Stick With It
cutting agent. Generally speaking, especially for use on etched
concrete, the cooler the surface the more TrackBite or similar
traction compound can be used. More often than not yard
sprayers are seen as the go-to for applying the mixture to the
surface, especially if used on the starting line. Many choose
to simply pour some down in replace of water for their burnouts. When sprayed across the startling line it’s commonplace
to see racers light the mixture on fire, and while it makes for
quite the theatrical spectacle, it’s actually done to rapidly dry
the mixture when time is of the essence. If spraying, apply the
traction compound evenly down the grove of the lane – evenly
and lightly for a minimum of 60-feet. Again, temperature of
the surface and whether or not the surface is under direct
sunlight will dictate how aggressive you can be with the spray.
racing television show Street Outlaws with an online following
of over three-million people. “Spray or chemicals will never
work or hook as hard as just a good patch of rubber. Nothing
can compare to a big, rolling burnout so that you’ve got a
large footprint to launch from. Even at a heavily raced spot,
it’s important to put down your own rubber.” It’s important to
have a crewman along to help guide you back into your tracks,
CONCRETE IS KING
BIG BURNOUTS
“I believe your best bet is always a big burnout,” says Shawn
“Murder Nova” Ellington, another star of the popular street
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STREETRACE
PHOTOS: 1320VIDEO
“Big Chief” also attests that concrete surfaces – as compared
to poured asphalt – play a major role in hooking up your street
car. “It’s ideal to find relatively smooth, dense concrete – the
less grooves the better.” This information is not exactly a
massive revelation as d rag racers have long since preferred
drag strips with concrete launch pads. For drag strip owners
and operators, the concrete is also a much more durable surface
that can withstand repeated burnouts and launches without
grooves forming or simply crumbling. Interestingly enough,
asphalt has its advantages as it is known for being dramatically
more forgiving upon the loss of traction – a more gradual loss
of grip as compared to instantaneous spin often associated
with concrete.
too. For your burnout, pour a small puddle of your traction
compound mix right in front of your rear tires, then have your
crewman guide you a few inches forward so that your rear
tires are directly in the puddle and start your burnout.