My Top Fuel Instruction List - Amanda Shepherd
I have posted my Top Fuel Instruction list that i used on saturday on my old post, but im not sure if everyone knows about it, so i thought i would put it on as a new thread.
It is now day 9 and I am still wearing my orange drivers wrist band. I cannot bring myself to cut it off. It was the first wrist band I have ever worn for driving a Top Fuel Dragster.
WOW!! The responses that I have received for my story is incredible. I am in shock at how many supporters I have. I really can’t thank you all enough for being behind me. It is awesome to have you all supporting me.
Some people have asked me a couple of questions, so i've tried to answer them all.
I am hoping that eventually Dad and I will pull to the line together (if money permits) and then we can hopefully have a 2 car team…that is if I get a sponsor. I am wanting to a be a professional drag racer and hopefully my dream will come true in the not too distant future.
I can’t stop thinking about my drive down the ¼ mile. Mat (my brother) told me to give it a few days and you will start to remember things a bit clearer. He was right. I don’t remember seeing the green light at all on the Christmas tree after taking off. All I remember is seeing the flash of amber and I was gone.
We have made a family decision, and we have decided that Dads 1/4 mile smile helmet doesnt suit me... so i've put in my orders for a RED fire Suit and matching helmet for Christmas. Mum has allready bought a lottery ticket (hoping she wins to pay for it)
My first reaction time was a .101. I was happy with that and so were the officials. My next reaction time was a .099 so I was ecstatic. Dad doesn’t even cut those lights (only when he deep stages).
A couple of days ago I was asked if I could put on my instructions list that I looked over weeks and weeks before my run. Here it is:
TOP FUEL INSTRUCTIONS
IN PITTS
CLUTCH IN – BRAKE ON
When engine is RUNNING – PULL FUEL PUMPS ON JUST PAST HALF WAY (sit & wait)
Mat will tap your shoulder – PULL FUEL PUMPS ON FULLY (& wait)
Mat will tap your shoulder again – LET CLUTCH OUT – KEEP BRAKE ON
Mat will say – TURN IT OFF – BY LETTING GO OF BRAKE & PUSH FUEL SHUT OFF FORWARD
START LINE
In the pre-stage line up area Mat will say WE ARE CLEARING IT
PUT CLUTCH IN - BRAKE ON (clear engine)
Mat will then say STARTING NOW
PUT CLUTCH IN - BRAKE ON
When engine starts
PULL FUEL ON JUST PAST ½ WAY & WAIT
Mat will wave you forward - DO NOT TOUCH ACCELLERATOR
JUST LET CLUTCH OFF SLIGHTLY & RELEASE BRAKE SLIGHTLY
To slow car down push clutch in & pull brake slightly
Car will move through water
Dean will signal you to BURNOUT
CLUTCH FULLY OUT NOW, PUSH THROTTLE DOWN (QUICKLY) – hold brake on slightly
BURNOUT UNTIL YOU ARE JUST PAST START LINE AREA
CLUTCH BACK IN AFTER ENGINE RETURNS TO IDLE AND STOP DRAGSTER
WHEN CAR IS FULLY STOPPED WITH CLUTCH IN PUSH REVERSE GEAR ON LEVER, WHEN IT IS IN LET CLUCH OUT (SLOWLY) TO REQUIRED SPEED BACKWARDS
RIDE CLUTCH ALL THE WAY BACK TO START LINE
(ONCE MOVING PUSH CLUTCH IN AND COAST, THEN AS CAR SLOWS DOWN LET CLUTCH OUT TO SPEED UP – REPEAT UNTIL BACK)
When told to stop PUSH CLUTCH IN & BRAKE stop car completely and select FORWARD GEAR (PULL LEVER BACK) move a little by RELEASING CLUTCH & BRAKE SLIGHTLY and then wait.
Dad will bring you forward (same as you do to him)
Dad will tell you to STOP (sit & wait) WITH CLUTCH IN & BRAKE ON it will seem like a long time JUST WAIT
Mat will signal you – MOVE IN VERY SLOWLY ON CLUTCH & BRAKE
STOP AS FIRST LIGHT IS ON (relax now)
TAKE A DEEP BREATH – push yourself back in seat
PUT FUEL PUMP ON FULL
PULL HELMET VISOR DOWN
MAKE SURE BRAKE IS ON VERY HARD
RELEASE CLUTCH PEDAL & PUT YOUR LEFT FOOT ONTO FOOT REST – car will try to move
VERY SLOWLY RELEASE BRAKE UNTIL 2nd LIGHT IS ON (THEN PULL BRAKE HARD)
WHEN BOTH LIGHTS ARE ON – prepare to launch at the FLASH
STEP HARD ON THROTTLE
GOOD LUCK MOO
Clutch is always in unless you are fully staged, two lights on
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Thanks again everybody for your on going support. It will always be appreciated.
