Here is a YouTube video where one of the most successful racers at my 'home' track describes how he footbrake launches.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLFmdwJOiAI

I'm astonished to hear on the video that he launches at only 1,600 RPM?! And has to wait on the bottom bulb to come on brightly.

Heck, I launch at no more than 2,400 RPM or my lower-stall converter will push through the brakes. And then I must anticipate the bottom bulb if I'm going to cut a .0-something light.

I spoke with another one of the very best racers at my track, who happens to be a footbrake driver and in fact runs a Mopar like the above fella. "F.H." told me "Another 100 horsepower would help you alot". Sigh. I run about 11.90's but don't know my horsepower.

F.H. too says he runs a 750 CFM carburetor on his 440 engine. I think by most metrics that carb is undersized, but F.H. claims his car is more responsive that way.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bad Nusz,

That is an annoying video. He probably has a lot of gear in it is a guess from me about leaving that low. Also there are many ways to skin a cat. Makes me wonder how he adjusts his reaction times on different days if he has to be exactly at 1600?

Everybody has their ways of doing things though and it seems to work well for him. I leave at 1800-2200 in low gear and do have to have it really yellow to be green. Not as consistent as when I run high gear only and leave at 3000-3300 reacting to the flash.

I think a smallish carb does help the car move early but I don't think it's as consistent as a larger carb. I have a 775 on my 388. I keep it small because running high gear it helps it recover when it's laying on the converter early in the run.

Curtis

Every combo is different. Torque from a larger engine, 3 spd trans with a lot of gearing, weight of car, suspension and a good conveter make a big difference. So does the size of the front tires and how the brakes release and don't forget where you stage.

Good remarks guys; thank you.

I think that driver said something about making small adjustments to his reaction time by adjusting his front tire pressure to change the rollout.

Cheers,
Troy

http://dragraceresults.com/ful...he_Chip_Horton_Story
This is how a man with one foot does it. Your tile made me think of this.

Interesting story, Eman; thanks.

It kindof reminds me of a driver a couple years ago at my 'home' track who I understand had a race car fitted with hand controls.

All was good I believe until he ran off the return road down a steep embankment. I can still picture a helicopter ambulance landing on the track.