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About Dirt Track Racing
Dirt track racing is a type of auto racing performed on oval tracks. It began in the United States before World War I and became widespread during the 1920s and 30s. Two different types of racecars predominated—open wheel racers in the Northeast and West and stock cars in the South. While open wheel racecars are purpose-built racing vehicles, stock cars (also known as fendered cars) can be either purpose-built racecars or street vehicles that have been modified to varying degrees.
Dirt track racing is the single most common form of auto racing in the United States. There are hundreds of local and regional racetracks throughout the nation: some estimates range as high as 1500. The sport is popular in Australia and Canada also. Many of the cars may also race on asphalt short tracks during the racing season.
North America
Nearly all tracks are oval and less than a mile in length with most being 1/2 mile or less. The most common increments in the U.S. are 1/2 mile, 3/8 mile, 1/3 mile, 1/4 mile, and 1/8 mile. With the longer tracks, the racecars achieve higher speeds and the interval between cars increases. This decreases the chance of crashes but increases the damage and chance of injury when cars do crash.
The track surface may be composed of any soil, but most racers prefer a track with a clay base. The track operators usually try to keep the surface tacky and may sprinkle water on it if it begins to dry. Some operators build flat ovals, but many are highly banked.
Open wheel cars
Modified cars
Stock cars
Stock cars are generally automobiles manufactured by the major automakers with certain modifications as allowed for each class. There are several general types:
Non-production cars These are stock cars custom built for racing, usually with welded tubular frames and custom built or purchased bodies.
The most popular type of dirt stock cars are late models. They are categorized depending on what track and series that is running. The racetrack dictates what type of late model is raced, but most fall in to one of three categories:
Super late Model
Today’s current dirt super late models feature steel constructed tube frame chassis with aluminum bodies that give them a sleek aerodynamic appearance of a stock appearing race car but there is nothing stock about these 2300 pound machines. The cars are powered by an 800 horsepower motor than can turn in excess of 9,000 RPMs. The engines are based on V-8 Chevrolet, Ford and MOPAR power plants.
Most racing series and special events offer three motor options with the use of weight breaks to create an even playing field:
Engine Options: 1. Engines: Chevrolet 350, Chrysler 360, Ford 351 engines. Must be all steel except intake. 2. Engine maximum displacement of 362 cubic inches. 3. Engines cannot be modified in anyway except for aftermarket carburetor, intake manifold and exhaust headers.
Crate engines are sealed at the intake manifold, cylinder head, front cover, and oil pan with special twist off bolts. Crate engines must not be altered, modified, of changed in any way from factory specification.
Many tracks have variations on these rules in which the standard spec motor is the only option; however, the above rules are becoming more popular with the advent of the crate motor.
Use GM or Ford sealed crate motors and have two of there own national touring series: the Stormpay.com Dirt Late Model Series and the Fastrak Crate Late Model Series. Currently, Chrysler has no plans to enter the Stormpay.com or Fastrak Late Model Series.
Other Major yearly events include:
Common names of modified production car divisions:
Qualifying
A qualifying session may happen before the start of the event. The session determines either the starting positions in the heat races or the starting positions in the feature event. There are other methods of selecting the starting positions in the heats or feature events, including random drawings and season points standings.
Heat races
Preliminary races for each class, called heat races, frequently open the schedule. The heat races may determine the starting race position in the main events and usually earn season championship points. The heat races are shorter than the feature races, and not as many cars race in each heat. There are numerous formats for qualifying for the feature event.
In "Progressive racing", the starting lineup for the heat races are randomly selected, and a pre-determined number of drivers qualify for the main event directly from each heat race.
There may be a "trophy dash" during the program to allow the heat winners or the season's top points-getters to compete for a trophy or reward. If the reward is monetary, the race may be called a "dash for the cash" or a "run for the money". Some tracks also use the qualifying dash in place of a heat race to determine where the top cars will start in the A feature.
Feature/Main
The A feature or main feature is held for each division. It is usually the longest race in the program. The starting positions may be determined by the season's point standings, or by a combination of the heat/trophy dash/semi-feature finishing positions. Points, a trophy, and frequently a purse are awarded according to finishing position.
Special events
Many tracks have other special events. Occasionally, a track will sponsor a "powder-puff" race to allow women the opportunity to drive the racecars for a few laps of racing. If enough women drivers express an interest in a separate event for themselves, the track operator may put the powder puff into its regular race schedule; otherwise, most serious women racers compete in the same events as the men.
From time to time, the track may have a "bonus points" race to attract racers and fans from competing tracks. Many times the track operators also promise a larger purse for winning these races.
Also, many tracks contract with a touring racing association to schedule an association sanctioned event. The racers in these events earn points for ranking in the association. The associations also usually require a guaranteed purse from the tracks for the winners of sanctioned events.
