My pops would always take me when he raced. Beautiful 🤝🏻

[@Burndown]

🙌

[@oystercrackerofcapecod2934]

Thanks for your advice. It will be heeded for my first run this coming summer. Cheers!

[@Burndown]

That is awesome and it’s exactly why I made the video. We need new people in the sport! You’re going to love it! Be safe and have fun!

[@JohnWick-fk7mz]

Going for the first time with my uncle in a few weeks, I'm more of a circuit or circle track watcher but they really don't let spectators get in on those so I figured I'd try drag with him so we can do some head to heads and have fun. Thanks for the information and taking me though what my first run will look like.

[@Burndown]

Have fun and be safe. Its addicting. Also remember not to get in a rush when its your turn at the line. You waited like everyone so when its your turn dont rush.

[@Winkypop55]

I see your new electric scooter is getting put to good use. Wonderful : ) Also, why would anybody dislike this insight to racing. Keep up the great work!

[@Burndown]

People are strange creatures man. Its all part of the game on KZbin unfortunately. The new scoot rocks! Much better than running all day 😁

[@CristianRamirez-wr7cr]

I’m actually going to Irwindale tonight to go drag racing for the first time. A bit nervous but this video helped!

[@Burndown]

I hope you had fun. Its addictive!

[@jayadams5529]

A trip down the track is definitely on my list to do next year. Never have made a pass at a race track. Really anxious to see what my Camaro can do. Great video as always Dane 🏁

[@JohnsJunk]

It's fun and addictive and I made my first passes in something really slow.

[@Burndown]

It really is fun. The track im at in this video used to have the stands and the fence line full of people every Thursday night for TNT and it was a blast to make a pass in front of a big crowd and get to drive back right in front of the stands. Lots of aspects to it. Bring a friend when you go so you have someone to enjoy it with.

[@Burndown]

@@JohnsJunk The Maliboom at ziptie was the first time I ever made a pass and it ran a 16.2 with a 3 second 60' 🤣

[@jayadams5529]

@@Burndown Definitely plan on having the family there, wife would kill me if I went racing and left her home 😂

[@denisek3771]

About to race for the first time in august and I’m watching every video I can get my hands on. Each one presents the facts from a new angle and I really appreciate this one.

[@Burndown]

Welcome do drag racing. Your gonna be hooked for sure. Just get comfortable with the process of staging and make sure you know where the turn out is at the end of the track. You can go a moderate speed on your first run so you can get familiar with how much stopping distance you have and everything. Its nerve racking for your first few passes and once you get the hang of it your gonna love it.

[@devilman8347]

@@Burndown I was wondering about that part how to know when to stop when drag racing and how much time I have to stop if I'm at 140 hitting the finish line

[@Burndown]

@@devilman8347 the boards at the end of the track are the finish line. Usually marked by a line or cones on the side rails or something to let you know your past the timing light. After that you need to let off the gas and start applying the brakes. When you get to the end of the track or a ways down track you will have a turn out to exit the race track. Never turn around on the track. Drive till you see an exit

[@devilman8347]

@@Burndown yeah been seeing some videos of a white finish line. I think for my first time I'll use drive mode and take it easy at my first try. Check out my channel devilman83

[@abdullax2739]

Thanks bro , how cool is that, I really appreciate your work، keep it going

[@Burndown]

I will thank you!

[@rustyaxelrod]

Thanks for the quick walk-thru. 👍

[@Burndown]

Hope it helped. No one showed me when I started so I figured some may want to know before they hit the track.

[@flapjackwhat7831]

Very thorough!!

[@gregjustice7013]

Your awesome man, you make Great vids,👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Burndown]

I appreciate that!

[@Basslightning666]

Great content, and informative! I have 2 dragstrips, both 3 hours away. I always figured it would be better if I don't trailer my Scat Pack, is to bring an extra set of drag radials, tools, jack, etc, which I think would fit in my cab if I do a passenger and rear seat delete.

[@Burndown]

Thank you! Have fun Be Safe and Go Fast!

[@1320masshole]

Hell yeah I love Irwindale Dragstrip🤘

[@Burndown]

Yeah I really like this little track. I feel like if you can get your car figured out here you can race anywhere.

