track surface temp

A very broad question that is application specific.

In very general terms I would call optimum 85-95 degrees. 96-105, 75-85 would be very good, and you can connect the dots from there. A cool track can be very, very good and tight, depending on the prep. It can also be loose.

The variable in any of the above readings would be the amount of rubber, age of rubber and condition of rubber. That is why NHRA style prep with a tire rotator (and completely scraping track prior to event) is optimum for a slick tire.

Cold tracks tend to become 'slick' as they get bad, and hot tracks become greasy. Yes there's a difference.

 

To answer the first question, yes, 85-95 is optimum, 75-85 would be very good as would be 96-105.

Second quesiton: Oh boy, that's a loaded question. Yes, Yes, Kinda, Maybe.

Yes definitely adjust timing off the line for conditions. Yes definitely is the determining factor in tire pressure adjustments. You may adjust clutch weight depending on what you are doing with timing curve.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but I think hiring a tuning consultant or getting a veteran racer to mentor you would really help you learn these things. Or volunteer to go crew with a veteran for a year or at least a few races. Learn the easy way instead of the hard way.

I started off polishing wheels, cleaning the trailer and washing parts. But I learned the game.

 

Will is correct, it is cheaper to rent Will and have him walk you through it. Hopefully you have a MSD Grid which makes it easier to adjust for track conditions. Also I think life is easier with a converter than a clutch

 

When the rubber is cold, the track is hard, so it's "slick" kind of like ice.

When the rubber is hot, the track gets "greasy." The rubber becomes pliable.

What kind of car are you racing?

 

learning what to do and how much is definitely a trial and error deal based on your combo