Many tracks also have a "run-what-you-brung" contest (also "Spectator class/division"). The event features two drivers from the stands who, after signing waivers, can run their personal automobiles against each other in a one-on-one 1 or 2 lap shootout.
Championships
Both the racetracks and the racing associations award championships as determined by the guidelines of the associated rulebooks. Awards, usually for the top ten racers in each class, may include a trophy, a jacket, and a monetary amount.
Track championships are awarded according to the points earned during the season. A certain number of points may be awarded for participation in an event and additional points added depending on the finish position in each race. The points earned at one track do not generally count toward another track's championship.
Dirt tracks sanctioned by NASCAR will compete against other tracks, both paved and dirt, for the statewide Whelen All-American Series championship, and the best performer of the state champions will win the national championship, which includes a trip to New York City for the Nextel Cup Championship Banquet, and a photo opportunity with NASCAR's regional and national series champions. Dirt late model drivers won NASCAR's first such championship in 1982, and these drivers have frequently won regional and national championships in the 25-year history of NASCAR's short track championship.
The racing associations count points earned at the tracks for certain sponsored races similarly. Additionally they may promote the appearances of their drivers and winners at various other events.
Dirt track racing is the single most common form of auto racing in the United States. There are hundreds of local and regional racetracks throughout the nation: some estimates range as high as 1500. The sport is popular in Australia and Canada also. Many of the cars may also race on asphalt short tracks during the racing season.
North America
Nearly all tracks are oval and less than a mile in length with most being 1/2 mile or less. The most common increments in the U.S. are 1/2 mile, 3/8 mile, 1/3 mile, 1/4 mile, and 1/8 mile. With the longer tracks, the racecars achieve higher speeds and the interval between cars increases. This decreases the chance of crashes but increases the damage and chance of injury when cars do crash.
The track surface may be composed of any soil, but most racers prefer a track with a clay base. The track operators usually try to keep the surface tacky and may sprinkle water on it if it begins to dry. Some operators build flat ovals, but many are highly banked.
Open wheel cars
Open wheel cars are generally manufactured with tubular frames and a body purchased for that particular class. Classes include:
- Dwarf (5/8 replicas of 1928 to 1948 coupes and sedans)
- Kart (Go Kart)
- Sprint
- Midget (Speedcar)
- Quarter Midget
- Micro Sprint
- USAC - The United States Automobile Club
- World of Outlaws Sprint cars
- National Sprint Tour Sprint cars
Modified cars
Modified cars are a hybrid of open wheel cars and stock cars - this class of car has the racing characteristics of a stock with the rear wheels covered by fenders and the front wheels open. There are sanctioning bodies that control the rules for this class at most tracks. Sanctioning bodies include:
- Advance Auto Parts Super Dirt Series
- IMCA (International Motor Contest Association)
- UMP (United Midwestern Promoters)
- USRA (United States Racing Association)
- USMTS (United States Modified Touring Series)
- WISSOTA (WISSOTA Promoters' Association)
- DTRA (Dirt Track Racing Association)
Stock cars
Stock cars are generally automobiles manufactured by the major automakers with certain modifications as allowed for each class. There are several general types:
Non-production cars These are stock cars custom built for racing, usually with welded tubular frames and custom built or purchased bodies.
The most popular type of dirt stock cars are late models. They are categorized depending on what track and series that is running. The racetrack dictates what type of late model is raced, but most fall in to one of three categories:
Super late Model
Today’s current dirt super late models feature steel constructed tube frame chassis with aluminum bodies that give them a sleek aerodynamic appearance of a stock appearing race car but there is nothing stock about these 2300 pound machines. The cars are powered by an 800 horsepower motor than can turn in excess of 9,000 RPMs. The engines are based on V-8 Chevrolet, Ford and MOPAR power plants.
Most racing series and special events offer three motor options with the use of weight breaks to create an even playing field:
- Open Motor - There is no displacement limit with this type of motor. Most Open motors exceed 400 cubic inches but the 380 small block is a common open motor. These motors utilize aluminum blocks and heads and often have specially welded cams. The cars which run this motor option must weigh at least 2300 lbs.
- Spec Motor (Big 10 Motor) - the two most popular are the SAS (Southern All Stars) and SURR (Southern United Professional Racing) Spec motors are built to the series' specifications. The motor can be either all steel all aluminum or a combination of both. Cars using this motor option weigh in at 2200 pounds and run a SAS or SUPR 10 or 12 inch spoiler. Spec Motors CANNOT exceed 358 Cubic Inches.
- All Steel Motor - steel block and heads, a maximum of 362 cubic inches, and weigh in at either 2200 or 2150 pounds depending on the series. Cars with an all steel motor must run an 8 or 10 inch spoiler.
