Sprint Car 101

Clay is the most popular track surface for sprint car racing, because of the grip. Tracks vary in length the longest are 1/2 mile and the smallest 1/4 mile.  At Ohsweken Speedway the length of the track is 3/8 (.0375) mile clay oval track.  

Sprint car racing is one of the most dangerous short-track racing sports with less regulations, according to race experts. The massive wings produce huge amounts of downforce, which allows the cars to take corners at unbelievable speeds.

Sprint Cars do not have starters, so push trucks/cars are used to fire the engine and get the car in gear. The car only has an in/out drive, no reverse.

The only difference between the two sprint cars is the engine.  Crate Sprints have 400 horsepower and the 360 Sprint Cars have around 700 horsepower.

Pit Notes – Pit notes from the track officials are released prior to the race day outlining the race schedule which will also contain any news or updates.  This usually eliminates the use of a drivers meeting.

Drivers Meeting — All drivers and crew members attend a mandator meeting conducted by the Track Officials. The meeting outlines the night’s racing and any procedural changes that may be in place.

Hot Laps — Group practice sessions of three or more laps (depending on track size) are run at speed for drivers to ensure their cars are ready for qualifying. Groups are determined by a pill draw that also determines the order for the heat races.

Heat Races (or Heats) — Heat race line-ups to be determined by pill draw.

A series of 8 to 12 lap races (depending on size of track) that determine which cars will move on to the Feature. The number of Heats depends on the number of cars.

Feature — The final race of the night determines the champion, who enters Victory Lane followed by the second and third place finishers. These three constitute the Podium. At Ohsweken the Feature race usually involves 20 laps.