I went to the Carlsbad quarter mile track today with a group of friends. Although it was an interesting and enjoyable experience, I don’t think I’ll be rushing back anytime soon. First, it’s a long drive to get there (approx 2 hours). Second, after driving all that distance, you spend most of the time sitting in line -- each of my runs was followed by a 30+ min wait. Willow Springs and Button Willow are a similar distance away, but at least you get rewarded with 3+ hours of driving once you get there, in comparison to the total of less than one minute that I spent on the track today. Third, although blasting through a quarter mile is fun, I much prefer negotiating turns on a track. Nevertheless, I’m glad I went and tried it.

There were a wide array of cars at the track, ranging from 10 second domestic dragsters to 16 second imports, and everything in between. I was the only Porsche.

I quickly discovered that what separates the boys from the men is your ability to launch and, unfortunately, I’m more of a boy when it comes to launching. Although I did manage to lower my 60 foot time from 2.3 to 2.1, there were guys there doing 1.8-1.9 60s. As my 60 times decreased, so did my quarter mile times. On my first run, I did 12.3 seconds at 121 mph with a 2.3 60 foot. Next, I did 12.1 at 119 mph with a 2.2 60 (interesting that my trap speed went down). On my last run, with the benefit of cooler air and the PSM off (I thought I had turned it off for the earlier runs, but I didn’t realize it automatically re-engaged when I turned the car off then restarted), I did 11.89 seconds at 120 mph with a 2.1 60 foot. I suspect that an accomplished drag racer, who knows how to launch and can get to 60 feet in under 2 seconds, could get my car into the 11.6 second quarter mile range. However, I’ll never know for certain, as I won’t be going back any time soon.

Craig (L.A.)

 

Impressive numbers, Craig! It was good that you could keep up with your "jogger" friend!

Just think how fast you'll go in your TT! <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />


PS: I assume you know that CFG is going to pull all the avatars on his Board. What a spoilsport thing to do just because people like us want a little "spice" in them. I guess it was the one that Stpauligirl used that went over the edge. I guess your "jogger" and my "dancer" were marginal in his eyes..

 

Don, what is CFG and why are the avatars leaving?

Jason

 

It does seem unfair to drive two hours each way to get 36.29 seconds of track time

In the late eighties, I used to go down there and run every other Saturday with all my street racing buddies to dial in our cars. They were Chevelle's and lightweight Nova's. A fast, or should I say quick street car with DOT tires and full exhaust would run low 12's.

I am sure you turned a few heads down there with a car like that.

These cars are impressive even in a straight line!

Chris

 

Craig,
I'm curious; what was your launch technique? I used to own a 91' Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo, which is AWD, and remember reading the factory drivers technique for getting the lowest 1/4mile times for publication. They reved the engine to 5k rpm and side-stepped the clutch. Because of the AWD there was very little wheel spin. Anyone ever try that with a C4 or TT?

 

Very nice times! You should get to the mid 11's with a solid launch.

 

Craig's results were awesome and I think very consistent. Great job! "5000 rpm/side stepping-clutch" launches wouldn't be necessary, as this car has a tiptronic tranny. Very impressive times, IMHO!