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Senior Member
Prepping for my first 1/4 mile run....DID IT!
Hello,
Just wanted to make sure I am safe here. I would like to take my creation to 1/4 mile strip.
I called the place and was told that I need a helmet and hand restrains kit.
I found this on Summit site: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/v...MaAg-nEALw_wcB
Would they fit with my 5 point harness? If not, what else can I do?
Thanks,
Broku518
Last edited by broku518; 11-19-2018 at 09:16 AM.
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Senior Member
That's very interesting, how would you shift?
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
DavidW
That's very interesting, how would you shift?
There is a slack just enough for you to reach the handle. The main reason is the safety - in case of rollover to keep your hands inside the cockpit.
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Seasoned Citizen
If it's an NHRA track, better read the rules for ET class and Section 21 General Regs. All NHRA affiliated tracks are required (not saying' they all do) to follow NHRA rules for every event even those Friday Night Run What You Brung events. If you car runs quicker than 13.5-sec (and it should) you're going to need more than arm restraints and a generic helmet. Check out NHRARacer.com and on the left side of the home page you'll find a link to the rules. Things like helmets and roll bars have very specific requirements.
If it's not an NHRA track you may get away with a lot less. Good luck and be safe.
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
NAZ
If it's an NHRA track, better read the rules for ET class and Section 21 General Regs. All NHRA affiliated tracks are required (not saying' they all do) to follow NHRA rules for every event even those Friday Night Run What You Brung events. If you car runs quicker than 13.5-sec (and it should) you're going to need more than arm restraints and a generic helmet. Check out NHRARacer.com and on the left side of the home page you'll find a link to the rules. Things like helmets and roll bars have very specific requirements.
If it's not an NHRA track you may get away with a lot less. Good luck and be safe.
Hi,
This is what it said on their site. Not sure about the IHRA vs. NHRA. I will call them and ask for clarification.
Palm Beach International Raceway
www.racepbir.com/
The facility boasts a road course, an IHRA sanctioned drag strip, kart track, rallycross, mini motard and skid pad facilities. ... Palm Beach International Raceway (PBIR) announced that Sunoco Race Fuels is the presenting ... Jupiter, Fla.
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Senior Member
Those will work fine, hook them on the lap belt with everything else.
CVOBill
MK2 #???? Delivered 11/2002, Finished and Titled 6/2003 5.0, T-5, 4-Link, Sold 3/2005
Hot Rod #304 purchased 5/28/2017 from original owner Unassembled . Titled and plated 8/24/2017 Coyote,
TKO, 3-Link, Heat, A/C, Electric Power Steering, Convertible top
MK4 #9524 Picked up 1/18/19 306 Blueprint, T-5, 4-Link, Gas-N Pipes, Heater
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You can start here: http://www.ihra.com/images/2017/IHRA_2017_Rulebook.pdf
Page 70 for why you're likely to be escorted to the gate if you run under 13.50 in the 1/4:
"A minimum of a 6 point roll bar is mandatory on all convertibles running 11.OO to 13.49 1/4 mile and 8.25 or quicker 1/8 mile"
Page 82 for why it is probably impractical to attempt to pass their roll bar standard:
"and at least as wide as the driver’s shoulders or within 1” of the driver’s door <<<snip>>> Side-bar must be included on driver’s side. The side bar must pass the driver at a point midway between the shoulder and elbow"
IHRA and NHRA rulebooks are near identical in this regard.
I have abandoned any hope of complying with those roll bar rules with a street roadster. A full roll cage is *to me* beyond the scope of a street car (requires bars too close to my skull)
A challenge car cage might arguably pass, but I'm thinking the tubing is probably too small in diameter.
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
mike223
You can start here:
http://www.ihra.com/images/2017/IHRA_2017_Rulebook.pdf
Page 70 for why you're likely to be escorted to the gate if you run under 13.50 in the 1/4:
"A minimum of a 6 point roll bar is mandatory on all convertibles running 11.OO to 13.49 1/4 mile and 8.25 or quicker 1/8 mile"
Page 82 for why it is probably impractical to attempt to pass their roll bar standard:
"and at least as wide as the driver’s shoulders or within 1” of the driver’s door <<<snip>>> Side-bar must be included on driver’s side. The side bar must pass the driver at a point midway between the shoulder and elbow"
IHRA and NHRA rulebooks are near identical in this regard.
