Where is So. Cal. Can a amateur do legal 1/4 mile runs

[djemcee]

I am new to the race scene. I have never been to a track. I want to take my viper and try doing a couple 1/4 mile runs to see how well I can drive the car and my times. I would also love a pro to drive me in my car so I can watch his shifting technique. Anyone know a area in Southern California. Also maybe what is required of me to be able to drive my car on the 1/4 straight (i.e. helmet, gear, etc...)

Thanks
Chris

[sun diego]

We were at Fontana, California Speedway yesterday. Next street legal event there is July 31.
You'll need a helmet.

[Paul Hawker]

The old track at Carlsbad (just North of San Diego) still has informal drag racing grudge matches every weekend. They will take the time to instruct a new guy, if you ask nicely, and are genuinely willing to learn.
The Southern California Club goes to the Drags from time to time, be sure to join the club.
You will need a helmet, no open toe shoes, long sleeve shirt and pants. If you are on street tires, you will want to drive around the water box. (not through it.) and do just a quick burnout to clean your tires.
Lots of fun. Passengers are not allowed to show you how to shift, but it comes very naturally as you make a few passes.

[MannyC]

I'm planning to hit up Fontana in 2 weeks along with a handful of other Vipers. You should join us.

Manny

[djemcee]

Do you have a specific date in mind?

Chris

[MannyC]

July 31st. It is from 3pm till 11pm. We usually meet up at Fontana California Speedway at 3pm sharp. Racing starts at 4pm and they typically break the run groups into 6 groups of 50 cars each, depending on how many show up. Last time we were there, I think there were only 5 run groups, but the time before that was miserable, and there were so many cars that they had to start turning people away and we got 3 runs the entire day. Last time we got 4 runs but probably could have gotten 5 (I think we missed 1 of the runs while we were chatting and having fun.)

The guys I was with were very cool, and are all helpful in instructing me (as a noob) and others on drag racing. This next time there will probably be 7 of use Viper guys attending plus 2 guys from work with different cars and one of my buds with his Porsche. We bring drinks and food and chairs and park at the end by the ET/Trap sign and chill. Next time I will bring some kind of overhead tarp though for shade, as it was 100 degrees!

Email me at mcoats(at)gigatechsoftware(dotcom) and I'll put you on our local socal list so you can be included in all the details. Also, any viper guys you know, please get them involved too.

Here's video from outside of the car and inside the car, when I ran one of the guys there (Alan) in his Nitrous Viper -- Alan is a great guy and good driver. The inside view is from our 1st run where I bogged the car. I just had the Vec1 put in the car and for some reason my normal 3K launches were bogging out badly -- even 3.5K launches were bogging (2nd video.) Bringing the car into make sure all is OK as the car felt down on power (MPH were WAY down compared to what it normally does.)

RIGHT CLICK AND SAVE - Race #1 - Inside camera view

RIGHT CLICK AND SAVE - Race #2 - Outside Camera View

Guys, don't repost these links elsewhere as they are on my work server and can't handle being hammered on my tons of users -- just wanted to share with you guys.

Manny