[@jaimemunoz9415]

Thanks man, true drudge racers are very nice and they will chat with anybody

[@Burndown]

Yeah most people at the track are pretty cool

[@Abreezeducttesting]

Thanks brother . great video

[@Burndown]

Hope it helps. Go race!!!

[@kimberlymaul4973]

Thank you sooo much! I’ve watched quite a few of your videos and now I understand a lot more of what is going on. I like @reid Davis suggestions to take a street car the first few time to get the hang of it in something safe! That takes away the excuse that my car isn’t ready! Question.... when you do take a a street car the first time what safety things do they look for? I see you wearing a helmet, suit, roll cage, etc. I imagine there is like levels to safety requirements.

[@Burndown]

In a street car as long as its a street legal car and you have working seat belts and your battery is in the stock location and your tires look good that seems to be about it to run for your first time. You may not need a helmet but I would take one anyway. You will need long pants and close toe shoes. As you go faster you'll need more safety gear to run your car. Making passes is addictive and running a street car means you can just get right back in line after you get your time slip too. I hope you give it a shot!

[@Mexicanracing]

Awesome 👍! I want to go !

[@Burndown]

You should go! Get your pit pass if you go just to spectate and walk around the pits or in lanes and see how its done. Its a different experience than just sitting in the stands. Even in a slower car its still fun. You can shoot for a perfect light or try to line up with cars you think you may be able to beat.

[@philbetthauser9547]

Great explanation 👌

[@Burndown]

Thanks man! I was just winging it as usual😆 Did all these in one take actually and most everything on the channel is all done off the cuff. I feel like im getting the hang of it a bit better.

[@GreaserthoughtsGarage]

Hell yeah!! get more people out there!

[@Burndown]

Yeah like you dude 😜 I may have to start racing my F150 soon 😆

[@devilman8347]

Thanks for the video . I want to take my q but I'm still hesitant on if I should buy my own helmet or use the tracks helmet? Lol I hope I don't embarrass myself when I do go . I been watching videos of dos and donts

[@Burndown]

I would bring one if you can. Maybe see if you can barrow one so you have it with you. Main thing is to have fun. Even if you have the slowest car at the track your still faster then the guys in the stands 😉

[@maximuswedgie5149]

Tomorrow I’m racing first time in 31 years, your video helped me remember. One question, with street tires is it best to go through the water and just “ clean off” the tires with a mild burnout? ( I estimate the car to be a 15 second at best car)

[@Burndown]

You dont have room to go around the water here at Irwindale so go through it and when its time to do your burn out just do a slight one to knock the water off the tire and out fo the grooves of the tread. You may need to play with the time you spend burning out to find the sweet spot. You dont want heat in a street radial tire unless its made for drag racing.

[@jesscneal]

Thanks Dane. I think I want to go to my local track when my car is done in a year or two but since it's going to be a sloppy build sorta like yours it will be somewhat fast and I don't really want to put a cage in it since it's going to be a street car 99% of the time. So I either go and run part throttle 11.50+ passes or run a fast one and get the boot immediately. My local track is super strict about it apparently. Either way I'm going just so I can experience it. I've only been to the track once to spectate on a test n tune day.

[@reiddavis2705]

Hey Jess, I'd recommend taking a daily driver to the track first just to get the routine down. Even though it won't be fast, I promise it'll still be fun, and it's a good way to cut your teeth in something safe and familiar. I took my truck a bunch before I built Rita, and I was glad to have gotten the hang of it before hurling a deathtrap down the track. If you're anything like me, you'll be pretty jittery first time at the light, so best to get that out of the way in something inconspicuous.

[@jesscneal]

@@reiddavis2705 Thanks for that. Good idea. I've done a bunch of circle track racing and I got nervous every single time I went out :) I'm sure this will be no different.

[@reiddavis2705]

@@jesscneal I'm always a little jittery first pass - I expect that'll never go away haha. With our sloppy builds there's usually a lot more to it than just hitting the gas. For me it's a whole bunch of safety stuff, make sure the laptop is logging, line lock, burnout through 3rd gear, shift back into first, pre-stage on the brake, bump in and go. Makes it a lot easier to do after knowing the rules and going through the process a few times. Watching seasoned racers really helps too, especially with the water box. Usually the track official will pull you through it, but once and a while you'll get a bozo that stops you in the water.

