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.
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.
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.
The concept of winged cars was developed in 1958 by Jim Cushman. These additions to the front and tops of the vehicles helps to generate a down force that keeps the wheels from leaving the ground. Air born vehicles can flip during the race and injure drivers, Side wings help to stabilize the cars while executing turns on the race tracks. The drivers started using the wings in earnest during the early 1970s. Wings located on the top of the vehicle have the added advantage of providing extra safety for the driver by cushioning the impact should the vehicle flip during the race.
Many other safety measures have been adopted in the past few years to prevent injuries. The industry has implemented roll cages inside the cars along with six or seven point seat belt harnesses that must be less than two years old. Other improvements that are required include double layered driving suits and driving gloves that are fire proof and designed to protect hands and fingers during any collision. Neck braces and head rests as well as metal netting to cover roll cage openings have also become mandatory equipment for the cars.
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.
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.
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.
The concept of winged cars was developed in 1958 by Jim Cushman. These additions to the front and tops of the vehicles helps to generate a down force that keeps the wheels from leaving the ground. Air born vehicles can flip during the race and injure drivers, Side wings help to stabilize the cars while executing turns on the race tracks. The drivers started using the wings in earnest during the early 1970s. Wings located on the top of the vehicle have the added advantage of providing extra safety for the driver by cushioning the impact should the vehicle flip during the race.
Many other safety measures have been adopted in the past few years to prevent injuries. The industry has implemented roll cages inside the cars along with six or seven point seat belt harnesses that must be less than two years old. Other improvements that are required include double layered driving suits and driving gloves that are fire proof and designed to protect hands and fingers during any collision. Neck braces and head rests as well as metal netting to cover roll cage openings have also become mandatory equipment for the cars.
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.
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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