About Dirt Track Racing

Many famous racecar drivers today started their careers racing on dirt tracks. NASCAR drivers like Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and Ryan Newman all raced on dirt early in their careers. Kahne and Stewart are still heavily involved in the sport. Many types of cars are raced on dirt tracks throughout the country. You will not have to go far to find a dirt track near you.

Tracks

Dirt tracks vary in length, but most are between a quarter and half mile. The baking of the turns and straightaways varies a lot. Many dirt tracks are built on local fairgrounds or rural areas. Very few are built in the middle of towns because of the noise and debris the races cause.

Cars

Dirt track racecars come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Sprint cars and late models are the most common.

Sprint cars are open wheeled, which means no fenders cover the wheels, like a regular passenger car. Some sprint cars have a wing fastened to the top that provides extra downforce, allowing for more grip. Others do not have a wing, but still provide a lot of high-speed action.

Late models look more like a traditional passenger car. They do not have a wing, but have fenders covering the wheels. They are also a lot heavier than sprint cars, but produce similar power. 

Motor sizes and horsepower vary a lot on sprint car and late models. Each track and national or regional touring series have their own specific rules on motor sizes.

Many other rules apply to how each car can be built and the components allowed on the car.

Racing Season

You can find a dirt track race almost year round in different parts of the country. Sprint car racing is also very popular in Australia during the United States winter months. Many American drivers spend their winters racing in Australia to keep their skills sharp. Most local dirt tracks start racing in late March or early April and end in late September or early October.