I was running between 17 to 21 psi in my 16" BFG Drag Radials when I used to race in Pirmasens. The track there was pretty bad, not much traction due to the rough surface. My best times were made when I did only a small burn-out. Just 1 to 2 seconds long is PLENTY. All you are doing is "cleaning" the surface of the tire. You do not have to heat them up to make them sticky. Overheat them and they turn greasy. If you over do it, you will spin all the way down the track. I learned this the hard way.

If they have a water box for the burnouts, try to avoid it. The front tires will drip water on the start line. BFG DR tires do not need to go in the water. Good luck.