Drag strip technique

[Murray Wells]

I an a 74 year old Kiwi living near Auckland, New Zealand. I own a Mach E GTPE purchased new in October 2024, the car was built in June 2023. The Auckland Mustang club [they still allow me to be a member] is having a day at the drag strip to celebrate 50 years the club has been in existence. By all accounts the Mach E GTPE should see off the non turbo'd, non supercharged ICE Mustangs but I would appreciate some advice on the best way to get the orange rocket down the strip.
I will start with 100% charge from my home which is 20 kilometres from the drag strip, put it in Unbridled mode, then do I just floor it, not using the brakes to hold it on the line?

Should be a fun day for one and all, provided all goes well. Cheers

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[markboris]

I an a 74 year old Kiwi living near Auckland, New Zealand. I own a Mach E GTPE purchased new in October 2024, the car was built in June 2023. The Auckland Mustang club [they still allow me to be a member] is having a day at the drag strip to celebrate 50 years the club has been in existence. By all accounts the Mach E GTPE should see off the non turbo'd, non supercharged ICE Mustangs but I would appreciate some advice on the best way to get the orange rocket down the strip.
I will start with 100% charge from my home which is 20 kilometres from the drag strip, put it in Unbridled mode, then do I just floor it, not using the brakes to hold it on the line?

Should be a fun day for one and all, provided all goes well. Cheers

Hey Murray, sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun!

You can use any drive mode, however I use Unbridled. DO NOT turn on Unbridled Extend as it cuts power to save the battery.

One Pedal makes no difference. Traction Control on this car doesn't make much difference either unless you're on a poor surface or your tires are crap. Personally I would leave TC on. If you're using the AC, it won't affect the electric drive motors and runs all the time even at WOT. That said, unless it's a super hot day, I'd still turn it off. Most tracks don't allow you to use the AC anyway due to condensation water leaking on the track.

Having your battery charged to 100% is important and since you only live 20 kilometers away from the strip, you should be good.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. If you have the Pirelli summer performance tires, they will grip very well with no wheel spin (providing your on a decent surface). You might get a bit of spin with the all seasons though and wouldn't worry about it for this fun event.

Don't use brake torque, just punch it and go.

Most races require you to wear a helmet (doubt you would have to wear a fire suit) so I would check that before you arrive.

I hope you have fun and be safe!

 

[Mach e Mark]

I an a 74 year old Kiwi living near Auckland, New Zealand. I own a Mach E GTPE purchased new in October 2024, the car was built in June 2023. The Auckland Mustang club [they still allow me to be a member] is having a day at the drag strip to celebrate 50 years the club has been in existence. By all accounts the Mach E GTPE should see off the non turbo'd, non supercharged ICE Mustangs but I would appreciate some advice on the best way to get the orange rocket down the strip.
I will start with 100% charge from my home which is 20 kilometres from the drag strip, put it in Unbridled mode, then do I just floor it, not using the brakes to hold it on the line?

Should be a fun day for one and all, provided all goes well. Cheers

Let us know how it goes. Sounds like a good day.

 

[Maquis]

Here is a discussion on the Lightning forum:
https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/how-to-launch-the-lightning.14603/

TLDR - Turn off 1PD and Autohold. Depress both the brake and accelerator pedals fully. Slide foot off the brake to launch.

 

[markboris]

Here is a discussion on the Lightning forum:
https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/how-to-launch-the-lightning.14603/

TLDR - Turn off 1PD and Autohold. Depress both the brake and accelerator pedals fully. Slide foot off the brake to launch.

Not sure about the Lightning but on the Mach-E you can get a Powertrain warning (cannot remember which one) if you depress both the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time. One Pedal has zero effect on acceleration.

 

[MatchaGT]

I recommend turning off TCS. I ran quicker times with it off. Unbridle, no brake torque works the best. Have fun!

 

[HuntingPudel]

On the MME you can very slightly depress the go pedal before you get that powertrain warning. It requires a little playing with to get the feel for it. That said, it really doesn't gain you anything in the quarter. I would also turn off the TC, but if the surface is really sticky the TC shouldn't make any difference.

 

[Maquis]

Not sure about the Lightning but on the Mach-E you can get a Powertrain warning (cannot remember which one) if you depress both the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time. One Pedal has zero effect on acceleration.

I think turning off 1PD was to avoid the warning.

 

[HuntingPudel]

I think turning off 1PD was to avoid the warning.

I drive exclusively in 2PD and can verify that I get the reduced power error when I power brake too deeply. I found the shallow spot on the go pedal where it won't trip the error but it really has little to no effect on quarter mile times or trap speeds.

 

[jdsimard2012]

Please share some pictures and what the results were! Have fun!

 

[Maquis]

I drive exclusively in 2PD and can verify that I get the reduced power error when I power brake too deeply. I found the shallow spot on the go pedal where it won't trip the error but it really has little to no effect on quarter mile times or trap speeds.

I guess since I own both, I guess I need to run an experiment to see if they’re different. Another possibility is Ford changed to software - that Lightning post is going on 3 years old.

 

[Murray Wells]

Please share some pictures and what the results were! Have fun!

It is to be held on 15th November so two months to psych myself up! Cheers Murray

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