Drag racing has a way of teaching hard lessons, especially when you least expect it. My recent experience at the NHRA Division 5 ET Finals was no exception. Let’s dive into what happened and what I learned.
What Are the NHRA ET Finals?
The NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) runs ET Finals in each of its seven divisions across the United States. These events determine who qualifies for the National ET Finals in Las Vegas. Division 5’s competition includes various classes:
- Sportsman
- Pro
- Super Pro
- And more
I race my El Camino in the Sportsman class, typically for cars running 11.60 seconds or slower. It’s a footbrake class, perfect for newcomers with almost any car.
My Journey to the ET Finals
After placing 5th overall in the Sportsman Class for the 2024 drag racing season, I qualified for the ET Finals. This event brings together the top 10 point earners in each class. It marked my return to serious competition since 2018 when I last raced at Rocky Mountain Raceways in Utah.
Challenges Faced
- Car Maintenance: I replaced the rear end and addressed issues with fuel pumps and other wear-and-tear parts.
- Elevation Adjustment: Moving from 2400+ feet to 700 feet elevation required significant tuning changes.
- Humidity Factor: Dealing with 40-90% humidity versus the dry climate I was used to added another layer of complexity.
Tuning for Success
I’m incredibly grateful for the support from Velocity Racing Carbs. Their expertise was crucial in helping me adapt to these new racing conditions.
Lessons Learned
- Always double-check your setup, even if you think you remember everything.
- Adaptability is key when facing new racing environments.
- Having a reliable support team (like Velocity Racing Carbs) can make a huge difference.
While things didn’t go as planned at the ET Finals, the experience was invaluable. It reinforced the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in drag racing.
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