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52-624: The Michigan State Fairgrounds Speedway was a dirt oval racing track located in Detroit , Michigan . The track was built in 1899 for horse racing, and it was part of the ground purchased to provide a permanent venue for the Michigan State Fair . Joseph Lowthian Hudson donated the land, at Woodward Avenue and what is now 8 Mile Road , to the Michigan State Agricultural Society. By 1908,

104-439: A demolition derby pit, or a tractor pull straightaway. Late model Late Model stock car racing , also known as late model racing and late models , refers to a type of auto racing that involves purpose-built cars simultaneously racing against each other primarily on oval tracks . This type of racing was early-on characterized by its participants' modification to the engines of post-World War II passenger cars, but

156-420: A National and/or Regional touring racing association to schedule a sanctioned event. The racers in these events earn points for ranking within the series and sometimes the tracks points. The associations also usually require a guaranteed purse from the tracks of sanctioned events. Some tracks also have a "run-what-you-brung" contest usually toward the beginning of the season. Spectator racing pits two drivers from

208-424: A decade and all tracks paved over eventually reverted to their former surfaces. Each racetrack or sponsoring organization maintains a rule book outlining each class of race car which includes dimensions, engine size, equipment requirements and prohibitions. The requirements for each class are usually coordinated with multiple tracks to allow for the widest available venue for each type of car. This coordination allows

260-495: A dirt car compared to those on an asphalt car. Adjustments for dirt include weight changes, rear steer changes, spring changes (four corners and lift arm/pull bar), spring mounting position, J-bar height and angle, stagger, tire compound, and tread design. Across the United States, the class of late model race cars may be referred to as super late models, late model stock cars, pro late models, or limited late models, yet

312-538: A division for "lesser modified" cars, which they distinguished as the Sportsman. Specifications for the Sportsman cars mirrored the Modified rules as to bodies and safety, but restricted the degree of engine modifications. As NASCAR’s Grand National cars aged out (current model year and two most recent years only) they became eligible to compete in the Modified and Sportsman division. By 1956 NASCAR had developed

364-840: A few original stock parts and may be nearly as fast as late model race cars. Most cars have their glass windshields removed and their interiors stripped out. The original seat may be allowed to be used in the lowest classes, but a racing seat and roll cage is required to be installed in higher divisions. Other safety and performance features are added to higher division cars. The engines in lower divisions are completely stock, and higher divisions are highly modified and enhanced. Most modified production cars use full exhaust systems. Engines vary from unmodified 4 cylinders to highly modified V8. Cars in lower divisions use stock tires, and higher division cars use purpose-built specified racing tires. Common names of modified production car divisions: These are Full-bodied cars with very few changes allowed from

416-700: A late model stock. Crate late models use Chevrolet small-block engine engines that have been sealed with a special tag. Typical motors include the GM 602 and GM 604 engines. Recently the GM CT525 crate has been a popular choice of racers and some after-market Ford motors have surfaced in competition. 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, or changed in any way from factory specifications. Crate late models have three primarily Southern region touring series:

468-401: A moist, properly prepared clay oval their favorite dirt racing surface. Preparing a dirt track correctly for racing is both a traditional learned craft as well as a long and complex job requiring hours of work. Typical machines used in track preparation include a grader, a cultivator or rototiller, 2 types of rollers and a watering truck, although the process varies at different dirt tracks around

520-426: A number of classes, and many tracks offer both open wheel and stock car racing. There are a wide variety of event formats. These races are 2-5 laps for drivers to get an understanding of the track conditions and the set up of their race cars. They are at the very start of the night before qualifying and the heat races. A qualifying session happens before the start of the event. The Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series and

572-504: A plan to phase out the pre-war coupes and sedans in favor "Late Models", identified as American cars produced between 1949 and 1955. Looking to differentiate the Sportsman as a truly separate class, in 1968 NASCAR updated their rules to require 1955 and newer bodies, rebranding the class the Late Model Sportsman Series . NASCAR later reorganized the championship points and events into the touring series that became

