Chute Deployment for First Timer

[dusterdave173]

OK
I am a rookie FED pilot--though have drag raced for over 25 years.
I have 6 laps on my new FED
I have a match race this Sat--going to be lots of fun so I was thinking about opening my Chute even though we are only running the 1/8th so folks will get the best show possible.
Thing is...I have never opened a chute on anything before
I have packed it several times--my controls are adjusted and work good
How do I do it--what do I expect--what to watch out for--when to let her rip??
I expect calm weather No wind if weather report is good

Do I stay in it and pull it right at the stripe or???
A little advice from the pros please

Thanks!!!!!!

[rooman]

You can drive into it or pull it as you step off the gas. As you are only running 1/8th mile it won't open hard but make sure your shoulder belts are tight anyway (they should be that way all of the time). The first time I pulled the chutes while I was making the runs for my NT/F ticket I was going around 190 mph and with a pair of 12 foot chutes that will get your attention right now!
Make sure that you have enough speed to make it to the turnout and once you are clear of the track pull up as soon as possible so that you don't drag the pilot chute too much-they take more of a beating than anything else.
Roo

[Oldschool]

Pull at the line,no big deal. The first time I pulled my chute on an Altered running mid 8's. Got out of shape ,ready to turn over,pulled the chute and straighten the car out. It saved me that day, but no big deal.

[janjon]

This not offered as advice from a pro by any means, just my little experience. Mine goes through the lights at about 125, and if I pull the handle right at the line there's what seem like a goodly part of a second before feeling it slow the car down; so you could let it out a bit before the finish line. At that speed it is not an eye-opening experience. Barely a car-straightening tool either.

[JrFuel Hayden]

It also depends on the size of the chute, and how the chute is set-up. The bigger the chute the bigger the hit or the more MPH the bigger chute is needed. That's why NHRA has a rule any car that runs, or can go over 200 mph must have two chutes. 
The set-up deal is the closer to the car where the chute lines come together, the softer the hit or the slower the speed you are going. The closer to the chute where lines are attached the bigger the hit or needed with higher MPH or the heavier race car. Because the chute is catching more air.
Ya, you are right, EVERYTHING has to be tuned to work together.
Remember you need to wash the chute once in a while or more often if you are dragging thru the dirt more often. And carry a spare pop chute, they wear-out from dragging on the track/ ground.
Have Fun !

Jon

[ss4]

looks like you already have the good advice.   but have to share this a friend of mine runs a 70 Gremlin.  With the iron 401(all motor) it was running 8.30s in the quarter, now with some upgrades and juice he is putting down 7.0s I asked where he feels the power/speed.  Fully expecting the 60ft or top end. He says when the chutes hit.  I thought that was pretty interesting that a speed freak would say the decel. 

[ricardo1967]

Great topic Dave, subscribed.

[hotrod316]

at bg 2 years ago Amanda pull the chute everthing work like it was suppose to she turn off the track and let along she did not know the chute had not drop at the end of the track then all he$$ broke loses
just something to think about   one of the things no one will tell you about
have fun
hotrod316
steve m

[masracingtd1167]

Steve  you brought up a really good point ! One of the most dangerous places to be at the drag strip is the turn off area ! I have seen more mishaps there than on the drag strip . The driver of the car has no idea if his chute is still blossomed . You and your crew have to be on there toes whenever a car comes around that turn .i have seen cars ,crew members ,pit bikes and track workers get caught in parachutes !Wayne Hoffman told me that that his dad one time picked up an NHRA guy on a scooter with his funny car!

[PalliP]

Hi guys.
I am allways learnig something new when I open this forum!  i am building my first fed (slowly) and was thinkin about how you guys choose your chute?  Is a 12foot chute for a big dragster or a small one??
Thanks
Palli P

[denverflatheader]

Palli P, that makes 2 of us enjoying learning from this forum.  I think our race rules require one chute over 150mph and two chutes over 200mph (like Jon said above).  If you have a good drag racing 12 foot chute available in your locale, I’d probably install it.  Just a thought (your new fed build) even more important than having a parachute is assuring it’s mounted proper to chassis : )  Alan

[dusterdave173]

I hear that Stroud style chutes open softer and are easy to repack--I have a new Simpson because I bought it for a sweet deal--it has lots of lines and I can see how the other styles may be a little easier to live with.
I rather doubt I will need a chute to stop--If my car goes faster than 8.50 it will be a miracle--I am thinking with a 5.60 1/8th I will just break into the 8's maybe.
But..I feel like folks that come to see a FED run deserve to see the Chute--I posted this on our club website and added that I thought since we Were the Show that we all should pop the chutes each run
Boy..that went over not so well--I got comments like use for me and car safety only etc
I was not expecting that
I just want to be comfortable with every aspect of my car and did not want to toss chute first time and wind up in the weeds because I did not know some fact like not with a crosswind or some such--you get the idea
Glad this post is helping more than just me

Thanks for all the info gang!

[hemidakota]

I just did lic passes in march and ran 7.92 @ 171 on second hit and pulled chute just before stripe and drove into it. had to look to see if chute was out after pass. single chute. was not what I expected at all. just was expecting much more I guess or was just too pumped up either way it was very cool.

[rooman]

hemidakota,
                   my first time took a while. When I drove in the late 60's/ early 70's it was a restricted category six cylinder car and there was no need for a chute as it only run a bit over 120 mph. When I finally got back into a car nearly 40 years later it was a nostalgia top fuel dragster and the first time that I went fast enough to feel that I needed the chute was on the full pull run for my license. 186 mph and two 12' chutes put my head in the dash (not literally but it sure felt that way).

Roo

[gregm784]

I made a habit of pushing the chute lever forward at the MPH cone (66 before the stripe).  Just something easy for this dumb dumb to remember.  I bought my car with two chutes on it, and i pull both each time (one lever, two wires).  Why? because it makes bitchen pictures. 

I can stop fine with no chute, with one chute, and with two chutes i JUST make the first turnout @ Famoso. 

1880# car, 178mph, 7.60 index car