Friday, October 17, 2014

Exploring Sprint Car Dirt Track Racing

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By Patty Goff


Civilized societies have used personal competition as a means of determining leadership throughout history. We see examples of this competitive spirit in the origins of the Olympics in Greece as well as chariot racing in ancient Rome and horse races in Mongolia and later in early American society. Sprint car dirt track racing is an example of this same competitive drive in humans.

These are high speed races that allow fans to experience some of the excitement felt by drivers while on the tracks. The vehicles can obtain speeds up to one hundred forty MPH or more on these short tracks. The oval tracks range from as large as a mile to as small as an eighth of a mile and the high speed that the racers can generate a lot of intense excitement for fans and drivers alike.

Drivers and cars are considered a team and there can be no substitutions of either once the registration for the race has been completed. Should a driver become injured or unable to participate for any reason the team is disqualified from the competition. The same rules apply should the vehicle develop mechanical issues or not conform to specifications required to compete.

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.

To help alleviate injuries incurred during these races many new safety features have been adopted in the past decade. Drivers are required to wear double fabric fire suits as well as protective gloves in the vehicle. Roll cages have been added to help prevent serious injuries when an accident happens. Seven point harnesses and head and neck restraints have been installed in most cars along with head rests for the left side of the roll cage. Another safety feature uses metal netting on roll cage openings to prevent debris from entering the cage and striking the driver.

Many top notch NASCAR drivers started their careers in this type of competition. After a few years they make the transition by obtaining sponsors and up grading the type of vehicle they use. Some maintain their licenses and race in both arenas. The initial draw becomes an intricate part of their beings.

The sanctioning bodies that help sponsor these races require that drivers have membership in their series. There is a fee that is paid for each series as well as fees for each race when the team registers. Drivers receive cash prizes for winning and placing in the top three places as well as points that accumulate over the season to determine the best driver overall.

Over the years coverage on television has been on and off but they can be found on sports channels occasionally as delayed tape replays for those fans who truly love the sport.




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