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.
In 1958 Jim Cushman designed what he called wings for these cars. This concept was to place scoop shaped wings on the top and rear of the vehicle to create stronger down force, or drafts, for them which helps to keep the cars from becoming air born during the race. This aide in preventing the cars from flipping over while they race. Side wings were then devised to help with steering them during the frequent turns on tracks. These wings became common place during the early 1970s and added extra safety features by protecting a driver should his vehicle actually 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.
NASCAR drivers many times begin their race car careers in Sprint cars. The drivers can many times acquire sponsors and backing to finance the transition to larger tracks by being successful on smaller tracks. Some even continue running small tracks afterwards because it appeals to their taste for excitement and uninhibited speed.
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.
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.
In 1958 Jim Cushman designed what he called wings for these cars. This concept was to place scoop shaped wings on the top and rear of the vehicle to create stronger down force, or drafts, for them which helps to keep the cars from becoming air born during the race. This aide in preventing the cars from flipping over while they race. Side wings were then devised to help with steering them during the frequent turns on tracks. These wings became common place during the early 1970s and added extra safety features by protecting a driver should his vehicle actually 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.
NASCAR drivers many times begin their race car careers in Sprint cars. The drivers can many times acquire sponsors and backing to finance the transition to larger tracks by being successful on smaller tracks. Some even continue running small tracks afterwards because it appeals to their taste for excitement and uninhibited speed.
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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