Postgraduate Diploma in Extreme Traction and Launch Management
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Extreme Traction and Launch Management. 8 modules covering the NHRA Rulebook, the FIA European Drag Racing Championship Regulations and Racepak DataLink II. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the format and measurement of drag racing.
Manage traction tyres and their pressure.
Calculate weight transfer and anti-squat.
Adjust launch systems and launch control.
Set up drag clutches and transmissions.
Adjust suspension according to track conditions.
Correct performance for atmospheric conditions.
Who it's for
- Drag racing technician looking to specialise in Extreme Traction and Launch Management.
- Acceleration crew chief looking to specialise in Extreme Traction and Launch Management.
- Chassis preparer looking to specialise in Extreme Traction and Launch Management.
- Clutch technician looking to specialise in Extreme Traction and Launch Management.
- Acceleration data engineer looking to specialise in Extreme Traction and Launch Management.
- Drag racing driver looking to specialise in Extreme Traction and Launch Management.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter drag racing.
What you'll work with
- NHRA Rulebook
- FIA Drag Racing European Championship Regulations
- SFI Spec 25.1 Chassis
- SFI Spec 16.1 from Harnesses
- SFI Spec 3.2a of fire retardant suits
- SFI Spec 1.1 of Flywheels and Clutches
- SFI Spec 6.1 Clutch Bells
8 modules · 800 h
1.1NHRA and FIA acceleration categories1.2Elimination round format1.3Start tree and reaction times1.4Quarter mile and eighth mile1.5Measurement of ET and terminal speed1.6Track preparation with VHT1.7Technical regulations by category1.8Bracket racing and dial-in1.9Basic track safety1.10Practical case: analysis of a time slip
2.1Drag slicks and their construction2.2Soft sidewalls and deformation2.3Extremely low pressures2.4Warm-up with burnout2.5Contact patch and grip2.6Wrinkle wall and undulation2.7Radial versus bias-ply2.8Management of deposited rubber2.9Front tyres and their weight2.10Workshop: pressure protocol by track
3.1Longitudinal load transfer3.2Squat and anti-squat3.3Four-link traction bars3.4Ladder bars and rear suspension3.5Wheelie bars and their adjustment3.6Front-end separation and lift3.7Centre of gravity and height3.8Chassis stiffness3.9Instant centre and its position3.10Practice: anti-squat calculation for a four-link
4.1Controlled-slip clutch4.2Two-step and launch limiter4.3Transbrake in automatics4.4Launch RPM control4.5Launch boost for turbo engines4.6Progressive nitrous injection4.7Shift points and gear changes4.8Time-based traction control4.9Correlation with 60 feet4.10Laboratory: tuning a launch controller
5.1Adjustable multi-plate clutches5.2Flyweight mass and pressure5.3High-stall torque converters5.4Powerglide and Lenco transmissions5.5Straight-cut gearboxes5.6Reinforced axles and half-shafts5.7Spool differentials5.8Optimal gear ratios5.9Maintenance between rounds5.10Practical case: setting up a flyweight clutch
6.1Double-adjustable dampers6.2Front extension adjustment6.3Rear compression and planting6.4Lightweight front springs6.5Pinion height and angle6.6Bar preload6.7Adjustment for track conditions6.8Reading behaviour from video6.9Common setup errors6.10Practice: damper tuning by launch phases
7.1Air density and correction7.2Density altitude7.3Track temperature and grip7.4Humidity and power7.5Weather-based adjustments7.6Competition weather stations7.7ET prediction models7.8Test logbook7.9Setup decisions between rounds7.10Workshop: ET correction for atmospheric conditions
8.1Vehicle and category selection8.2Analysis of initial configuration8.3Suspension and tyre proposal8.4Launch strategy8.5Test plan8.6Launch data analysis8.7Final technical report8.8Development recommendations8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Racepak DataLink II, Holley EFI, Performance Trends Drag Racing Analyzer, Microsoft Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for four-link suspension tuning for launch, setting up a launch controller, and analysis of 60-foot times. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Understand the format and measurement of drag racing.
Manage traction tyres and their pressure.
Calculate weight transfer and anti-squat.
Adjust launch systems and launch control.
Set up drag clutches and transmissions.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow the reading of technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme uses Racepak DataLink II, Holley EFI, Performance Trends Drag Racing Analyzer, Microsoft Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Postgraduate Diploma in 5-Axis and HSM Strategies for Racing
800-hour online Postgraduate Diploma in 5-Axis and HSM Strategies for Racing. 8 modules covering ISO 230-1 test code for machine tools, ISO 10791-6 5-axis machining centres…
Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Aerothermal Engineering with Bodywork Aerodynamics
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Aerothermal Engineering with Bodywork Aerodynamics. 8 modules covering FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations, FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations and STAR-CCM+.…
Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Audits and Season Compliance
Online Postgraduate Diploma of 800 h in Internal Audits and Season Compliance. 8 modules covering ISO 19011:2018 guidelines for auditing management systems, ISO 37301:2021 compliance management…
More in Automotive & Motorsport
All Automotive & Motorsport programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships