
The
Essence of Launch
Here's
the approach I've developed through 700+ drag strip
passes.
Before
doing launches at the track, you need to turn off Traction
Control.
You want the setting that allows wheel spin but retains Active
Handling/Stability Control.
In a C5 Corvette you want to be in Competitive Driving mode.
In a C6 Corvette you want to be in Traction System Off mode.
Other platforms will have different descriptive
settings.
Lower
your stock rear tire pressure to about 25 psi (hot).
The exact pressure varies by platform, tire model, and track
conditions. The goal is to remove 15-20% of the air, again "hot."
This will increase the size of the tire's contact patch with the
launch surface and cushion the shock to the drive line on launch
and shifts.
I recommend a launch procedure with three deliberate elements that
are inter-related and must be coordinated.
(1) launch rpm
(2) clutch release
(3) throttle squeeze
Hold the launch rpm and then quickly but smoothly release the
clutch with full engagement occurring over the first 3-10 feet of
forward movement, depending on conditions.
Don't feed more throttle until the tires are hooked.
Then and only then, squeeze the throttle progressively to the
floor.
Drag radials will take throttle quicker than stock tires but even
on DRs it's still a "squeezing" action rather that just "hammering
it" to the floor in one movement.
The goal is getting a bit of wheel spin which gives way to a rapid
rise in engine rpm, rather than a bog. If it bogs, raise the launch
rpm a few hundred on the next time. If it spins too much, lower the
launch rpm a few hundred on the next pass.
Finally, it takes seat time and passes to embed the techniques in
muscle memory and learn to read what surface conditions dictate on
any particular day.
I urge avoiding the classic launch error: engaging the clutch and
hammering the throttle simultaneously.
Click here for details on my experiences and
perspective on launching C5 Z06s.