Engine Options: 1. Engines: Chevrolet 350, Chrysler 360, Ford 351 engines. Must be all steel except intake. 2. Engine maximum displacement of 362 cubic inches. 3. Engines cannot be modified in anyway except for aftermarket carburetor, intake manifold and exhaust headers.
Crate engines are sealed at the intake manifold, cylinder head, front cover, and oil pan with special twist off bolts. Crate engines must not be altered, modified, of changed in any way from factory specification.
Many tracks have variations on these rules in which the standard spec motor is the only option; however, the above rules are becoming more popular with the advent of the crate motor.
Use GM or Ford sealed crate motors and have two of there own national touring series: the Stormpay.com Dirt Late Model Series and the Fastrak Crate Late Model Series. Currently, Chrysler has no plans to enter the Stormpay.com or Fastrak Late Model Series.
- World of Outlaws
- Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
- O'Reilly Auto Parts Southern All Stars
- World Dirt Racing League
- United Midwestern Promoters
- Advance Auto Parts Super Dirt Series
- Southern Regional Racing Seres
- Advanced Auto Parts Thunder Series
- O Reilly Auto Parts Southern United Professional Racing
Other Major yearly events include:
- World 100
- Ice Bowl (disambiguation)Ice Bowl
- Dart Winter Nationals
- The Show me 100
- The Magnolia State 100
- The Dirt Track World Championship
- The Topless 100
- The Hillbilly 100 (claims to be the longest running event)
- Super Dirt Week
- Eastern States Weekend
Common names of modified production car divisions:
- Factory Stocks
- Mini Stocks
- Hornets
- Bombers
- Cruisers
- Hobby Stocks
- Stock Cars
- Pure Streets
- Pure Stocks
- Street Stocks
- Super Streets
- Super Stocks
- Pro Stocks
- Renegades
- Saloon
Qualifying
A qualifying session may happen before the start of the event. The session determines either the starting positions in the heat races or the starting positions in the feature event. There are other methods of selecting the starting positions in the heats or feature events, including random drawings and season points standings.
Heat races
Preliminary races for each class, called heat races, frequently open the schedule. The heat races may determine the starting race position in the main events and usually earn season championship points. The heat races are shorter than the feature races, and not as many cars race in each heat. There are numerous formats for qualifying for the feature event.
In "Progressive racing", the starting lineup for the heat races are randomly selected, and a pre-determined number of drivers qualify for the main event directly from each heat race.
There may be a "trophy dash" during the program to allow the heat winners or the season's top points-getters to compete for a trophy or reward. If the reward is monetary, the race may be called a "dash for the cash" or a "run for the money". Some tracks also use the qualifying dash in place of a heat race to determine where the top cars will start in the A feature.
Feature/Main
The A feature or main feature is held for each division. It is usually the longest race in the program. The starting positions may be determined by the season's point standings, or by a combination of the heat/trophy dash/semi-feature finishing positions. Points, a trophy, and frequently a purse are awarded according to finishing position.
Special events
Many tracks have other special events. Occasionally, a track will sponsor a "powder-puff" race to allow women the opportunity to drive the racecars for a few laps of racing. If enough women drivers express an interest in a separate event for themselves, the track operator may put the powder puff into its regular race schedule; otherwise, most serious women racers compete in the same events as the men.
From time to time, the track may have a "bonus points" race to attract racers and fans from competing tracks. Many times the track operators also promise a larger purse for winning these races.
Also, many tracks contract with a touring racing association to schedule an association sanctioned event. The racers in these events earn points for ranking in the association. The associations also usually require a guaranteed purse from the tracks for the winners of sanctioned events.
Many tracks also have a "run-what-you-brung" contest (also "Spectator class/division"). The event features two drivers from the stands who, after signing waivers, can run their personal automobiles against each other in a one-on-one 1 or 2 lap shootout.
Championships
Both the racetracks and the racing associations award championships as determined by the guidelines of the associated rulebooks. Awards, usually for the top ten racers in each class, may include a trophy, a jacket, and a monetary amount.
Track championships are awarded according to the points earned during the season. A certain number of points may be awarded for participation in an event and additional points added depending on the finish position in each race. The points earned at one track do not generally count toward another track's championship.
Dirt tracks sanctioned by NASCAR will compete against other tracks, both paved and dirt, for the statewide Whelen All-American Series championship, and the best performer of the state champions will win the national championship, which includes a trip to New York City for the Nextel Cup Championship Banquet, and a photo opportunity with NASCAR's regional and national series champions. Dirt late model drivers won NASCAR's first such championship in 1982, and these drivers have frequently won regional and national championships in the 25-year history of NASCAR's short track championship.
The racing associations count points earned at the tracks for certain sponsored races similarly. Additionally they may promote the appearances of their drivers and winners at various other events.
(All this info is from www.wikipedia.com)
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