[@Burndown]

I agree with Reid on this one. Take a daily or a rental or something out first. Im sure your sloppy car will be quick but the Maliboom on 10#s with a gt45 wasnt quick enough to get kicked out so you never know. No one ever wants a cage till they go fast😆

[@tinafucinari9238]

I was pitted right next to you and Reed. Rita is super quite and fast.

[@reiddavis2705]

She's getting there - gotta keep it classy in the streets. Plus I like ordering at the drive-thru without having to shut the car off :D

[@Burndown]

Yeah its deceivingly fast for what it is. He drives it a lot so it helps him keep his sanity. Sounds like a jet on the big end tho 😁 Stop by and say hi next time! We should be back out on the 14th.

[@adrianperez9718]

I don't even have a car or license but this is great.

[@Burndown]

Well if you ever get both you can come race!

[@maddy9000]

my local speedway is starting jr. sportsman and thsi rlly helped me just understand the basics, especially with the tree. thanks!

[@Burndown]

Glad it helped! It was geared toward the new guys/gals that want to try racing!

[@rockerorivera]

So can you do a burn out with drag radials that you use as a daily driver or should the same rules apply to consider than street tires and not do a big burner like the Toyo proxies 888

[@Burndown]

Drag radials dont need a big burn out. Just heat them up a little and it gets them clean for the pass. If you do a big burn out you can make them greasy. Try different length burn outs to see what the tire likes best.

[@najidahi7731]

I live close to Irwindale drag strip. I have a Tesla Model 3 Performance. Others have recorded between 7.2 and 7.4 seconds in the 1/8 mile. My car is stock. Do I need a roll bar and a racing suit to race it? I do have a helmet and plan on using one. Thanks for the video.

[@Burndown]

You should be fine. Newer cars are able to go a bit quicker these days with out a roll bar becaue of all the updated safety. If you go to fast they will let you know😆 Bring your helmet, long pants and shoes not flip flops and you should be good to go.

[@gary_michael_flanagan_wildlife]

Thanks for the video! I am about to do my first drag race and I’m nervous! I am on street tires also. So if I can go around the water I should, right? If not, I shouldn’t do a big burnout, just a little spin? Thanks!

[@Burndown]

At Irwindale you can’t go around the water because it’s not wide enough. You’ll need to do a small burnout to clean the rear tires off and get the water out of the tread. Street tires don’t need the heat out in them so don’t go all John force with it and you’ll be good. Also if it spins let off the gas. Trying to get back in it or keep spinning down the track is a bad idea.

[@gary_michael_flanagan_wildlife]

@@Burndown I was going to ask about that too. I’m in North Carolina so it’s a different track. Have you seen people spin heavy at high speeds when shifting? I don’t want to lose control down the track. Do III think letting off a little between shifts helps? Or does that offset the balance too much? It’s a corvette. Thanks!

[@Burndown]

@@gary_michael_flanagan_wildlife just go around the water and give it gas on green. You’ll know if it spins too much then just let off till the tires grab and your good. You’ll need some decent horsepower to spin tires at the big end haha

[@gary_michael_flanagan_wildlife]

@@Burndown thanks

[@DavidMartin-lr8pj]

Thanks for helping me search for a different video! Definitely not a tip video.

[@Burndown]

No problem 😉

[@dandorris8531]

Hey what about dial in time? How would you know how fast your car will run ? What would be a good starting number for dial in ?What happens if you run faster than what’s written on your car ? I’m asking because next year I will be running my LS c10 for the first time. I’m sure I’ll screw something up LOL. it’s a street truck but just want to see what it will do.

[@jerrynova1]

It’s called test and tune. You’ll need the run your car and to work the bugs out before you need to have a dial in number.

[@Burndown]

Thats why you test your car. It will hit in a range of close numbers if you are doing your job as a driver correctly. Then when its time to race it will be up to you to figure out where it will land when its time for you to make a pass. Im not an index or bracket racer at all but its pretty hard to hit a number constantly.

