The racetrack

North America

Nearly all tracks are oval and less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) in length with most being ½ mile (804 meters) or less. The most common increments in the U.S. are ½ mile, ⅜ mile (603 meters), ⅓ mile (536 meters), ¼ mile (402 meters), and ⅛ mile (201 meters). With the longer tracks, the racecars achieve higher speeds and the interval between cars increases. This decreases the chance of crashes but increases the damage and chance of injury when cars do crash.

The track surface may be composed of any soil, but most racers prefer a track with a clay base. The track operators usually try to keep the surface tacky and may sprinkle water on it if it begins to dry. Some operators build flat ovals, but many are highly banked.

United Kingdom

Dirt track racing is a type of auto racing performed on oval tracks throughout the United Kingdom. If the number of tracks is any indication of popularity, dirt track racing is the most popular auto racing sport in Britain. Dirt ovals outnumber all other types of tracks combined. Tracks are also used for the motorcycle sport Speedway and other Track racing events.

In Great Britain the oval tracks are normally on grass with lengths of 400 meters (¼ mile) to 800 meters (½ mile). The race consists of several qualifying heats, each lasting four laps of the track leading up to the final.

Grass Track is very much a family sport suitable for all ages and abilities. Boys and girls from as young as six can compete on automatic machines. The ages and capacity classes progress right through to adult status. There are also classes in youth grass track to run motocross machines on a grass track circuit. Youth events are carefully controlled to provide good racing for young competitors.

The race vehicle

Each racetrack or sponsoring organization maintains a rule book outlining each class of racecar; including dimensions, engine size, equipment requirements, prohibitions, etc. The requirements for each class are usually coordinated with other racetracks and associations to allow for the widest available venue for each type of car. This coordination allows the drivers to enter many different racetracks, increasing their chances of winning; allows the racetrack to field as many cars as possible; lets the racing associations develop a series of race events; and promotes fan interest.

Many fans prefer one or the other of the different type cars. Open wheel fans say, “Real racecars don’t have fenders.” Stock car (shown right and above) fans point out that even minimal contact between open wheel racers usually disables both cars. In reality, both types of vehicles have weak and strong points. Open wheel racers are usually lighter and nimbler. Stock cars can push and shove their way to advancement.

Many tracks support both types of racer in their programs. Both types range from powerful V8 engines to small, still powerful, 4-cylinder engines. Some of the smaller open wheel racers even have classes for single-cylinder powerplants. Depending on the class, the cars may have wings to aid in handling at higher speeds.

Venues