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624-434: A prefabricated hi-impact plastic nose. Similarly, the asphalt racers began experimenting with downforce bodies, and in 2002 a group of asphalt track promoters met with body manufacturers Aluminum Racing Products (ARP) and Five Star to develop a uniform "Approved Body Configuration". This resulted in the now widely accepted ABC Rulebook. There are two types of chassis for asphalt late models. The super late model chassis

676-437: A set number of points for where they finish, 1st-59 2nd-57 and so forth the lower they finish. To add to the points the driver gets for finishing, the driver also gets 1.5 points for each car they pass. They will then usually take the top 16 drivers with the highest total number of points and line up the A feature. There may be a semi-feature where unqualified racers may race their way into the remaining open starting positions in

728-432: Is a common steppingstone for drivers who race in regional and national touring series. Almost every NASCAR Cup Series driver raced in the class while progressing their career, and many crew chiefs have also developed through this level. Late model-type cars are also prevalent as a form of cost-cutting in road racing. As many of these oval-track cars can be adjusted to become road race cars with weight balance changes,

780-555: Is being run. The racetrack dictates what type of late model is raced, but most fall into one of these categories: Current dirt super late models feature steel constructed tube frame chassis with aluminum bodies that give them the sleek aerodynamic appearance of a stock race car but there is nothing stock about these 2300 pound machines. The cars are powered by an 850 horsepower (630 kW) motor than can turn in excess of 9,000 rpm. The engines are based on V-8 Chevrolet, Chrysler, and Ford power plants. These cars are considered to be

832-429: Is held for each division. The top cars from the event compete in the race. The starting positions may be determined by the season's point standings, or by a combination of the heat/qualifying speed/trophy dash/semi-feature finishing positions. It is usually the longest race in the program and depending upon the division it may range from 10 laps to 50 laps. Points, a trophy, and frequently a purse are generally awarded, with

884-879: Is much more expensive. To get the frame (chassis) and parts all new without the transmission and motor is around 20,000 to 30,000 dollars depending on the quality and from which manufacturer the chassis comes. The top manufacturers around the country include Rocket, Sweet-Bloomquist, Club 29, Longhorn, MB Customs, Black Diamond Racecars, GRT, Warrior, Barry Wright Racecars, Rayburn, MasterSbilt, Kryptonite, Domination chassis, and Schwartz Race Cars. The engines for these cars are around 850 horsepower and can cost up to 40,000 dollars. Motor builders include Hatfield Racing, Jay Dickens Racing Engines, Durham Racing Engines, Cornett Racing Engines, Sheered Engine Development, Gaerte Racing Engines, Clements Racing Engines, Custom Racing Engines, Vic Hill Racing Engines and Pro Power Engines. Most racing series and special events offer different motor options with

936-512: Is offset to favor the left side of the car. Significant items such as the rear end and the engine are positioned on the left, while suspensions are constructed with maximum adjustability in mind. Other asphalt late models use a perimeter rail (symmetrical) chassis, similar to a production car, where there is equal chassis on both sides of the car. Dirt late model chassis are custom built by manufacturers within standardized dimensions that apply across most classes. There are numerous adjustments on

988-498: Is repeated as necessary according to climate, location and soil composition. Using offset boom nozzles to on water trucks will avoid mashing aerated soil. A dirt track should be rolled and watered as required on race morning with a final light watering, just prior to wheel-packing. Outdoor dirt tracks are typically aerated 12" deep. Nearly all tracks are oval and less than 1-mile (1.6 km) in length with most being 1 ⁄ 2 mile (800 m) or less. The most common increments in

1040-628: The Xfinity Series . Earlier car models remained eligible for the Modified division, which evolved to eliminate front fenders. Since that time, the various sanctioning organizations have developed countless rule packages, but for the last half of century, the "Late Model" class distinction has had little to do with the model year of the car. In the late 1970s the costs for the Late Model Sportsman cars became excessive, so

