Volusia Speedway Park (formerly known as Volusia County Speedway and Barberville Speedway ) is an auto racing facility located near Barberville in Volusia County, Florida .
83-730: It currently operates as a 1/2-mile dirt oval and a 1/5-mile dirt oval for karts . The track currently hosts races from the World of Outlaws series (both sprints and late models) and the UMP late model series, As well as the UMP Super DIRTcar Series (Both big-block and small block modified racing ). The track was built by Benny Corbin and opened in 1968 as a 1/4 mile dirt oval, operating through 1969. It expanded to 3/8 mile (still dirt) in August 1969, operating through 1971. It
166-503: A Biketoberfest race at Volusia. Various pit scenes from the 1990 film Days of Thunder were filmed at the speedway. From 1989 until 1992, the track hosted a NASCAR Busch Series race on the 1/2 mile layout. Dirt track racing Dirt track racing is a form of motorsport held on clay or dirt surfaced banked oval racetracks. Dirt track racing started in the United States before World War I and became widespread during
249-695: A demolition derby pit, or a tractor pull straightaway. Sprint car racing Sprint cars are open-wheel race cars , designed primarily for the purpose of running on short oval or circular dirt or paved tracks. Historically known simply as " big cars ," distinguishing them from " midget cars ," sprint car racing is popular primarily in the United States and Canada , as well as in Australia , New Zealand , and South Africa . Sprint cars have very high power-to-weight ratios , with weights of approximately 1,400 pounds (640 kg) (including
332-830: A ignition magneto ) and require a push to be started. The safety record of sprint car racing in recent years has been greatly improved by the use of roll cages, and especially on dirt tracks, wings, which increase surface traction, to protect the drivers. Many IndyCar Series and NASCAR drivers used sprint car racing as an intermediate stepping stone on their way to more high-profile divisions, including Indianapolis 500 winners A. J. Foyt , Mario Andretti , Johnny Rutherford , Parnelli Jones , Johnnie Parsons , Al Unser Sr ., and Al Unser Jr. , as well as NASCAR Cup Series champions Jeff Gordon , Tony Stewart and Kyle Larson . The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum , located in Knoxville, Iowa , features exhibits highlighting
415-690: A 10-time winner of the Australian Sprintcar Championship , was the winner. Wingless cars were televised first when USAC had an ESPN television contract. The first national live television deal with winged sprint cars came on The Nashville Network (TNN) in 1992–93 and again in 1993–94 with a winter-based series in Arizona, which featured Mike Joy calling the action. Live coverage of the Knoxville Nationals on The Nashville Network began in 1995. A year later,
498-422: A 360 cubic inch (5.9 L) engine which generates approximately 650 horsepower (480 kW). They race with alcohol fuel and use mechanical fuel injection (MFI) to deliver it into the combustion chamber. The American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) sanctions both winged and wingless sprint car racing within the United States. ASCS winged cars use a 360 cubic inch engine which lead to fans calling the cars "360s". The series
581-420: 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
664-563: 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 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
747-840: 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
830-469: 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 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
913-700: 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:
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#1732792947199996-400: A neck restraint that meets a given safety rating, and at any time the car and equipment may be subject to inspection. The various SFI and Snell ratings may differ between sanctioning bodies, and many rule books include additional safety recommendations to be used at team or driver discretion. As for those hosting an event the sanctioning body will often place mandatory safety requirements on
1079-587: A next-day tape deal with CBS for one race at Eldora Speedway aired while TNN coverage expanded. By 2000, CBS (which owned TNN at the time) announced TNN would air 15 live events, including the King's Royal at Eldora Speedway and the Knoxville Nationals. By the 2001 season, plans were to cover 18 live races, but midway through the season MTV Networks closed the CBS motorsports operations. This move relegated
1162-426: 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
1245-457: A quad or truck. They also do not have flywheels, clutches or transmissions, but the direct drive systems can be engaged or disengaged from the cockpits. This is done both for weight reasons and tradition. Another tradition the WoO has pertaining their "A-main" (the last race of the event) is to have the cars line up four wide just before starting the race as a salute to fans in attendance, giving rise to
