This article concerns auto racing; motorcycles, horses, and dogs also race on dirt tracks.

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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.

Contrary to the common name, most dirt track Speedways are actually clay surfaced, rather than dirt.

The racetrack[link]

Dirt Late Model class drivers show how dirt track car drivers slide their car's backend around through a corner. The multiple drivers show the car angle at different points in a corner.

North America[link]

Nearly all tracks are oval and less than 1-mile (1.6 km) in length with most being ½ mile (804 m) or less. The most common increments in the U.S. are ½ mile, ⅜ mile (603 m), ⅓ mile (536 m), ¼ mile (402 m), and ⅛ mile (201 m). 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.

United Kingdom[link]

In Great Britain the oval tracks are normally on grass with lengths of 400 meters (¼ mile) to 800 meters (½ mile). The race consists of several qualifying heats, each lasting four laps of the track leading up to the final.

Grass Track is very much a family sport suitable for all ages and abilities. Boys and girls from as young as six can compete on automatic machines. The ages and capacity classes progress right through to adult status. There are also classes in youth grass track to run motocross machines on a grass track circuit. Youth events are carefully controlled to provide good racing for young competitors.

Rest of Europe[link]

In mainland Europe Long Tracks can be used on grass, or sand and can be up to 1-kilometer (0.62 mi) long.

The race vehicle[link]

A typical dirt track "street stock" car racing in Wisconsin, USA

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 (shown right and above) 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[link]

Dirt Sprint 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)
• Micro Sprint
• Mini Sprint
• Sprint
• Outlaw
• Silver Crown
• Midget (Speedcar)
• Three Quarter Midget (TQ)
• Quarter Midget

The sanctioning bodies include:

• USAC - The United States Automobile Club
• World of Outlaws Sprint cars

Modified cars[link]

IMCA Modified car

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. Each Sanctioning body has their own set of guidelines provided in an annual rule book and their own registration fees. 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)
• TSMA (Tri-State Modified Association)

Stock cars[link]

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[link]

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[link]

2006 National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame inductee Pete Parker's #10 WISSOTA Dirt Late Model car

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 850 horsepower (630 kW) motor than can turn in excess of 9,000 RPM. The engines are based on V-8 Chevrolet, Ford and MOPAR power plants. These cars are considered to be the most sophisticated cars in dirt racing. They hit speeds well over 100mph and slide/drift around the dirt corners. They are raced on dirt tracks throughout the country anywhere from 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile.

The expense for these cars is extremely high. 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 is much more money. 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 which manufacture the chassis is. The manufactures around the country are Rocket race cars, Bloomquist race cars, GRT race cars, Victory Circle race cars, Warrior race cars, and Rayburn race cars just to name a few major ones. The engines for these cars are around 850 horsepower and can cost up to 40,000 dollars. Motor builders consist of Hatfield Racing engines, Roushe Yates Racing Engines, Gaerte Racing Engines, Clements Racing Engines, Custom Racing Engines, and Pro Power Engines.

Most racing series and special events offer three motor options with the use of weight breaks to create an even playing field:

1. 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 2,300 lb (1,000 kg).
2. Spec 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 10 or 12-inch (300 mm) spoiler. Spec Motors cannot exceed 358 Cubic Inches.
3. 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 10 or 12-inch (300 mm) spoiler.

Late Model Stock/Limited Late Model[link]

Late Model Stocks/Limited Late Models have the same body rules as Super Late Models. The main difference in the two classes is the motor options, especially displacement.

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 manifold.

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.

Crate Late Models[link]

A Fastrak Late Model

Use GM sealed-crate motors and have two of their own national touring series: the Nesmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series and the Fastrak Crate Late Model Series. Currently, Ford and Chrysler have no plans to enter the Nesmith or Fastrak Late Model Series.

Popular Racing Series[link]

World of Outlaws late model

• World of Outlaws
• Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
• O'Reilly Auto Parts Southern All Stars
• International Motor Contest Association
• United Midwestern Promoters
• Advance Auto Parts Super Dirt Series
• Southern Regional Racing Series
• Advanced Auto Parts Thunder Series
• O Reilly Auto Parts Southern United Professional Racing
• United Speed Contest Sanction
• Mid America Racing Series
• Midwest Late Model Racing Association

There are literally hundreds of additional unsanctioned regional and national special events run throughout the year.