1092-777: The "Late Model Stock Car" was born. Within a few years changes began with the carburetor, and by the mid-1980s the stock front chassis was replaced with a racing clip, for safety and availability. The Late Model that exists today is a full-blown race car with race parts. Late model race cars now include super late models which have looser rules; late model stock cars and pro late models where cars are more aerodynamically aggressive with lighter bodies and enhanced horsepower; and limited late models which have less horsepower. Vehicles built to race on dirt tracks are significantly different from vehicles raced on asphalt . The bodies on late models were constructed from fiberglass molded to resemble original equipment body panels and able to withstand

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1144-532: The 1920s and 1930s. Most oval track speedways are similar to those in the US for car racing such as sprint cars , speedcars (midgets) and sedans, with most tracks generally around 1 ⁄ 4 to 1 ⁄ 3 mile (400 to 540 m) in length. Most tracks have a clay surface, though some use dolomite , dolomite and clay mix or even sand and clay mix. During the 1970s and early 1980s, a small number of tracks were paved with asphalt, though this phase only lasted about

1196-425: The A feature event. This race is called the last chance qualifier or B feature. The cars who did not make the A feature through the heat race or qualifying session get one more chance to qualify for the A feature through the B feature. The B length is anywhere up to circa 20 laps. Depending on how many B's there are determines how many transfer to the A, anywhere up to circa 6 will transfer. If a driver transfers through

1248-418: The B, they will start behind the drivers who made it through the heats / qualifying position. At selected other races with a larger car count, there may be more "alphabet soup" features (C, D, E, F, etc.). In those cases the drivers in the lower feature race will race with a certain number who advances to the next higher feature (e.g. top two in the F advance to the E, etc.). The A feature or main feature race

1300-689: The Durrence Layne Dirt Late Model Series, the United Crate Racing Alliance and the Fastrak Crate Late Model Series. There are hundreds of additional unsanctioned regional and national special events run throughout the year. Dirt and grass track bikes have capacities of 250, 350, 500 and in the solo classes and can reach speeds of up to 80 mph (130 km/h) on the straights and with no brakes fitted to

1352-738: The SCCA has listed them in the GT America category, and with the affordability of a late model stock car in the category ($ 30,000 cars with specification engines, and frequently purchased used NASCAR wheels), these cars are prevalent in club racing. Similar rules are used in SCCA Trans-Am TA2 class racing, where the same chassis builders for super late models provide chassis for TA2. Dirt track late model racing also takes place in Australia. The Australian Late Model Championship has been

1404-455: The U.S. are 1 ⁄ 2 mile (800 m), 3 ⁄ 8 mile (600 m), 1 ⁄ 3 mile (540 m), 1 ⁄ 4 mile (400 m), and 1 ⁄ 8 mile (200 m). With the longer tracks, the race cars achieve higher speeds up to 160 mph (260 km/h) and the intervals between cars increase. This decreases the chance of crashes but increases the damage and chance of injury when cars do crash. In Great Britain

1456-516: The World of Outlaw Late Models use the qualifying system to line up their heat races. They give each driver 2 timed laps to get their times. This system is also used to line up the big crown jewel events. For most of the regional series they use the method called the "pill draw." Before the races each driver draws a number and that determines where they start in their heat race. Recently the innovation of Transponder Scoring has brought dirt track racing into

1508-422: The amount of each is determined by finishing position. The winner of the feature event is considered the winner of the event. Many tracks have special events which tends to draw a larger crowd. Occasionally, a track will sponsor a "powder-puff" race to allow women the opportunity to drive racecars for a few laps of racing. Otherwise, woman racers may compete in the same events as the men. Many tracks contract with

1560-659: The class, the cars may have wings to aid in handling at higher speeds. Open wheel cars are generally manufactured with tubular frames and a body purchased for that particular class. The wheels of these vehicles are not protected by fenders; they are exposed or "open". Classes include: Open wheel sanctioning bodies include: Popular chassis manufacturers around the country for winged sprint cars are Eagle, Maxim, J&J, Triple X, and GF1. There are also several engine builders that build both 410ci and 360ci engines for traveling sprint car teams. Speedway, Kistler, Gaerte, Wesmar, Shaver, Don Ott Racing Engines, and Fisher Racing Engines are

