1/2 mile short course..

[jjolly]

The rubber isn't needed on the track, just need to heat the tires to help get better bite. I suppose if its a problem I'll just lower the air pressure a tad and see if I can keep her straight!

[Milwaukee Midget]

... I'd think it would be wiser and safer to just hook up and smoothly lean into it...

You need to get to the drags more often, Chris! Heating the tires via a burnout is a huge factor in having them "hook up" during the actual run.

Infrequently enough to lose track of the terminology.

"Hook up" isn't precisely what I was thinking.  More along the lines of getting the car rolling with the least amount of wheelspin and rolling into the throttle as smoothly as possible would, I think, be the most advantageous approach, especially if it's a drag car.

I'm certain some folks will be changing out rear ends for this event, but I would think a good strategy would be to put the least amount of stress on the drivetrain as possible to keep the engine from overheating.  These cars are going to spending a lot more time in high gear against the wind than normal.

I'll be interested in seeing what strategies folks use.