Other major yearly events include:

Modified production cars[link]

A 4-cylinder modified production car with limited modifications (left), and a highly modified 8-cylinder car (right)

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 a few original stock parts, and may be nearly as fast as late model racecars. 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:

Unmodified production cars[link]

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

Motorcycles[link]

flat track motorcycles

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 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).^[1][2]

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 the driver and passenger working together to obtain the best grip and speed around the corners.

Vintage racing[link]

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.^[3]

The race program[link]

Four car heat race of vintage open wheel cars common in Wisconsin (USA) from the 1950s to 1970s

The typical race program usually involves a number of classes, and many tracks offer both open wheel and stock car racing. There is a wide variety of event formats.

Qualifying[link]

A qualifying session may happen before the start of the event. The Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series and the World of Outlaw Late Models use the qualifying system to line up their heat races. They give each driver 2 times 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. Then for the feature they use what is called passing points which will be talked about later.

Heat races[link]

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 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 a set number of points for where they finish, 1st-59 2nd-57 and so forth the lower you finish. To add to the points the driver gets where you finish the driver also gets 1.5 points for each car they pass. Example: The driver starts 4th and finishes 1st. He gets 59 points for 1st and he passed 3 cars so he gets 4.5 extra points, so his total is 63.5. They will then usually take the top 16 drivers with the highest total amount of points and line up the A feature.

Semi-Feature/B Main[link]

There may be a semi-feature where unqualified racers may race their way into the remaining open starting positions in the A feature event. This race is called the last chance qualifier or B feature. The cars who didn't make the A feature through the heat race get one more chance to qualify for the A feature through the B feature. The B is anywhere from 12 to 15 laps. Depending on how many B's there are determines how many transfer to the A, anywhere from 2 to 6 will transfer. If a driver transfers through the B they will start behind the drivers who made it through the heats.

Feature/Main[link]

The A feature or main feature race 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/trophy dash/semi-feature finishing positions. It is usually the longest race in the program. Points, a trophy, and frequently a purse are generally awarded, with the amount of each is determined by finishing position. The winner of the feature event is considered the winner of the event.

Special events[link]

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.

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, a demolition derby pit, or a tractor pull straitaway.

Championships[link]

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.

At dirt tracks sanctioned by NASCAR, drivers can compete against drivers from other NASCAR-sanctioned tracks, both paved and dirt, for the statewide and provincial Whelen All-American Series championship, where the best performer of the state and provincial champions will win the national championship. Dirt late model drivers won NASCAR's first such championship in 1982, and these drivers have frequently won regional and national championships in the 30-year history of NASCAR's short track championship, which only applies for local racing divisions (non-touring).

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.

See also[link]

	Book: Auto racing in North America
Wikipedia books are collections of articles that can be downloaded or ordered in print.

• A.M.A. Grand National Championship
• Dirt track
• Dirt track racing in the United States
• National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame

References[link]

External links[link]

• "Rough Riders Of The Dirt Track" Popular Mechanics, May 1935 pp. 649-656
• Dirt Track Race Germany

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2009)

Speedway riders powersliding around a corner

Track racing is a form of motorcycle racing where teams or individuals race opponents around an oval track. There are differing variants, with each variant racing on a different surface type.

The most common variant is Speedway which has many professional domestic and international competitions in a number of countries.

Administered internationally by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the sport became popular in the 1920s and remains so today.

Nature of the sport[link]

Track racing involves between 4 and 6 sometimes 8 competitors riding around an oval track in a counter-clockwise direction over a set amount of laps - usually 4 to 6 sometimes 8 - with points being awarded to all but the last finisher on a sliding scale.

These points are accumulated over a number of heats, with the winner being the team or individual who has scored the most overall.

The machines used are customised motorcycles, these have no brakes and are fuelled with methanol. Speedway also uses motorcycles with no gears or rear suspension. The use of methanol provides an increased compression ratio to the engine resulting in higher speeds (approx 80mph when cornering) although the skill of Track Racing lies in the overall ability of the rider to control his motorcycle when cornering and thus avoid losing places through deceleration.