1612-628: The driver and passenger working together to obtain the best grip and speed around the corners. Many obsolete race vehicles that were left in barns to rust are being restored to their former glory. The restored race vehicles are being displayed at car shows and sometimes raced. Cars that compete in vintage racing events are from the late 19th century to historic cars from a few years ago. There are more than 170 racing events in North America, and thousands of other vintage events sanctioned by hundreds of clubs. The typical race program usually involves

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1664-475: The drivers to compete at many different racetracks, increase competitors' chances of winning, and lets racing associations develop a series of race events that promote fan interest. Many tracks support two types of racing in their programs, open wheel cars and stock cars. Both types range from large and powerful V8 engines to small yet still powerful, four-cylinder engines. Some of the smaller open wheel race cars have classes for single-cylinder engines. Depending on

1716-466: The drivers. Super Stock cars are very similar to Late Models and can be built from the ground up by the racers. They have limited engines and other restricted items that keep them from being full blown Late Models, but they are much more powerful than the Street Stocks and are an intermediate class between Street Stock, Modifieds and Late Models. The bodies are aftermarket or made by the racers in

1768-452: The engine specifications may vary between sanctioning bodies. Open engines are typically American naturally aspirated V8s with upwards of 600 horsepower (450 kW). Otherwise, sanctioning bodies may require crate motors to be utilized which may limit production to 400 horsepower (300 kW) to 500 horsepower (370 kW). The sanctioning bodies often adopt GM 602, 603, and 604 engines or Harrington Enforcers. Late model racing

1820-498: The factory except for the roll cage. These would also be considered Pure Stock, but not full sized. These are also Full-bodied cars but can have changes to the frame, engines, tires and some changes to the suspension. They have to have bodies shaped like the actual cars that are used on the street direct from the factory. As with the Pure Stocks cars, all are required to have a full set of Roll Cages and safety harnesses to protect

1872-454: The factory models sold for general use on the streets. Changes can be limited to a certain type of tire, making some parts of the car stronger to withstand the punishment of racing and so forth. All cars used on the race track are required to have a full set of Roll Cages and safety harnesses to protect the drivers. Some tracks have what they call Hornets which are smaller unibody cars with 4-cylinder engines, that must be pretty much as they left

1924-409: The feature event. In a race where they qualify to determine their starting position for the heat race they use a "heads up" system. This system is where there is a predetermined set of cars that go to the A feature from the heat race, usually either the top 3 or 4. In a race where they use the pill draw to line up the heat races they use a method called passing points. In this system a driver receives

1976-400: The first organizations to standardize the rules to ensure equal competition. The rulebook mandated that all cars had to be American made, and 1937 or newer, with full stock fenders, running boards and bodies if equipped by the factory, but their bumpers and mufflers had to be removed. Also, a car's wheelbase, length and width had to remain stock, as did the hood. Two years later NASCAR added

2028-496: The general shape of the brand being represented (Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, etc.). These cars are automobiles just as driven on the street; including the original interiors. The engines may be modified as allowed under different rules: Saloon 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 full-bodied stock cars are late models. They are categorized depending on what track and series that

2080-456: The internet immediate post "live" scoring and timing of events (Race Monitor). 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, from 8 to 12 laps for a heat race. There are numerous formats for qualifying for

2132-564: The machine. The American Grand National dirt track championship uses motorcycles of up to 750 cc capacities and can reach speeds of up to 130 mph (210 km/h). There are three sidecar classes. The continental class has a 500 cc single-cylinder engine, also in Great Britain there are left- and right-handed sidecar machines with the engines up to 1000 cc. Sidecar races are some of the most exciting in Grass Track sport, with

