Attending or participating in a race of any kind holds a special attraction for millions of people worldwide. The competitive spirit of people has been apparent since history was first recorded by man. Roman chariot races and numerous types of horse races have been tracked through time by historians throughout the world. Sprint car dirt track racing provides the perfect addition to history's high speed and risky racing record.
Fans love the fast action of these short track races because they are able to experience the excitement generated by drivers while watching the action from the stands. Tracks vary in size from location to location starting with those measuring an eighth of a mile with the larger tracks being a mile oval. The cars can reach speeds of up to one hundred forty miles per hour during the race.
Each driver must register himself and his car immediately prior to any race. The driver and car are considered as a team and once registered there can be no changes in the team. If the car or the driver becomes unable to participate the registration fee is forfeited and they are disqualified. The car must pass inspection to determine that it has all regulation parts and safety equipment in place.
These race cars are rated in winged and un-winged categories. The winged category came into being in the 1970s, twelve years after the invention by Jim Cushman. He devised the wings to create stronger down force on the tops and backs of the cars. The down force helped to maintain contact of the wheels with the surface soil there by helping to prevent the cars from flipping during the race. Side wings soon followed and they act as stabilizers in the frequent turns on these tracks. The top wings also cushion and protect the driver in the event of a flip over during the race.
In an effort to protect drivers several safety upgrades have been initiated in last ten years. Roll cages have become mandatory for these racers. There is also a seven point safety harness that is recommended and it must be less than two years old. Head rests, neck and head braces and full cover helmets have also been installed. The driving suits and gloves must be double strength and fire retardant. A special metal netting is required over the roll cage openings to prevent rocks and debris from entering the cab and striking the driver.
Sprint racing is the origin of many NASCAR drivers' careers. They create their reputations as drivers and eventually make the transition to the larger vehicles and tracks. It is not uncommon for them to retain their licenses for short track racing after making the initial change.
There are several sanctioning bodies for this type of race car. Most require drivers to purchase cards to drive in their races and each race requires a sign up fee to be paid. Drivers compete for cash winnings as well as points for the season that accumulate with each race.
There has been spotty television of these races over the past thirty years. Some stations have signed contracts with specific sanctioned race organizations and for various reasons either not finished the seasons or not continued the contracts for following seasons. These races can currently be seen on Speed TV using tape delayed replay.
Fans love the fast action of these short track races because they are able to experience the excitement generated by drivers while watching the action from the stands. Tracks vary in size from location to location starting with those measuring an eighth of a mile with the larger tracks being a mile oval. The cars can reach speeds of up to one hundred forty miles per hour during the race.
Each driver must register himself and his car immediately prior to any race. The driver and car are considered as a team and once registered there can be no changes in the team. If the car or the driver becomes unable to participate the registration fee is forfeited and they are disqualified. The car must pass inspection to determine that it has all regulation parts and safety equipment in place.
These race cars are rated in winged and un-winged categories. The winged category came into being in the 1970s, twelve years after the invention by Jim Cushman. He devised the wings to create stronger down force on the tops and backs of the cars. The down force helped to maintain contact of the wheels with the surface soil there by helping to prevent the cars from flipping during the race. Side wings soon followed and they act as stabilizers in the frequent turns on these tracks. The top wings also cushion and protect the driver in the event of a flip over during the race.
In an effort to protect drivers several safety upgrades have been initiated in last ten years. Roll cages have become mandatory for these racers. There is also a seven point safety harness that is recommended and it must be less than two years old. Head rests, neck and head braces and full cover helmets have also been installed. The driving suits and gloves must be double strength and fire retardant. A special metal netting is required over the roll cage openings to prevent rocks and debris from entering the cab and striking the driver.
Sprint racing is the origin of many NASCAR drivers' careers. They create their reputations as drivers and eventually make the transition to the larger vehicles and tracks. It is not uncommon for them to retain their licenses for short track racing after making the initial change.
There are several sanctioning bodies for this type of race car. Most require drivers to purchase cards to drive in their races and each race requires a sign up fee to be paid. Drivers compete for cash winnings as well as points for the season that accumulate with each race.
There has been spotty television of these races over the past thirty years. Some stations have signed contracts with specific sanctioned race organizations and for various reasons either not finished the seasons or not continued the contracts for following seasons. These races can currently be seen on Speed TV using tape delayed replay.
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