360 360 F1 how to launch from the line in a drag race

When I go to the track (road coarse) it is funny to see how many drivers just nail it out of the hot pit like its a drag race to get on the track. I leisurely get going in first and not until I shift to 2nd do I start to get on it. I'm still up to speed once I merge on the track.

 

I’m taking my 360 F1 Modena to the drags tomorrow. I’m going to do a couple of runs. My plan is to go up to the start, push the foot brake, put the gearbox in neutral, wait until the countdown starts, put it in first gear, release the brake and push the throttle hard at the right time and see what happens. I would like to win but I will not be disappointed if I lose. I will be disappointed if a Ferrari can’t handle a couple of drag races. I wonder if I should press a button called Auto to see if it is better.

 

Why not try a track day on a road course? The car is better suited to that than drag racing, and you'll have more fun learning how your car handles, its (and your) limits, etc.

 

Let us know how that clutch job goes after

I wouldn't think the auto would work great at all, I think that's more for cruising.

 

If it wheel hops lift off the throttle and abort the run.

 

Yep, they are tough.
Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

A 360 is slow compared to modern cars, so maybe it's really not worth putting it into such stress (disclaimer: I'm not a fan of drag races anyway).
I'm not sure how the F1 system reacts, but maybe it would be similar to a manual box (which it is, under the F1 electronics and plumbing).
For a manual box, my experience for a good standing start (not from drag racing, not with Ferrari but for a real race start) is:
- keep the clutch pedal pressed (with the F1 system, keeping one foot on the brake should have the same effect I guess)
- accelerate the engine to appropriate revs (depending on the car, I guess could be between 4,000 and 5,000 rpm)
- at green light, release clutch (or brake in the case of F1) and go full throttle simultaneously - the wheels spin but that gives the best result.
For a manual box in this mode of operation, most of the stress is on the clutch (although the gearbox is not really preserved).

 

When you finish your run (which you will likely lose) approach the guy that beat you and ask him if he will meet you on a twisty back road for a "competitive run".

Two different cars. Two different set of "racing" parameters--- and never the twain shall meet.

 

At that point the clutch smoke will prevent seeing the tachometer so you'll never know you got to 5000 RPM.

Prior to dispensing this sort of drivel best to know how it works.

 

That's low level racing experience
If the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor I don't see how the clutch will smoke - that comment is what reads like drivel to me...

Btw, I checked a few threads here, and they seem to confirm that with brake pressed, the F1 system reacts like a manual with the clutch pedal floored - which means no clutch slip and no smoke. It is putting wear to the clutch bearing / springs (although if only occasionnally, probably not significantly) but the clutch itself is completely open.
When "brutally" releasing the brake (or the clutch pedal) of course the clutch is taking a shock that is not specially friendly, but again there is no smoke...
I'm not a technician but here I think what I write makes sense (and with a manual gearbox it's confirmed by experience).

 

... and the F1 system does not have a centrifugal clutch like on the old 2CV Citroen, so increasing the revs does not change things (the clutch remains open).