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2184-425: The major automakers with certain modifications as allowed for each class. There are several general types: These cars are modified manufactured automobiles. There is a high degree of variability between classes of modified cars. The lowest divisions of modified production cars may be completely stock except for having their interior or windshields removed. The highest divisions of modified production cars may have only

2236-494: The modern day understanding references a class that allows considerable modifications to both the engine and body, yet requires some form of front fender package. As the post WWII auto industry began meeting demand for new cars, auto lots were filling up with the pre-war coupes and sedans. These 1939-1941 cars, "modified" with souped up engines, were finding their way to competitions at racing ovals converted from horse racing or newly carved out in fields. In 1948 NASCAR became one of

2288-723: The more popular engine builders. Modified cars are a hybrid of open wheel cars and stock cars. This class of car has the racing characteristics of a stock car. The rear wheels are covered by fenders, but the front wheels are left exposed. There are sanctioning bodies that control the rules for this class at most tracks. Each sanctioning body has their own set of guidelines provided in an annual rule book and their own registration fees. Sanctioning bodies include: Full-bodied cars, sometimes referred to as stock cars, are vehicles that, unlike open-wheel cars, have fenders covering all wheels. Full-bodied cars can vary from full tube frame chassis and aluminum bodied late models to automobiles manufactured by

2340-418: The most sophisticated cars in dirt racing. They hit speeds well over 100 mph (160 km/h) and slide around the dirt corners. They are raced on dirt tracks throughout the country anywhere from 1/5 to one mile. The expense for these cars is significant. The cost for one complete race-ready late model is around $ 70,000. There is also cheaper equipment and parts that can be purchased, but staying competitive

2392-421: The oval tracks are normally on grass with lengths of 400 meters (¼ mile) to 800 meters (½ mile). The races consist of several four lap qualifying heats that eliminate slower drivers. Then there is a final race featuring the fastest competitors. In mainland Europe, long tracks can be grass, sand or cinder, and can be up to 1-kilometer (0.62 mi) long. Dirt track racing in Australia has a history dating back to

2444-466: The racetrack, at the east end of the fairground, had a 5,000-seat capacity grandstand. The track originally hosted Thoroughbred flat racing as well as Standardbred harness racing. Later, it was used for auto racing , after the growth of that industry. In 1971 the grandstand was declared unsafe; it was demolished in 2001. Dirt track racing A dirt track's racing surface may be composed of any soil, although most seasoned dirt racers probably consider

2496-406: The rigors of short track racing without the weight. The affordability and availability of sheet aluminum emboldened racers to switch to making their own bodies, as it was cheaper and faster. These individually customized bodies became extreme, and by the mid-1980s a number of dirt track promoters organized as United Midwestern Promoters , standardizing the dimensions for the body panels and requiring

2548-475: The stands who, after signing waivers, can run their personal automobiles against each other in a one-on-one 1 or 2 lap shootout. Dirt tracks tend to be somewhat more makeshift and more versatile than asphalt pavements, and can be converted for use in other motorsports. For instance, Little Valley Speedway in Little Valley, New York is a half-mile dirt track that can be converted into a figure 8 track ,

2600-426: The use of different total vehicle weights to create an even playing field: Limited late models and late model stocks have the same body rules as super late models. The main difference in the two classes is the motor rules. Engine limitations typically include maximum engine displacement size, certain required cylinder head angles, maximum compression ratios, and maximum carburetor size. Suspension rules typically forbid

2652-525: The use of expensive canister shocks. Tire choice is also typically limited to a certain tire such as the Hoosier D55 spec tire. Late model stocks have the same body rules as super late models and limited late models. This class typically has even more limited engine rules. Typical late model stock engine requirements: Many different tracks and sanctioning bodies have variations on these rules of what constitutes an open late model, limited late model and

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2704-403: The world. After an event, a track's rutted surface is first graded and smoothed back into the contours of the track's layout. then further smooth and tamp loose soil shoveled into any soft spots. The freshly smoothed track surface is then aerated with a cultivator or rototiller to loosen the now-compacted upper layer and assist with greater water penetration for a moister track on race day. Watering

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