NDRL race in St Louis, Update and results

[dvw]

Happy to report that the chassis adjustment is perfect. Goes dead straight. Tested it by tripping the 60ft clocks with the rear tires on the first pass. Weather is very good. So good in fact probably should have added jet. Instead decided to slow to 9.25 index. Carbs are closed to a 45 degree angle. 150lbs of ballast. Still about .05 too quick last qualifier this morning and then eliminations. 34 cars in N/SS. Experimenting with leave rpm for R/T. Along with moving my foot to a different location on the pedal. Worked very well. 3400 rpm resulted in a .021, 3500 a .017, 3600 a -.012 . Settled on 3400. It's been .010, .029 on the next 2 hits.
Doug

 

[1967gtx]

So what were the results of the elimination rounds for you?
Gary

 

[dvw]

Had a great time. Really like the NDRL format and crew. Not like NMCA. Program runs quickly and efficiently. All NDRL staff are volunteers except the race director. Ended up qualifying #29 out of 34 cars due to being .005 under my index at 9.245. Missed the tree in Q3, .061. But overall very happy with the R/Ts. Car didn't follow the weather like it should. So the tune will be addressed on the next outing. 1st round is against Mick Alles 10.50 Hemi Dart. My closure rate at the stripe felt good see it's going to be close. I get there by slightly more than I would like. His win light pops up. Very disappointed to come this far and lose rd 1. When I saw the time slip realized I did everything I could've. Took the stripe by 4 feet which is more than I would like. Part of that is he knocked off about 7 mph. The R/Ts are a story in themselves. He said this is the best light he's had in over a year. Its also the 3rd time I've lost in my last 7 races when my R/T was .003, .007, .009. 2 out of 3 outings this year my opponent's have had pacs of .010 and .017 . So far I've won 1 rd in 3 outings. That's racing. When you look at this slip remember this class is foot brake, no rev chip, no air shift, allowed school.
Doug

 

[1967gtx]

Good to hear all went well organizational wise, perhaps it time to test and tune (no ballast, and WOT) for index choice - it may be time to grab the parachute - keeping in mind I'm smoking a Cuban cigar and sipping on some good Bourbon -
Gary

 

[dvw]

I run it flat out often. It just needs a little bit more to go 9.0
Doug

 

[1967gtx]

Well, a little bit more is a wide-open statement! To get to 9.0 options my .02 - wheelie time vs forward movement (lost motion), wheel speed, rear gear ratio, tire pressure, Center of Gravity! The balance of the car is good and goes straight and you have plenty of Data to find the sweet!
Gary

 

[dvw]

My son is constantly on me to limit the wheelie. The front shocks are full tight on extension. Currentl it has 40lbs of ballast on the front end of the frame rails. The wheelie bar has been lowered a few times. Going to make some front suspension travel limiters and see what happens. More gear means more rpm at the stripe. The valves are stainless, not titainium. Radials are supposed to be quicker. It hooks so well now on the M/T 10.5Wx31 I've been hesitant. But now there is a 10.5x31 radial from Hoosier. Those using them say they are great. So it will get radial slicks when new tires are needed. That will raise the finish line rpm. So 4.10 it is. Raise the ladder bars when the radials go on. Then shock valving will be revisited and changed to match.
Doug

 

[1967gtx]

Fortunately for me the wheelie at launch is good, rear suspension is caltrac split leaf mono with cal adjustable shocks and cal 90/ 10's in front - may be different now with glass bumper & light weight brk'ts! Not much room left for tire size (Hoosier 29x9x15). Have a few things left on the list before I'm ready to pass tech!
Gary