I have abandoned any hope of complying with those roll bar rules with a street roadster. A full roll cage is *to me* beyond the scope of a street car (requires bars too close to my skull)
A challenge car cage might arguably pass, but I'm thinking the tubing is probably too small in diameter.
wow, that is a bummer! I will call them, or go over there to observe. It is better to be there in person so they can see the car and I can ask questions. Safety first.
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Senior Member
Have Simpson "drag race" separates, About $40.
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Steve >> aka: GoDadGo
Suggestions From The Dark Dart Side:
1. Ask to make Solo Passes on your 1st few runs until you get comfortable with the car.
2. Start off slow since we all know that these cars can be a handful.
3. Don't race anybody until you are 100% in your Own Zone!
Also, please know that everybody is going to want to race you and will drive their cars harder than normal just to beat your MK-4.
Remember that stupid things often happen at the race track where testosterone and adrenaline meet so be ware and be careful.
Good Luck & Happy Motoring!
Steve
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Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
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Awesome! Keep us posted. Curious to know!
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Originally Posted by
broku518
It is better to be there in person so they can see the car and I can ask questions?
It never hurts to approach them in person and ask questions - A scheduled test + tune would be a good time for that (and a relatively cheap experiment).
And you may find it's not that easy to break 13.5 on street tires, especially if you drive through the (burnout) water trough - prepped drag strips can be really, really slick on street tires.
I actually prefer the 1/8 mile - the speed I should be running at the end of the 1/4 makes me a little queasy (too many potentially catastrophic failure modes)...
Originally Posted by
broku518
Safety first.
Or you can buy a (fast) motorcycle, put on leathers, and run as fast in the 1/4 as you like [rolleyes]...
Originally Posted by
GoDadGo
1. Ask to make Solo Passes on your 1st few runs until you get comfortable with the car.
2. Start off slow since we all know that these cars can be a handful.
3. Don't race anybody until you are 100% in your Own Zone!
Also, please know that everybody is going to want to race you and will drive their cars harder than normal just to beat your MK-4.
Remember that stupid things often happen at the race track where testosterone and adrenaline meet so be ware and be careful.
All good advice.
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
GoDadGo
Suggestions From The Dark Dart Side:
1. Ask to make Solo Passes on your 1st few runs until you get comfortable with the car.
2. Start off slow since we all know that these cars can be a handful.
3. Don't race anybody until you are 100% in your Own Zone!
Also, please know that everybody is going to want to race you and will drive their cars harder than normal just to beat your MK-4.
Remember that stupid things often happen at the race track where testosterone and adrenaline meet so be ware and be careful.
Good Luck & Happy Motoring!
Steve
Great points! Couldn't agree more. The other day someone in minivan jumped me at the green light, I let him win
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
broku518
Great points! Couldn't agree more. The other day someone in minivan jumped me at the green light, I let him win
A few months ago, when the Roadster was off getting painted, I drove my fiancee's mini to Caffeine & Octane. There were a couple of guys beside me in a Nova and 65 Mustang gong pretty hard light to light, so I had to give them a good little rev out of the 3 cylinder when we were at a stop light.
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Senior Member
I have found it depends on the tech inspector at the track you go to. Some will be very picky and some will gauge the driver and allow some leniency. I regularly ran 11's at Atco in new Jersey and have a couple of other Cobra owners (Joe E) with similar experience. Englishtown NJ tech would just laugh at me and point to the gate. Safety equipment is common sense, arm restraints fall into that category.
The other advice above is also on point. The first time you run your adrenaline will be pumping and you may not make the most level headed decisions. My advice is to leave the line relatively easy on your first run, shift to second and ease the gas to the floor. Once you are comfortable with the high speed part of the run you can work into launching the car and the 1 to 2 shift. It is easy to get the car completely sideways on launch or the 1 to 2 shift. It will happen. The trick is to experience it when you are ready for it and can react. Once you get a feel for what the car is likely to do you are far less likely to have a bad outcome when it does do it, which it will. These cars are amazingly capable once you get a feel for them. My car will easily pull 1.7 second 60 ft times and high 11 second 1/4 mile times on street tires, not drag drag radials with a mid level 362 HP at the rear wheels.
Last edited by Mike N; 10-01-2018 at 07:18 PM.
Mike............
FFR2100 - 331 with KB supercharger - T5 - 5 link rear 3.08's and T2 Torsen.