[@Burndown]

@@jerrynova1 Yes this. Lots of testing.

[@roosduster]

Dan dial-ins only come into play in a bracket race where you get time trials first to see what your vehicle will run they day and then in eliminations you need a dial-in. The dial-in is completely up to you, most people I know without data recorders and weather stations just pick a time close to what they ran in time trials. The more you race the better you will get at seeing what your vehicle does during different weather and different times of day. For starting out as others have said go to the local test and tune where you just get to make passes and there is no eliminations so no need to worry about a dial-in.

[@TorquePowerVideo]

How high are the beams at the finish line on your track? I know they're all higher than the starting line, just curious if they let you on the track that far out?

[@Burndown]

I didn't walk the whole track. I got permission to go down to the tree but I didn't walk the track. I guess I could have but I wasn't sure if that was OK or not. They were having an event so I was happy just to get on track during a break they had. I would imagine the same as the start but thats just a guess.

[@TorquePowerVideo]

@@Burndown I've read that the beams are higher at the finish line to catch other parts of the car because at high speed they wouldn't catch skinny tires or the wire wheels they used to use on top fuel cars. Not sure if that's accurate information, just what I'd read and I was just curious if it was true.

[@normanracing373M]

@@TorquePowerVideo typically the stage beams are a little under 2" high, 60' is around 10", and the rest (330, 594, 660, 1000, 1320) are usually 5".

[@ky0611]

What lane is better at irwindale left or right?

[@Burndown]

The left lane is a straight shot so most faster cars go down the left. I have been down both and they are about the same for the most part. Just depends on the day I guess.

[@CrAzY6tothe6]

How would one avoid the water box it seems too narrow to avoid it

[@Burndown]

At most tracks they have room for you to go around. Here at Irwindale its to narrow to go around. You can drive through the water and then do a quick spin of the tires to clean the and get the water out of the tread. Not a John force burn out but spin them a little to clean them off.

[@funfun8095]

Bout time. :p

[@Burndown]

First time I have been to the track since I had the idea man! I was also late from picking up my buddy and didn't know if I was gonna get an opportunity to get on the track or not. That was the make or break for the video in my opinion.

[@funfun8095]

@@Burndown I meant, about time you have a new video. Seemed like long time in between. lol ;)

[@The50Baker]

Why did you put cleetus in the title?

[@Burndown]

For video ranking purposes

[@chrisoliva3142]

Do they allow convertibles cars to drag race ?

[@Burndown]

Yes. Rules are a little more strict if its fast but if its stock you fine.

[@denisek3771]

For our track, you need a roll bar if you’re going to keep the top down.

[@Mattvolvoguy]

Hey let me finish my car first lol. I’m not taking my 75hp Subaru Forester to the track 😂

[@Burndown]

Its about having some fun really. Even when things dont go my way at the track I still try to enjoy being around my friends and family or maybe just the experience of being at my happy place.

[@Mattvolvoguy]

@@Burndown same here I’ve never been to race but I’ve been many times to watch. always gives me a smile!

[@Burndown]

@@Mattvolvoguy Its way different when your on the track and in lanes then in the stands. I enjoy both but I prefer running if I can.

[@james10739]

I had to click with the title

[@Burndown]

If you want to learn how to drag race like Cleetus Mcfarland you have come to the right place!

[@OFFICIALBACKYARDSHENANIGANS]

lol just curious , why cleetus in the title ?

[@Burndown]

I use Vid IQ and it recommend I put some words in the title and description to optimize it for youtube search results better. At this point I really dont have much to lose I guess.

[@OFFICIALBACKYARDSHENANIGANS]

@@Burndown i can dig it 👍👍

[@Burndown]

@@OFFICIALBACKYARDSHENANIGANS No shame in my game dude 🤣

[@jonamoe878]

Clickbait

[@Burndown]

@@jonamoe878 yep a real trickster

[@-g-lock813]

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[@-g-lock813]

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[@Burndown]

I wish man. I would have some views if that were the case. Ill keep trying tho. Thanks for the comment. I read it in song form.