Doug, my .02. If they are actually wrinkling up then they are likely biting okay for a DR. Two points: I'm guessing you walk off the clutch(Not dump it), so it's locking up about that time. Second, your front end is likely topping out and allowing the rearend to unload. Those two things are making it twice as hard to get it to stay hooked up. So a lower RPM launch, looser clutch and slower reacting front end would all help keep the power to the tires more linear and allow the tires to keep their bite.
Larry, my tires are bias ply, but I've been thinking the same thing about the front topping out and unloading the rear being the issue. I'm going to be switching to double adjustable shocks for the front (probably QA1 or Viking, already have QA1's in the rear). I see lots of guys using standard 90/10 shocks with good success, but I don't think it's working for me for a couple of reasons; 1 being a stiff street clutch, and me not slipping it just right. 2 being I have to launch at a higher rpm (currently I launch at about 5k by easing off the clutch quickly). With the short stroke 427, if I try a lower launch, the car will grab and bog unless I slip the clutch pretty drastically, which I really don't like doing. It's a fine line for sure.
Still trying to get the hang of how hard to hit the tires with the Calverts, and how fast the front should rise. Since, after this thread, I don't think the issue is tires, if I can get those 2 things straightened out, I think I'll be okay. Still, it comes down to me slipping the clutch just right. If I can limit the front rise, or at least slow it down, it might help the tires recover if I hit it a bit too hard and they do turn a bit.
What shocks are you running Doug. Our cars are obviously nose heavy and I was having traction trouble with the automatic!!
Got a set of shocks from Calvert and havent had a problem since. Between the caltracs and the calvert shocks front and back you should be able to tune it yourself. Shit Im no suspension guy I just made some tweaks here and there. I didnt know what number to put the shocks at so I asked Don Fotti and he told me were to start and it worked so I left them were I started and just played around with preloads. My car did the same thing it would hit hard then release. You can do it Doug your a pretty fart smeller. 
Joe, this stuff is rocket science, don't ya know?
I have QA1 double adjustables in the rear and Calvert 90/10 in the front, but my front rises very quickly, and I think it's peaking too hard. I need to slow down the extension. When I watch good hooking cars, the front is rising as the car starts to move forward. When I watch mine on video, it comes to full rise by the time the car has barely broke the beams.
I've shaved 1.7 seconds off since I started racing it, but according to my mph, I should be able to shave another .3 off of my ET. Having to slip the clutch excessively to keep from killing the tires is killing my 60'.