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Originally Posted by
Mike N
I have found it depends on the tech inspector at the track you go to.
Englishtown NJ tech would just laugh at me and point to the gate.
Your adrenaline will be pumping and you may not make the most level headed decisions.
It is easy to get the car completely sideways on launch or the 1 to 2 shift. It will happen.
These cars are amazingly capable once you get a feel for them.
All above (including <<<snipped>>>) very true.
As a pretty experienced autocrosser + dirt track guy - I found it fascinating - my first few passes on the drag strip - knowing full well I was traction limited well into third gear.
And when your peripheral vision picks up that someone is getting away from you in the other lane - you still apply more throttle than you can put to the ground (knowing better).
It would be a great thing to practice (not doing) if you happen to find a place that doesn't laugh and point you to the gate...
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Senior Member
I might suggest if you've never staged, and had the blood pumping so hard you can hear it in your ears as the tree drops. Take a night with your daily driver to get the routine down. Yep not as fast as a cobra might be but still a lot of fun and not a lot of risk to get in trouble
Just my 2
Gromit aka Chris
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Gromit
I might suggest if you've never staged, and had the blood pumping so hard you can hear it in your ears as the tree drops. Take a night with your daily driver to get the routine down. Yep not as fast as a cobra might be but still a lot of fun and not a lot of risk to get in trouble
Just my 2
Gromit aka Chris
This is a really good idea....
Mike............
FFR2100 - 331 with KB supercharger - T5 - 5 link rear 3.08's and T2 Torsen.
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Steve >> aka: GoDadGo
Originally Posted by
Gromit
Take a night with your daily driver to get the routine down. Yep not as fast as a cobra might be but still a lot of fun and not a lot of risk to get in trouble.
Gromit aka Chris
Gromit/Chris,
Great idea plus you just brought back one of my most favorite, best ever, most fun drag racing moments in my life.
I've spent more than my fare share of times at Gulfport Dragway, starting in 1978, and many of those nights I had the kids with me.
They thought it would be fun if I drove Mom's (Mrs. Go-Dad's) Safari Van since they found one of my motorcycle helmets in the back.
We had a blast even though I was running times in the high teens and low 20's, yep 20's @ 78-80 MPH.
GDG/Steve
PS: The Kids Are Now 20, 24 & 28 So Thanks For Stirring Up The Old Brain For Me!
Last edited by GoDadGo; 10-02-2018 at 08:00 AM.
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Someone gave this advise many years ago. I hated to waste a pass, it seemed, but,,,
I was told, stage watch the lights, yada, yada, yada. When you leave just drive down the track. You will see and learn so much. I have a preference for lanes, but a drive down each is good.
The local track used to have a test and tune night, so we could make numerous passes at your pace.
20th Anniversary Mk IV, A50XS Coyote, TKO 600, Trunk Drop Box, Trunk Battery Box, Cubby Hole, Seat Heaters, Radiator hanger and shroud.
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
GoDadGo
Gromit/Chris,
Great idea plus you just brought back one of my most favorite, best ever, most fun drag racing moments in my life.
I've spent more than my fare share of times at Gulfport Dragway, starting in 1978, and many of those nights I had the kids with me.
They thought it would be fun if I drove Mom's (Mrs. Go-Dad's) Safari Van since they found one of my motorcycle helmets in the back.
We had a blast even though I was running times in the high teens and low 20's, yep 20's @ 78-80 MPH.
GDG/Steve
PS: The Kids Are Now 20, 24 & 28 So Thanks For Stirring Up The Old Brain For Me!
Reminds me of the time at Englishtown when I was changing the engine in my '67 StingRay. Took my wife's 1984 Fleetwood BattleStar for a bracket eliminator win & 72mph in 18.54 seconds leaving on color in the last yellow. Car ran like a clock all day with almost no variance in time or speed.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 10-02-2018 at 10:43 AM.
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Not a waxer
Pretty easy to be consistent with a slow car! Back in the '80s I trailered a buddy's Super Pro Demon to a test & tune night with my off road set up '78 Blazer when his pickup was laid up. Figured "why the hell not", unhooked the trailer and made about a half dozen passes. Put it in drive, put the pedal to the mat on the last yellow and lumbered to some 18 second passes that didn't vary by .1 Another friend unhooked his F150 from his trailer so his wife and I could have a grudge match---she smoked me 3 out of 3!