1328-437: 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
1411-697: Is a division of wingless 410 cubic inch sprint cars that run throughout the United States on asphalt and dirt tracks. The USAC also sanctions regional 360ci wingless sprint car series: the USAC East Coast Sprint Cars, USAC Southwest Sprint Cars, and USAC West Coast Sprint Cars. The United Racing Company (URC) is a division for winged sprint cars that run mainly in the northeastern part of the United States in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The URC started in 1948 with 11 races in its season. It slowly progressed to 28 races. The URC uses
1494-603: 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 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
1577-555: 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
1660-516: 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 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
1743-429: 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
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#17327929471991826-879: 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
1909-885: Is the premier dirt sprint car racing series. Famous tracks featured in the series included the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio , the Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pennsylvania, the Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa and Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania . Each August, the Knoxville Raceway holds the Knoxville Nationals . In 1987, Australia followed suit with its own national series for winged sprint cars called
1992-402: 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 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
2075-819: The Premier Speedway (home of the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic ) in Warrnambool , Victoria. There is also a single meeting Australian Sprintcar Championship which has been run since 1963 and has been run under various class names before finally settling on the Australian Sprintcar Championship in 1979. While non-Australian drivers are free to race in the WSS and other meetings including the various state championships, only Australian drivers are permitted in
2158-700: The World Series Sprintcars , founded by Adelaide based sedan driver and Speedway Park track promoter John Hughes. Famous Australian tracks used in the WSS have included Speedway Park/City in Adelaide, South Australia , Claremont Speedway and later Perth Motorplex in Perth , Western Australia, Valvoline Raceway in Sydney , New South Wales , Archerfield Speedway in Brisbane , Queensland, and
2241-592: The "Beef Packers" team) (No. 83), Tony Stewart Racing (No. 20). After Brownfield Promotions' owner Fred Brownfield was killed in a crash, Kinser and principals of two other teams purchased the entire Brownfield promotion. That series folded after the 2006 season, while the Northwest tour, a regional tour, was sold. The SuperClean Summer of Money aired on ESPN2 starting in mid June 2008 with the World of Outlaws at Knoxville Raceway and for eight weeks straight leading up to
2324-501: The 1920s and 1930s using both automobiles and motorcycles, spreading throughout Japan and often running on horse racing tracks. There are a myriad of types of race cars used, from open wheel Sprint cars and Modifieds to stock cars. While open wheel race cars are purpose-built racing vehicles, stock cars (also known as fendered cars) can be either purpose-built race cars or street vehicles that have been modified to varying degrees. There are hundreds of local and regional racetracks throughout
2407-663: The 1930s as a very common form of sprint car racing, still very popular today and also sanctioned by USAC , POWRI, and others. They are powered by four-cylinder engines developing around 350 horsepower (260 kW), but are only similar to their larger cousins in appearance. Mini sprints are similarly sized to midget cars, but have upright-style chassis and center-mounted, chain-driven four-cylinder motorcycle engines with displacements between 750 and 1200 cc. Micro sprints are small racecars that are smaller versions of full sprint cars. A starter class for striving sprint car enthusiasts. 250/270cc single-cylinder two-cycle and 600 cc are
2490-425: 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
2573-509: The Australian Championship meeting. The Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic at Warrnambool is the largest sprint car meeting in the world; in the 2014–15 season, the 2015 Classic race outdrew the Knoxville Nationals in entries. Until the early 2000s, sprint cars in Australia were restricted to 6200 cc (372 cui) V8 engines as opposed to the 410 cui (6.7 L) engines used in the United States and New Zealand. Brian Healey,
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2656-418: 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
2739-689: 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
