How do you get a Suspension to hook, when the track surface is marginal at best

Better shocks do wonders for hook.

Plenty of cars go in the 1.40's with no snubber junk under the car. It's a crutch and can actually work against you.

Looks like the tire could use more air being a drag radial from the looks of it.

I bet the front end, which is where a LOT of time is tied up is in need of some adjustments.

8.75's love to bend between the outer u-bolt and housing ends. Back braces do nothing to fix that.