Jeff
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Senior Member
SO...I did it! Couple days ago and went out to a local strip here in Jupiter. It was pretty awesome!
Soon after I got there I needed to through the TECH station. Place where they inspect the car and give you a number. I had my safety gear passed no problem. I heard people talking about the need for a roll cage, but no one even commented on it...
Now, pulling to the starting line:
-7 lines full of cars, smoke everywhere from burn outs
-getting closer, can see the water box (remembered to just drive around it)
-on starting line, trying to figure it the the lights (got a 1.4s reaction time, no worries)
-flying...went easy and steady, having trouble to see where the 1/4m run ends
-U turn and picking up the slip. Guy jokes with me, I can't grab the slip. I am wearing hands restrain kit.
-finished in 13.7s / 97mph https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-83...ew?usp=sharing
Getting back in line and waiting.
Second run:
-this time I figured the lights, reaction time 0.3s
-kept the rpm around 2000 and launched, feel like tires are spinning, recovered.
-pedal to the metal, don't give up.
-flying
-U turned guy makes fun of me again, getting the slip
-time 14.4s / 109.9mph https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nDr...ew?usp=sharing
I wanted to do more runs, but many mods were having spills...huge delay cleaning up and prepping the track, oh well.
It was an awesome experience, learned some valuable tips.
-lower the tire pressure
-get slick tires
-get more HP
-remove any unnecessary heavy parts (like extra seats, saw a guy doing it in the line)
-shift faster
-practice launch
-people coming over and taking pics of my car, it was like a car show
20181116_222514
Last edited by broku518; 11-19-2018 at 09:41 AM.
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Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
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Good fun! Car sounds great!!
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Not a waxer
Happy to hear that you had a great time Martin!
RE: Need tires, more power, etc.---I'll disagree with that for the time being; what you really need first is seat time and refining your driving technique. If my little old 350ish HP (on a good day!) 302 can run 12.2s @ 118 on crappy Summitomos you have LOTS more left to get out of the car before you need to start making big changes. But hey, that's where the fun is...lots of practice! Keep after it my friend
Jeff
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Jeff Kleiner
Happy to hear that you had a great time Martin!
RE: Need tires, more power, etc.---I'll disagree with that for the time being; what you really need first is seat time and refining your driving technique. If my little old 350ish HP (on a good day!) 302 can run 12.2s @ 118 on crappy Summitomos you have LOTS more left to get out of the car before you need to start making big changes. But hey, that's where the fun is...lots of practice! Keep after it my friend
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Totally agree on getting to know the car first. It is tempting to upgrade, but I need to improve my driving skills as well.
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Steve >> aka: GoDadGo
Congratulations & I Bet You Are Now 100% Hooked On Drag Racing!
Practices launching the car and your E.T.'s will drop like a rock.
Your MPH tells me that you've got an easy second to lose.
Practice Makes Perfect Because Spinning Aint Winning!
NOTE:.. The only thing I'd do is get some new drag radials just to use on the track.
Last edited by GoDadGo; 11-19-2018 at 09:52 AM.
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Thanks for the replay. I can relate to all of those issues and more. I bracket raced, years ago. It took me forever to quit racing the car next to me. ,,,do not know if your tree has led lights, but we had incandescent. With time and adrenaline you could see the bulb come on and go off. Don't know how your shifting is going, but most clutch's do not need to go to the floor for shift. I have put a block under the pedal, to make sure I do not waste the travel to the floor and back. Be sure to post your progress. I enjoy the read.
20th Anniversary Mk IV, A50XS Coyote, TKO 600, Trunk Drop Box, Trunk Battery Box, Cubby Hole, Seat Heaters, Radiator hanger and shroud.
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Seasoned Citizen
Careful, it's addicting. Frank Hawley's School of Drag Racing is north of you in Gainsville. Check out his website.
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I was excited for you just watching! That's awesome! I was talking to the wife about trying it myself down the road.
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On a roll
Good for you! When are you going to let the boys try this???
Mk IV Roadster - #8650 - delivered 7-17-2015 - first start 7-28-2018 - first go-kart 10-13-2018 - licensed and on the road 9-9-19: body/paint completed 3-17-2020.
Complete kit / 2015 Coyote / TKO600 / IRS / Wilwood brakes / Mid-Shift mod / Power Steering / Heater and Seat Heaters / RT turn signal / Breeze radiator shroud and mount
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Al_C
Good for you! When are you going to let the boys try this???