2822-520: The Knoxville Nationals which were live on Speed. In 2015, the World of Outlaws had several races broadcast on CBS Sports Network . Knoxville Raceway has their weekly series as well as World of Outlaws and National Sprint League events on MavTV . USAC currently has some races televised on MavTV, primarily through Jack Slash Media's Dirty 30 highlights program. Other series such as the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series, King of
2905-496: The Sacramento-based Australian who owned Parramatta City Raceway, pushed for the change in 2003 to follow both nations to 410. Today, Australia follows the standard 410 ci formula, and has both the 410 and 360 cui (5.9 L) formulae. Both formulae have separate Australian Championship meetings. Midget cars are smaller versions of a full size sprint car, normally non-wing only. Midgets date back to
2988-403: The US has resulted in a large number of groups and sanctioning bodies supporting wingless sprint cars. Wingless sprint cars are considered the traditional sprint cars, dating back to the first sprint cars in the 1930s and 1940s (that ultimately evolved into Indy cars). Today, they are essentially the same car as a winged sprint car, only without wings. In fact, many of them have the "stub outs" in
3071-540: The United States and also throughout Japan. The sport is also popular in Canada , Mexico , Argentina , Brazil , Chile , Australia , New Zealand , South Africa and the United Kingdom . A dirt track's racing surface may be composed of any soil, although most seasoned dirt racers probably consider a moist, properly prepared clay oval their favorite dirt racing surface. Preparing a dirt track correctly for racing
3154-793: The West Sprint Cars, King of the Wing Pavement Sprint Cars, and several weekly regional series on MavTV. In Australia, the World Series Sprintcars was formerly televised on free-to-air channel One HD . In New Zealand, the Hydraulink War of the Wings is streamed only by RJPTV on a pay per video program. However Sprintcar racing can be seen from Western Springs in Auckland or the Bay per View from Baypark Speedway
3237-464: 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
3320-422: 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
3403-544: The biggest Sprintcar track in New Zealand Safety in sprint car racing has continuously evolved over the years as the cars have gotten faster and teams look to garner any advantage with weight and horsepower. While many regulations are centered around the class or division, each sanctioning body typically has a section in its rulebook dedicated to safety. These can vary between sanctioning bodies, and many even set safety standards for those hosting an event. Some of
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3486-407: The cheapest race cars that are very competitive, costing around $ 5,000. Most tracks are one sixth of a mile or less. Outlaw karts run side-mounted engines of various types. The beginner boxstock and boxstock divisions run pull start clone motors and are usually for the younger drivers first getting their start. The intermediate division run 250 cc dirt bike engines with the drivers or teams having
3569-419: The choice of running a four-stroke or a two-stroke. At some tracks, the intermediate division has to run a harder compound of tire. The biggest division in outlaw karts is the open division. The opens can run 450 cc four strokes, 500 cc two strokes, or 550 cc four-strokes. The 450 cc and 500 cc motors are the more popular options because the 550 cc motors are not run at all tracks, and
3652-408: 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 the more popular engine builders. Modified cars are a hybrid of open wheel cars and stock cars. This class of car has
3735-628: 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
3818-423: The driver) and power outputs of over 900 horsepower (670 kW), which give them a power-to-weight ratio besting that of contemporary F1 cars. Typically, they are powered by a naturally aspirated, methanol -injected overhead valve American V8 engine with a displacement of 410 cubic inches (6.7L) and capable of engine speeds of 9000 rpm. Depending on the mechanical setup (engine, gearing, shocks, etc.) and
3901-466: 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
3984-540: The event, won by Kraig Kinser. In 2003, Johnson sold his organization to DIRT Motorsports . Because of complaints about DIRT Motorsports and the lack of television coverage, Northwest Sprint Tour owner Fred Brownfield formed the National Sprint Tour as a rival to the World of Outlaws Sprint for the 2006 season. Notable teams in the NST included Steve Kinser Racing (No. 11), Roth Motorsports (sometimes known as
4067-447: The facility including guard rails, retaining walls, concrete walls, and electronic caution lights. It is also typically the facility's responsibility of having an ambulance on site that meets DOT standards, fire equipment and staff, properly licensed medical staff and equipment, track communications, and safety equipment such as tow trucks. It is common for a facility to be visited prior to an event for inspection and updates be made prior to
