So I did a 2 day SCCA event here at Motor Magic in North Dakota. I plan on spending money on some suspension, mods and some new tires. I cant get traction in first gear to save my life. I am hitting the rev limiter and spinning all the way through first gear. Anyone know how I can get rid of this problem? I could run slicks but that would bump me up to a different class, but I might be more competive anyway. I plan on running aftermarket tires and some suspension **** i.e springs, roll bars, and new shocks and struts. So I think I am officially done with the drag strip, at least here its mostly driver skill.

 

Experience. I'm guessing you don't have LSD. I had the same problem my first 2 auto-x events. In this car with as much power as it carries (I had a 98 Cavalier RS previously), you can't just mash the gas and go. You have to learn how to feather the gas in the corners. It comes with experience.

Don't do a full out drag launch either, to an aggressive launch and then go from there. Launch is the only place you should be in first gear, anyplace else and you're going to end up too high in the revs and just spin. Most auto-x courses are going to be all 2nd gear.

 

what he said and remember the throttle is not an on off switch. after a while the adrenilin rush wont be as much and youll pay more attention to the small details of actually driving. if you have anywhere around you to go and practice safely practice as much as you can.