Find out if it's a .400 or .500 pro tree.
I've tried the .400 tree. The car was quick enough. I wasn't. You'll probably need a mid 10s car for a .400 tree.
Yes, light car and quick releasing brake helps.
I am sure what the OP is looking to do will be on a 4tenths tree.
Most anything 7.0 in the 1/8 or the 11.50 stuff is 5 tenths.
6.50 and 10.0 or faster is all 400 around here