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What is a Bracket Race?
A bracket race is a straight –line acceleration contest
between 2 cars, usually starting at different times (handicap)
from a standing start over a specified distance, usually a
¼ or 1/8th mile. Racers line up in front of a Christmas
Tree. When they leave the starting line timers record how long it
takes them to reach the finish line. This is called elapsed time,
or ET. Top speed is also recorded.
Getting Started
The best way to get your feet wet is to go to a “test
& tune”session (most tracks have them weekly). For a
small fee, you can practice your starting line procedure, learn
how the car reacts, and make passes down the track without the
pressure of racing someone.
You should also take time to watch how other racers do things, and
most importantly, ask questions! Most racers will be happy to give
you pointers on improving your technique.
Competing
When you are ready to race against others, you can compete in
your track’s weekly (or monthly) series. Your car will be
put into a category, or class, based on the ET of your car. Top
speed is not a factor in bracket racing.
You will need to determine how quick you think your car will
run…your “Dial-in”. When you are matched up
with another car the dial-ins are compared and the slower car is
given a head start equal to the difference between the two. To
win, you want to run as close to your dial as possible without
going quicker, or “breaking out”.
If both cars run quicker than their dial (running under) the car
that was closest to the dial wins. If you both run identical the
driver with the best reaction time wins.
Reaction Time and Staging
When you approach the lights after your burnout (do NOT go past
the tree during your burnout…only John Force types can do
this!) slowly creep forward until your front tire lights the top
“pre-stage” bulb. Wait until the other driver lights
his (or vice/versa) as a courtesy. Then slowly creep in ahead
until the second bulb lights, and you are now staged. (if you wish
you can put “deep” on your window and stage deep until
the first bulb goes out.) When both cars have staged, the 3 yellow
bulbs come down. With a C5 if you leave when the 3rd bulb lights
you should have a good start to finding your “spot”.
The goal is to be as close to a .500 light as possible without
leaving to soon. Or “red-lighting”. If you go red, the
other car wins. If both cars go red, the first to do so loses.
Proper Etiquette
When the track official waves you out from the staging lanes,
let the car that is in the closest lane to the start line move
first, and then follow. Do NOT go through the water box with tread
tires unless there is no way to drive around it (this pulls water
up to the starting line and causes traction problems). If you need
the water go around and back up to the box…usually only
slicks need the water. Do a small burn-out or
“dry-hop” (just hit the throttle to see if you spin)
and then proceed to the staring line to stage as mentioned above.
When you pass the finish line (last beam box’s) start
braking to exit the track. The car in the lane that you turn off
from should be allowed to exit first, there are usually 2-3
turnouts with one at the very end of the track. Drive slowly back
on the return road and stop at the ET shack to get your time slip.
If you should “break” on the track, please move to the
side near the guard-rail and stop so fluids that may leak can be
cleaned up with minimum effort. To continue downtrack spraying
will get you not liked in a hurry! Someone will come to your aid.
This is incomplete at best, but is hopefully a good start.
Remember, ask questions….we all want to have a good time
and the more, the merrier!
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Safety Rules!
As a rule of thumb everyone should wear a helmet, after
all..this is racing! But IHRA rules will apply, anyone wishing to
should visit www.IHRA.com and
www.NHRA.com and read up on
safety rules.
Basic rules are as follows:
Vehicles require:
Overflow container
Battery hold down
Drive shaft loop required for cars faster than 13.99 (recommended
for all) (C5 Corvettes have torque tube that satisfies this
requirement.)
Seat belts( 5 point harness for cars faster than 11.99)
Be in good/safe operational condition
All convertible drivers must wear helmets.
Cars faster than 13.99- drivers must wear helmets and can't have
passengers.
Cars faster than 11.99 need a rollbar.
Cars faster than 11.49- roll cage required unless floor boards are
intact (all cars faster than 10.99 require cage), drivers must
wear helmets and can't have passengers.
Dial-in and racers number (your tech card will have a test
& tune # on it, use it for the challenge races, and use the
last 4 digits of your SS# if you do not have a IHRA or NHRA
competition license) must be on the left side window of your
car..on a C5 coupe you can put it on the rear windows left edge,
ask Tracy to use a white mark-on if needed, or the track official
in the staging lanes will write it on for you if you ask.
When you pull up to the line all windows must be rolled up and
your helmet & seat belts on and fastened.
Always obey safe speed rules on the return roads & pits.
There are dozens of pit bikes (scooters, cycles, & ATV's)
running around and plenty of pedestrians including small kids
running around that prudent speed is a must. Unlike round track
racing the spectators are welcome in the pits and can get up close
to cars and drivers.
How points are
tallied:
Each driver gets 10 points
for buying a Tech card, and 10 points for running first round
(must at least break the beam) win or loose. The winner of
each round gets 10 points. (a driver buys a tech card, runs first
round and looses, he gets 20 points, if he wins, that is 30 points
so far. So show up & accumulate points!) The runner-up gets 1
extra point, and the winner gets 2 extra points. This helps make
for some close points contests throughout the year!
Recruit!!!
Our goal is to build this up
to 60-70 regular participants. If we do, Bradenton has indicated
they would move us to 1 Sunday a month and have the track all to
ourselves!!!!
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