HAHA! In 10 years or so...mister! it's my turn to have some fun
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Senior Member
AWESOME! Looks fun!
FYI your 109mph run is mid 12s all day! That's cooking. With an improved 60' time (the closer to a 1.5 on drag radials THE BETTER) you should see high 11s and low low 12s.
Be careful running slicks. If you connect and there's a weak link somewhere, your slicks will break the weak link. Get yourself some NT01s or some Mickey Thompson DOT Drag radials... you'll have AMAZING tractions and just enough wheel-spin (read:forgiveness, lol) to not break anything.
Condolences on your loss, but it sounds like she smiling down on your newfound joy and I'm sure she's extremely proud. Looking forward to seeing some more videos from you!
Gen3 Coupe - SOLD Arrival:
6/21/18 SOLD: 4/12/2019
Current Vehicle: 2014 SRT Viper (modded to the moon), 2022 TRX, 2022 RS6, E46 LS3 M3
Current Projects: Superlite/RCR GTR ***FOR SALE***
@madd_wrapps on IG or
www.maddwrapps.com
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Originally Posted by
Jeff Kleiner
Happy to hear that you had a great time Martin!
RE: Need tires, more power, etc.---I'll disagree with that for the time being; what you really need first is seat time and refining your driving technique. If my little old 350ish HP (on a good day!) 302 can run 12.2s @ 118 on crappy Summitomos you have LOTS more left to get out of the car before you need to start making big changes. But hey, that's where the fun is...lots of practice! Keep after it my friend
Jeff
Back in my day, did a lot of Drag Racing, NHRA, Super Comp class. (8.90 class) I was the crew chief on the Pure Heaven Car.... I can tell you that 100% of what Jeff says here is true.... Seat time, Seat time, Seat time. You have more power than you need, learn to launch and keep traction and you will lower your ET and pick up some MPH as well. Have fun, but always be smart and safe...
That's me in the white shirt watching my throttle timing, clutch adjustments, wheelie bar adjustments, carb adjustments, weather readings, etc. etc. all working together to run that perfect 8.90 with .005 reaction times... Those were the days... Oh and hoping I packed the chute correctly...
Racecar at Bakersfield.JPG Seattle win.JPG Seattle.JPG
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Senior Member
Great fun & congrats!!
Another life ago I ran a '66 Mustang with a real snotty 302 & toploader at Union Grove Dragway. There was a guy who'd show up on bracket nights with a 6-banger Fairmont 4 door and clean house! Stomp it at the last yellow and 20 seconds later he'd hit his dial-in +/- .010 second (with the A/C on). He's always take home money... consistency.
Like others have said, seat time, seat time, seat time, repeat. Run YOUR race, in YOUR lane, and ignore the other car.
John D. - Minneapolis 'Burbs
1965 El Camino - LT-1, 4L60e, 4wh discs, SC&C susp.
2013 F-150 Platinum - Twin Turbo 3.5
2018 Mk4 Roadster w/ Coyote - #9365 - Build Thread Delivery 7/3/18, 1st Start 1/4/19, 1st Road Mile 5/5/19, Legal 6/18/19, In Paint 2/25/21, Done (?) 4/2021
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Brandon #9196
Excellent read, I have an NHRA 1/8 Mile track here in town. We have a test and tune every friday. I managed a few passes with my mustang but really need to work on getting driving technique down and tuning my efi system. I am very excited to try again. Like you I need help driving. I got 12.5 wide tires in the rear (315) and thought this would help. The car still spins the tires like crazy. Not sure where to start.
Thanks for the update! Great JOB!
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
TheBabyBadger
AWESOME! Looks fun!
FYI your 109mph run is mid 12s all day! That's cooking. With an improved 60' time (the closer to a 1.5 on drag radials THE BETTER) you should see high 11s and low low 12s.
Be careful running slicks. If you connect and there's a weak link somewhere, your slicks will break the weak link. Get yourself some NT01s or some Mickey Thompson DOT Drag radials... you'll have AMAZING tractions and just enough wheel-spin (read:forgiveness, lol) to not break anything.
Condolences on your loss, but it sounds like she smiling down on your newfound joy and I'm sure she's extremely proud. Looking forward to seeing some more videos from you!
Thank you for the tips and kind words. Really appreciated it.