4150-498: 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
4233-454: 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
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#17327929471994316-409: 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
4399-601: The frame for adding wings. They generally use the same 410 cubic inches (6,700 cc) and 360 cubic inches (5,900 cc) aluminum engines as their winged counterparts (although many local tracks have rules mandating steel blocks and some 305 cubic inches (5,000 cc) displacements, this is mostly a cost control). Some newer regional groups, specifically POWRi and Elite have chosen to allow open engines with no limit to engine size. Their tuning and gearing are different for performance at lower RPMs than winged cars. Chassis set ups and tires are also different. While they do not have
4482-439: The front and top of their cars. The added wings increase the downforce generated on the car, with the opposite direction of the sideboards helping to turn the car in the corners. The increased traction makes the car faster and easier to control. The wing also affects safety. The added downforce lessens the likelihood of going airborne. When cars do go airborne, the wings contact the ground first and break off or crumple upon hitting
4565-496: 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
4648-416: The ground, lessening the impact on the driver and the car. For these reasons, winged cars are safer to drive. Often teams are able to replace the wing during the ensuing stoppage and are able to continue once the race resumes. In 1978, Ted Johnson formed the promotional body for winged sprint cars called the World of Outlaws . Racing throughout the United States from February to November, the World of Outlaws
4731-596: The history of both winged and wingless sprint cars. There are several sanctioning bodies for wingless sprint cars. Once dominant United States Automobile Club (USAC) became USAC/California Racing Association (USAC/CRA) after taking over the Sprint Car Racing Association (SCRA). USAC/CRA remains popular on the West Coast, East Coast and in Indiana . However, lack of leadership in much of
4814-456: 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
4897-409: The latter are sometimes called "micro midgets" or "600 cc sprints". The general minimum weights for the cars to pass tech is 775 lbs for winged and 725 lbs for non-wing. Micro sprints are generally a cheaper alternative than racing mini sprints or midget sprints, but they can be as expensive as full-sized sprint cars. Outlaw karts are go karts with roll cages and wings. They are some of
4980-448: 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 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
5063-564: 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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#17327929471995146-425: 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
5229-415: The most common safety requirements placed on the teams are: an emergency shut-off switch, a quick-detach steering wheel, aluminum seats with high impact head rests with shock absorbing materials, fire resistant suits, underwear, shoes, and gloves, a full face helmet meeting that meets or exceeds a specified Snell or SFI rating, safety harness (most common is a 5-point harness) that meets a specified SFI rating,
5312-428: The most popular micro sprint classes. They run side-mounted 600 cc motorcycle engines developing around 140 hp and are chain driven. They have chassis and bodies styled like those of full-sized sprint cars or midgets. Micro sprints are generally run on small dirt tracks that are usually a fifth of a mile or less in size, though they sometimes run on larger tracks. They can be either raced with or without wings;
5395-418: 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
5478-623: The popular PA message "you want the best, now you have them four abreast". The All Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC) is an American motorsports sanctioning body of winged sprint car racing founded in 1970. The series sanctions 410ci sprint car races in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, and Florida. On average the series runs 40 races per year, starting February and ending in October each year. The United States Automobile Club (USAC) National Sprint Car Championship
5561-603: 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
5644-488: The remainder of the World of Outlaws season to tape delay races. A tape delayed deal with Speed Channel followed for the next season. Television coverage began on the Outdoor Channel in 2003. Events are usually tape delayed for two weeks or more. The Knoxville Nationals were on Speed Channel. The 2004 Knoxville Nationals did not air as bad weather postponed the event, and there was not enough space for Speed to air
