[Tim Adams]

Originally Posted by Cdflyer

This is right on point. I've also seen it stated at 10.50 as the cut off point. Most tracks, unless the host big National events, will let you get by with jacket and helmet. Some will also let a helmet go.

The biggest thing is these are still street cars, so most tech guys are a bit lax. My local track is only really concerned with helmet and driveshaft loop since I run slicks. Aside from that, they don't say anything because they know my car is a street car (I've been going there for years). Either way, check with the track and see what they want you to run. Either way, you should be ok.

Byron actually checked? They always seemed pretty lax to me.

[Cdflyer]

Originally Posted by Tim Adams

Byron actually checked? They always seemed pretty lax to me.

They never actually "checked" for my driveshaft loop....it was a "Do you have one?" You couldn't see it even if you tried, since the front of the driveshaft is buried under so much stuff in this car. That's been about the extent of my tech life there. I might get told I need to buy a jacket....but we'll wait and see.

[LesBaer]

Thanks everyone. The driveshaft loop isn't a big deal. But adding a cage to the car isn't cheap and seems like it would be a huge PIA or impossible to remove and reinstall each time you go. I don't see a lot of options out there either. Has anyone here added one to their car yet? There's one on phastek's site and I saw another one that was a 4 point online (Studio RSR I think made it).

I wouldn't run without the helmet or jacket but some of the other stuff, like the supercharger and flywheel restraint for example - how important is it that I have that?

I've only got 1 strip within 2 hours from me so I really don't want to get tossed out of there. I know a couple people that have been there before so I'll ask them how strict they are.

[Fraxum]

Just adding on about the track difference. The one closest to me as Snowblind said is very cool, but does enforce the under 10 second rule. It is also about your attitude. Very fast street cars run there but will run hard in the 8th and ease off or brake on the big end to stay just over 10 seconds. This is a well run track with safety first and it pays to get to know the people working there.

The other track further south will kick you out at times running low 11s or 10s if your car did not come with a supercharger or turbo. I think things are more lax there with a less controlled track set up so they worry more about street car speed.

I think a driveshaft loop is a good idea once you start adding substantial power and sticky tires. Do it for your own safety, not just because of the rules. Cheap insurance. I would also have your tow hook in the glove compartment or on the car. Been there done that. Sometimes you have to pay the band so figure out how much it will cost you to get your car home. It costs me $80-100.

[laynlo15]

I was just at the track Saturday, never questioned about my mods, made every pass except one in upper tens and most over 128 mph. The one pass I didn't run in the 10's I didn't get a good burn out and spun the tires really hard so it short shifted so I left off.

[DFW1LE]

Originally Posted by laynlo15

I was just at the track Saturday, never questioned about my mods, made every pass except one in upper tens and most over 128 mph. The one pass I didn't run in the 10's I didn't get a good burn out and spun the tires really hard so it short shifted so I left off.

I am really happy to see you getting such great results, congrats

[laynlo15]

I'm happy also, my times would have been a little better if we wouldn't have had a 20 mph headwind all day long.

[LesBaer]

Good for you Laynlo, that's awesome! I'm dying to even drive my car on the road at this point. We still have snow piled up by me from the last storm.

[SGDM]

Good thread...thanks! There is always "that guy" at the strip but safety is paramount. I insert the tow hook when I get there, seen em hook to anything to drag your car off the strip.

[LesBaer]

I did some asking around by me. Basically you have to get in on a private track rental. If you show up on a random open day, you're going to get tossed without a cage I've been told. No one's recommending using a pre-made cage either. There's a good place near me that will make one, custom out of chromoly, but it's permanent. I'm all for safety and buying/installing whatever else I need, but this is disappointing. I really don't want to do that to this car yet. So far I haven't seen a single gen6 that's run 10's with a cage either.

[DFW1LE]

Originally Posted by LesBaer

I did some asking around by me. Basically you have to get in on a private track rental. If you show up on a random open day, you're going to get tossed without a cage I've been told. No one's recommending using a pre-made cage either. There's a good place near me that will make one, custom out of chromoly, but it's permanent. I'm all for safety and buying/installing whatever else I need, but this is disappointing. I really don't want to do that to this car yet. So far I haven't seen a single gen6 that's run 10's with a cage either.

I doubt you would get tossed until you lay down a time that would make them do so.

[LesBaer]

Originally Posted by DFW1LE

I doubt you would get tossed until you lay down a time that would make them do so.

Yeah I agree. It'll take some practice but it'll happen well before i want to make those kind of changes to the car was my point. The hard thing for me is scheduling if I can't show up at an open date and have to time it with a private rental date.

[mlee]

If you're just busting the time then run til they tell you to stop or run 1/8 mile and let off before the finish. Then just extrapolate your 1/4 mile time.

[Cdflyer]

Tell them to check the current NHRA rule book reguarding 2010 and newer vehicles. You can run 10.50 last I checked without anything. At 10.49 you need a roll bar and 9.99 a cage good up to 8.50. All this assumes you're under 150 mph trap speed. At 150 you need the 8.50 cage and a parachute.