Trap speed is the speed your car is going as you exit the traps (end of the track - 1/4 mile end, not exit end).
Nervousness can play a big role. I went to Cecil county one night and waited two hours to race. I saw a guy in a bike lining up (sounded insane) and said to my girl I can't wait to see what this guy runs. Goes to light the tires and it just walks from under him. Then I proceed to run an 18.7xxxsomething b/c the clutch was going and I was too nervous to take the time to make sure I was in gear (missed 2nd - dropped it in the second time*missed 3rd and dropped it in 1st - so on). Just barely fast enough to beat the guy next to me.
Yes, I still beat someone with an 18+sec 1/4 mile time (of course it was a conversion van) but attitude makes a BIG difference. Just try to relaxe and keep practicing until you can get out there and pay attention to the car - not what you're feeling.
Oh, I just take the RPM's as high as I can and dump the clutch so as not to get wheel hop. Forget what RPM that is b/c I haven't dragged since September or so. But then again I am replacing my clutch so I might not be the one to ask for technique...
