I was reading an article in an old issue of GM Performance Magazine and there was mention made to side-stepping the clutch as one method of launching a car when making a 1/4-mile run. Can anyone explain this method of launch to me? I understand dumping the clutch, but side-stepping, or even slipping, the clutch is not necssarily intuitive.

-K

I was reading an article in an old issue of GM Performance Magazine and there was mention made to side-stepping the clutch as one method of launching a car when making a 1/4-mile run. Can anyone explain this method of launch to me? I understand dumping the clutch, but side-stepping, or even slipping, the clutch is not necssarily intuitive.

-K
side stepping is dumping the clutch. you let your foot slip off the side of the pedal. slipping the clutch is just as it says. you "ride" the clutch or basically don't fully release it but leave it momentarily at that point like, say on a hill, and not have it fully clamp. there is a fine line with that as you are burning your clutch while you're doing that and so should only do it for a second or two. it helps with wheel spin and hop

Thanks for the information, Svede. What method would you think is the most prevalent amongst GTO owners?

-K

dumping altho i think slighly slipping the clutch will give the best 60' and thus the best times. most get very pumped on the line and just try to go too hard

I know the feeling of what you are describing, but have not been successful in replicating the same launch consistently. I guess I need more practice.

-K