Races are exciting. Whether you are an observer or a participant races incite the competitive nature in all people. They have done so for centuries and races can be traced through history back to ancient Greece and Rome by historians. Chariot races, foot races and horse races have been a part of every civilization all over the world. The competitive drive today also includes other activities such as sprint car dirt track racing.
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.
In an effort to protect drivers several safety upgrades have been initiated in last ten years. Roll cages have become mandatory for these racers. There is also a seven point safety harness that is recommended and it must be less than two years old. Head rests, neck and head braces and full cover helmets have also been installed. The driving suits and gloves must be double strength and fire retardant. A special metal netting is required over the roll cage openings to prevent rocks and debris from entering the cab 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.
Individual sanctioning bodies generally require drivers to maintain licenses in their organization prior to racing with them. Since there are several different bodies it is not unusual for a driver to belong to more than one at a time. There are fees that are required prior to each race that must be paid by the driver who registers.
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.
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.
In an effort to protect drivers several safety upgrades have been initiated in last ten years. Roll cages have become mandatory for these racers. There is also a seven point safety harness that is recommended and it must be less than two years old. Head rests, neck and head braces and full cover helmets have also been installed. The driving suits and gloves must be double strength and fire retardant. A special metal netting is required over the roll cage openings to prevent rocks and debris from entering the cab 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.
Individual sanctioning bodies generally require drivers to maintain licenses in their organization prior to racing with them. Since there are several different bodies it is not unusual for a driver to belong to more than one at a time. There are fees that are required prior to each race that must be paid by the driver who registers.
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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