This article concerns auto racing; motorcycles, horses, and dogs also race on dirt tracks.
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. The open wheel racers were built purposefully for racing and the stock cars were ordinary automobiles modified to varying degrees for racing.
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.
The racetrack
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, 1/4 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.
The racecar
Each racetrack or sponsoring organization maintains a rule book outlining each class of racecar; including dimensions, engine size, equipment requirements, prohibitions, etc. The requirements for each class are usually coordinated with other racetracks and associations to allow for the widest available venue for each type of car. This coordination allows the drivers to enter many different racetracks, increasing their chances of winning; allows the racetrack to field as many cars as possible; lets the racing associations develop a series of race events; and promotes fan interest.
Many fans prefer one or the other of the different type cars. Open wheel fans say, "Real racecars don't have fenders." Stock car fans point out that even minimal contact between open wheel racers usually disables both cars. In reality, both types of vehicles have weak and strong points. Open wheel racers are usually lighter and nimbler. Stock cars can push and shove their way to advancement.
Many tracks support both types of racer in their programs. Both types range from powerful V8 engines to small, still powerful, 4-cylinder engines. Some of the smaller open wheel racers even have classes for single-cylinder powerplants. Depending on the class, the cars may have wings to aid in handling at higher speeds.
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)
Modified cars
Modified cars are a hybrid of open wheel cars and stock cars - this class of car has the racing charactistics of a stock with the real wheels covered by fenders and the front wheels open. There are sanctioning bodies that control the rules for this class at most tracks. The sanctioning bodies include:
- NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Automobile Racing)
- IMCA (International Motor Contest Association)
- DIRT (Drivers Independent Race Tracks)
- UMP (United Midwest Promoters) - which was purchased by DIRT in December 2004
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):
-
- Late Model
-
Legend (5/8-scale version of 1930s and 1940s NASCAR modifieds from a time when NASCAR actually raced production stock cars)
- Modified production cars (These cars are modified manufactured automobiles. They have the interiors and glass stripped out, a racing seat and roll cage installed, and various other safety features added. The engines are modified as allowed by the different rulebooks):
-
- Factory Stock
- Mini Stock
- Pro Stock
- Pure Stock
- Street Stock
- Unmodified production cars (These cars are automobiles just as driven on the street; including the original interiors. The engines may be modified as allowed under different rules):
-
The race program
The typical race program usually involves a number of classes, and many tracks offer both open wheel and stock car racing. Preliminary races for each class, called heat races, open the schedule. The heat races determine the starting race position in the main events and usually earn points. The heat races are usually shorter than the feature races and not as many cars are generally raced in each heat. Depending on the number of cars in each class, there may be more than one feature race (C feature; 3rd place heat winners, B feature; 2nd place heat winners, etc.) with the winners moving up through to the main feature (A feature). The A feature, or main feature, is held for each class of racecar and is usually the longest race in the program. Points, a trophy, and maybe a purse are awarded according to finishing position.
Many tracks have other special events. They may have a "trophy dash" during each program, between the heats and the features, to allow the heat winners to compete for a trophy. If the reward is monetary, the race may be called a "dash for the cash" or a "run for the money".
Occasionally, a track will sponsor a "powder-puff" race to allow the wives, girlfriends, daughters, and mothers 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 any of the various racing associations 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.
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.
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.
External links
Typical dirt tracks from around the world
Dirt track racing associations
Last updated: 05-07-2005 18:06:26
Last updated: 05-13-2005 07:56:04
