Doing my first 1/2 event soon. How do you prep for these events.

I guess high tire preasure is a good idea. Myine just have a tune, would I benefit from racegas (not changing the tune)?

As it’ s only trapspeed I guess I don’t have to launch it so hard?

Appriciate any ideas.

/Per

 

If your car is in good working order, you shouldn't have to do much.

I've run a number of 1/2 mile events and prior to the event I inspect my suspension and brakes, check tire pressure and inspect tires. I also look for any leaks and check fluid levels. I then remove any loose items from inside the car (usually not much), and remove any loose items in the frunk. Race gas will not do anything for you unless you have a map (tune) for higher octane fuel. It also won't hurt anything with your current tune. No need to launch hard in a 1/2 mile event since all you get is a trap speed, but some people like to drag race to the 1/2 mile markers. Also don't forget a helmet, pants and closed toe shoes!

Other than that, I recommend bringing food and drink, a fold up chair and some kind of canopy to shelter from the sun.

Enjoy! 1/2 mile events are a blast!

 

check tires, brakes and race gas.....done

 

Doing my first one in August as well, can’t wait

 

pull fuse for your spoiler, good for 1-2mph.

If you are class limited set your speed alert for 10-15 mph under your limit so you don't bust out and get yelled at.

Do a shakedown run before giving it your all, a nice and easy run focusing on hitting each shift and keeping it under 120mph.

Keep fuel over 1/2 tank, you want the extra weight over the front wheel for stability and it helps keep some strain off your fuel pump.

Higher tire pressure is better for MPH. I'd be at least at the factory numbers, maybe 5psi more all around depending on traction and track surface.

A splash of 100 octane will help if it's hot and to ensure the ecu isn't pulling timing. No need to run 100% 100 octane unless you are tuned for it. Maybe 70/30 pump / 100 octane.

Let the car cool down A LOT between runs. Heat soak is your enemy, avoid idling in grid.

No need to launch hard, just focus on your shifts. If you are on stock turbos I'd recommend short shifting a bit, no need to wind out to redline. Get into your taller gears and max boost quickly.

 

Just roll it out and once you get into 3rd shift where you know your power falls off, unless it doesnt then just ride it all the way.
Brake where they tell you and dont go into neutral while braking. Just use fresh gas from a busy station or if youre paranoid dump some vp100/250gt , 3 gallons or so should be enough.

Bring lots of water!
also if youre keen break up some dry ice and shove it into your intercooler ducts.

 

So a 1/2 mile event is basically a top speed contest? I would rather do AutoX where driving ability is very important. I could see doing it once or twice but them i would probably get bored.

 

you got it, its not as fun as autox or a track day for sure, the only reason i am going is because a few of the guys i work with are doing it with their modified Mustang / Camaros and BMW's. Mine will probably be the slowest / most expensive car for this but they also wont come out to track days with me lol

 

Youd be surprised what our cars can do in half mile.

 

they are all 500+ whp so i expect to be a little slower but it should be close

 

Camaros, Mustangs BMWs, meh. You have the coolest car of the bunch.

 

youll be fine just ride third to 5500 once you hit 120mph youre at quarter mile give or take afew mph. My last 1/2 mile run was 145ish with stock k16s and x50 cheese grinder ics packed with dry ice , 100cell cats dumping straight down, could have gone more but clutch started to slip. Unless those mustangs and camaros have stock gearing which likely they dont cuz quarter mile, once you hit third youll zip right by.

 

I'm new to the 996, I don't understand the slipping clutch. Is that due to a used and abused clutch? Please explain.

 

Abused clutch yes, not the riding clutch or burny wheels type, more of the old tired and tune overpowering the clutch and creating hot slots on flywheel.

So yeah, used and abused.

It held a tune for a year, then i got an exhaust, slipped hard at air strip.

So unless you got 5k to spend, dont do stupid **** with oem clutch lol.

 

I'm starting to get the picture. Speed equals dollars.