5727-516: The same top speed as a winged car (because they lack downforce for traction), they are thought by many to be more entertaining to watch. Their relative lack of grip creates different driving characteristics than their winged counterparts, causing them to be more difficult to control through the corners. This, and the lack of roll-over protection a wing provides, makes them more dangerous than winged cars and their crashes are known for their spectacular nature. The world's first small-track winged race car
5810-458: The smaller open wheel race cars have classes for single-cylinder engines. Depending on 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
5893-475: 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 ,
5976-449: The track layout, these cars can achieve speeds in excess of 160 miles per hour (260 km/h). A lower-budget and very popular class of sprint cars uses 360-cubic-inch (5.9L) engines that produce up to 775 horsepower. Sprint cars do not utilize a transmission but have an in-or-out gearbox and quick-change rear differentials for occasional gearing changes. As a result, they do not have electric starters (or even electrical systems other than
6059-544: The tracks that do run them make the kart weigh extra. The weight range for the karts is 150 lb to 500 lb. The NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws (WoO) is a division of 410ci (6.7L) winged sprint cars that run all over the United States and have a few events in Canada. The cars have 15-inch (380 mm) wide right rear tires and 410 cubic inch engines with mechanical fuel injection. These sprint cars have no batteries or starters in them, necessitating push starts by
6142-426: 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
6225-525: 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
6308-500: The various state championships and other meetings held around the country. Unlimited (2018+) Despite over 50 years of sprint car racing, the category has only ever held one unofficial "world championship". This was in 1987 at the ⅓ mile (586 metres (641 yd)) Claremont Speedway in Perth , Western Australia. The event attracted a collection of drivers from Australia, NZ, Canada, and South Africa, as well as several World of Outlaws drivers. Australian veteran Garry Rush from Sydney ,
6391-461: The widest available venue for each type of car. This coordination allows 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
6474-409: Was converted back into dirt for 1999, the track was removed from Southeast schedule. The 3/8 mile dirt oval opened behind turn four of the original oval, operating from 1993 until it was paved in 1998 for a NASCAR Southeast Series event, but in 1999 it was converted back into dirt. In late 2004 the paved surface was torn up and removed and the karting track that was located inside of the asphalt track
6557-518: Was driven by Jim Cushman at the Columbus Motor Speedway (Ohio) in 1958. Cushman drove with his winged super-modified (wing created by Gene and Floyd Miller) in several races and even won with it, starting a new trend of winged cars in sprint and super-modified racing. By 1959, up to half of the field was racing with a wing at Columbus Motor Speedway. In the early 1970s, many sprint car drivers began to put wings with sideboards on both
6640-481: Was expanded again to 1/2 mile in February 1972. Dick Murphy bought the racetrack in 1982, and paved it in 1989. Murphy sold it in 1992, and re-purchased it in 1997, when it was converted back to dirt. The NASCAR Southeast Series had run nine races in the complex between 1991 and 1998, the first eight events were on the 1/2 mile paved track. The last event, in 1998, was on the 3/8 mile recently paved oval but since it
6723-716: Was organized in 1915, and is currently the oldest active auto racing sanctioning body in the United States. It sanctions traditional 305 non-winged and winged sprint cars under the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Car class. In Australia, sprint car racing is controlled by the Sprintcar Control Council of Australia (SCCA) who sanction the Australian Championships and the World Series Sprintcar series as well as
6806-402: Was redesigned and took over all of the former track. The 1/5 mile dirt karting track complex is known as "Volusia Karting". Murphy sold the racetrack in 2005 to DIRT Motorsports, later renamed the " World Racing Group ". In 2021, Daytona Beach Bike Week flat track events, sanctioned by American Flat Track , moved from Daytona to Volusia Speedway Park. In 2022, American Flat Track will add
6889-558: Was started by well-known racing promoter Emmett Hahn. The series national headquarters were located in Tulsa, Oklahoma for much of its history, but moved to Concord, North Carolina in 2024 following World Racing Group's purchase of the series. The all-time leader in wins for the series is Texan Gary Wright with 127 A main victories under his belt. Engine rules for the non-wing cars vary by series with some having unlimited displacement engines. The International Motor Contest Association (IMCA)
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