This has resulted in powersliding or broadsiding being used as a technique in most variants of the sport to progress around the track.

Track characteristics[link]

Competitions take place on tracks which are defined by the FIM as being of the following:^[1]

• Speedway - a track with a top surface in granite, shale, brick granules or similar unbound material rolled in on the base ground
• Long track - sand, shale or similar unbound material rolled in on the base ground
• Grass track - firm, level turf with minor undulations
• Ice Racing - ice with a minimum thickness of 10 cm

Variants of the sport[link]

Speedway[link]

A typical Speedway motorcycle

Speedway racing takes place on a flat oval track usually consisting of dirt or loosely packed shale, competitors use this surface to slide their machines sideways into the bends using the rear wheel to scrub-off speed while still providing the drive to power the bike forward and around the bend.

FIM regulations state that the motorcycles used must have no brakes, run on methanol, use only one gear and weigh a minimum of 78 kg. Races consist of between 4 and 6 riders competing over 4 to 6 laps.

Originating in New South Wales, Australia in the 1920s, there are now both domestic and international competitions in a number of countries including the Speedway World Cup whilst the highest overall scoring individual in the Speedway Grand Prix events is pronounced the Speedway world champion.

Flat track[link]

Flat track racing looks similar to Speedway racing but is in no way related. Flat track motorcycles can have either two-stroke or four-stroke engines in amateur competition. Four-stroke motorcycles dominate professional competition and depending on the venue, can be single or multi-cylinder. Flat track bikes have front and rear suspension, and rear brakes. The brakes are what make it completely distinct from speedway, as the brakes allow for a different cornering technique. Successful riders will often move to road racing, which is considerably more lucrative. Many top American riders in Grand Prix motorcycle racing began their racing careers as flat track racers.^[2]

Flattrackers entering a corner.

Grasstrack[link]

Grasstrack (also known as Grasbahn) racing takes place on a flat oval track usually constructed in a field. It is similar to Speedway with races usually taking place over 4 laps from a standing start. Unlike Speedway, which has 4 riders per race, Grasstrack racing can have many riders in each heat and the circuit is normally longer, allowing higher speeds. The motorcycles are also different in that they have the addition of two gears, rear suspension and are larger in length overall. Like Speedway, the sport uses bikes with no brakes.

Long track[link]

Stadion Haunstetten, a Sandbahn track

Longtrack (also known as Sandbahn) is a variant of Grasstrack held on tracks up to 1000 - 1200 meters in length and with speeds reaching 90mph - 100mph. The machinery and rules used are the same as for Grasstrack.

The sport is popular in Germany, possibly more so than Speedway. This means that the majority of tracks are to be found in that country, although tracks can also be found in the Czech Republic, Finland and Norway. Occasionally, Longtrack meetings are held in Australia and the USA, but these generally take place around converted horse trotting arenas.

• Individual Long Track World Championship
• Team Long Track World Championship

Ice Racing[link]

Ice Road Racing in Finland

Ice racing using studded tyres

Ice Racing includes a motorcycle class which is the equivalent of Speedway on ice. Bikes race anti-clockwise around oval tracks between 260 and 425 metres in length. The race structure and scoring is similar to Speedway.

The sport is divided into classes for full-rubber and studded tyres. The studded tyre category involves competitors riding on bikes with inch-long spikes screwed into each tread-less tyre, each bike has 90 spikes on the front tyre and 200 on the rear (or more).

In the studded tyre class there is no broadsiding around the bends due to the grip produced by the spikes digging into the ice. Instead, riders lean their bikes into the bends at an angle where the handlebars just skim the track surface. This riding style is different from that used in the other track racing disciplines. This means riders from this discipline rarely participate in Speedway or its other variants and vice-versa.

The majority of team and individual meetings are held in Russia, Sweden and Finland, but events are also held in the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, and occasionally other countries.

Notes[link]

External links[link]

• Track Racing rules - Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme
• Speedway FAQ - speedway-faq.org

Dirt track may refer to:

• A kind of race track
• A dirt road
• A trail

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