So if I'm running street tires, but driving around the water box, I'm not harming the track prep?

 

That's right. The best way to use the water from the box and not mess with the starting line is to go around the box, back into it, and roll out a foot or two. The front tires on street tire cars carry water to the line and a big problem with the rear tires on street tire cars is that they naturally clean themselves with tire speed and throw water all over the rear of the frame and wheel well causing them to drip water and other crap at the starting line. If you're using street tires and pulling through, don't to a burnout in the water, pull a foot or two out of the water before starting the smoke show.

 

Slick or drag radials are smooth and leave rubber on the starting line.
That's why Prostock and higher level cars do a burnout past the starting line. They could do a burn out just like we do back in the burnout box but they want to lay some fresh rubber on the start line and come back and launch on the fresh rubber.
Street tire tread digs into and peels up the rubber baring the concrete underneath which is nowhere as sticky as the VHS and rubber that was there.

 

I assume you mean VHT.

 

No, you can grind up your old tapes, mix with water and spray on the track. Makes your car hook like hell!!!!!!

 

I'll bet!