Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by Jaxon Mike

Dirt track racing is one of the most exciting forms of motorsports, with high-horsepower vehicles sliding through the corners and battling for position on oval tracks made of clay or dirt.

With so many different classes and series across North America, it can be confusing for new fans to understand the key differences between them. 

This guide breaks down the major types of dirt track racing vehicles, sanctioning bodies, and classes to explain how they vary in terms of speed, cost, and competitiveness.

Whether you’re looking to get involved as a driver or just better understand what you’re watching from the stands, read on to learn the basics of dirt track racing divisions.

History of Dirt Track Racing

Dirt track racing originated in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s as a cheaper alternative to the paved oval tracks that were gaining popularity for IndyCar racing at the time. Some of the first races took place at horse racing tracks and country fairgrounds on the dirt horse tracks already in place.

From the beginning, old production cars and modified road vehicles were used rather than purpose-built race cars, keeping costs down compared to pavement racing. Regional sanctioning bodies formed over time to standardize rules and give structure to the many small local dirt tracks spread across the country.

 After decades of grassroots growth, today’s major national touring series brings the top dirt track racers together to compete for championships and prize money. While the vehicles have evolved, dirt track racing still maintains its roots as an affordable racing platform.

Types of Dirt Track Racing Vehicles

There are three main vehicle types used in dirt track racing, each designed specifically for racing on loose dirt surfaces.

Sprint Cars

Sprint cars are high-powered vehicles with massive wings on top that generate tremendous downforce. The large rear wing helps plant the rear tires for grip on corner exit while the front wing presses the front end down for improved steering. 

Sprint cars have a high power-to-weight ratio with engines putting out 800 to 900 horsepower, yet they weigh just 1,400 pounds with the driver. The immense power combined with the dirt surface makes sprint cars a real handful to drive, perfectly suited for daredevil drivers.

Late Models

As the name implies, late models are based on production models but highly modified for racing use.

Most dirt late models are rear-wheel-drive sedans and coupes equipped with a tubular chassis and roll cage along with racing components like high-performance V8 engines, quick-change rear ends, and coil-over shock absorbers. Bodies are fiberglass or aluminum replicas of street car models.

Late models have far more weight and traction than sprint cars, reaching speeds over 100 mph.

Modifieds

Modifieds, sometimes called “mods,” are also production-based cars customized for dirt track racing. Compared to late models, mods have more radical body modifications with the roof, doors, and other body parts removed to reduce weight.

The suspension is raised and made adjustable, with offset chassis built for turning left. Modifieds use V8 engines around 600 horsepower coupled with manual or automatic transmissions. Modifieds excel at hooking up on slick track surfaces.

Dirt Track Racing Classes

Now that you understand the vehicle types, it’s time to break down the major series and classes that compete across North America.

The highest levels hold national touring series events with the best dirt racers, while regional series and local tracks have their own classes too.

World of Outlaws Sprint Cars

The World of Outlaws sprint car series is the top echelon of winged sprint car racing. The national tour visits tracks across the United States from February through November with some of the most intense sprint car competitions.

Top speeds approach 140 mph on small oval tracks. The purse and prestige of World of Outlaws (WoO) events draw famous racers like Donny Schatz, Brad Sweet, David Gravel and Carson Macedo. Along with individual race winners, WoO crowns national champions at the season’s end.

World of Outlaws Late Models

Just like the sprint car tour, the World of Outlaws late model series brings together the best dirt late model stock car drivers in the country.

WoO late models run a similar national schedule to the sprint cars with races primarily in the Midwest, Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions.

While late model speeds are lower than sprint cars, the racing action is just as fierce with multiple grooves and side-by-side battles through lapped traffic. Brandon Sheppard, Chris Madden and Ricky Weiss are current WoO late model stars.

USAC National Sprint Car Series

The United States Auto Club (USAC) has hosted professional dirt track racing since 1956 and currently sanctions several sprint car series.

The national division races wingless sprint cars, also called “traditional” sprint cars. By removing the wing that sprint cars typically use, the racing is more dicey and exciting to watch.

USAC sprint cars have a more old-school, pure feel with the opportunity for drivers like Brady Bacon, Justin Grant and C.J. Leary to showcase throttle and vehicle control skills.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

While the World of Outlaws has a more national presence, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series keeps its focus on races in the eastern half of the U.S.

Top dirt late model racers follow the series as it visits small local tracks plus bigger venues like Knoxville Raceway in Iowa.

The champion receives a $100,000 prize at season’s end, recently won by Tim McCreadie, Jimmy Owens and Jonathan Davenport.

United States Modified Touring Series

For open-wheel modified racing, the USMTS brings together the best drivers and teams for over 80 races across 20-plus states.

Most events are at local dirt ovals in the Midwest region within driving range for competitors. Modified weights and engine limits equalize racing, typically resulting in big fields and great racing action.

Recent USMTS national champs include Rodney Sanders, Ryan Gustin and Jason Hughes.

Key Differences Between Classes

While all dirt track racing classes compete on oblong ovals, there are some key differences between the various series and sanctioning bodies.

• Sprint cars are light, high-powered open-wheel racers while late models and modifieds use heavier production-based vehicles.
• The World of Outlaws tours nationally while regional series like Lucas Oil Late Models and USMTS focus on specific geographic areas.
• Late model and modifieds rely on chassis setup for handling, while sprints use wings for downforce and grip.
• USAC sprints remove the wing used in World of Outlaws to create more challenging driving dynamics.

Understanding these distinctions helps explain the diversity in dirt track racing. With so many classes and race formats, fans can find exciting action across North America on dirt ovals big and small.

Getting Started in Dirt Track Racing

For prospective dirt track racers, opportunities abound to get started in racing across these different vehicle platforms.

Many local dirt tracks have entry-level classes for first-time competitors to get their feet wet. Late model and modified racers can often compete with older vehicles and basic safety gear to control initial costs.

Sprint cars require greater investment up front but also provide immense speed and excitement right away. No matter what path you choose, dirt track racing provides a fun, grassroots form of motorsport competition for new and experienced drivers alike.

World of Outlaws Sprint Cars

The World of Outlaws sprint car series has been running since 1978, bringing together the best sprint car drivers across North America to race on dirt ovals and determine a national champion.

The winged 410 cubic inch sprint cars generate immense power, reaching speeds over 130 mph at some tracks. Let’s take a closer look at the WoO sprint car racing format and competition level.

Racing Format

The WoO season spans February through November each year, visiting dozens of different dirt tracks primarily across the Midwest and Northeast regions. Race distances are typically 30-40 laps on oval tracks ranging from 1/4 mile bullrings to sprawling 1/2 mile speedways.

Each night features hot lap qualifying, heat races, and main events with 24-26 cars. The A-Main is the feature race with the fastest qualifiers through to the final. Winners collect prestige along with a monetary purse at each race and receive points towards the year-end championship based on their finishing position.

Top Drivers

With over $20 million in prize money each year, the very best sprint car drivers compete with the Outlaws tour.

Donny Schatz is the longtime dominant racer in the series with over 300 career wins and 10 championships. Other recent Outlaw champions include Daryn Pittman, Brad Sweet, and David Gravel.

Additional elite drivers like Carson Macedo, Sheldon Haudenschild, Logan Schuchart, and Aaron Reutzel race with WoO as well. These drivers all own custom sprint cars from major chassis builders and leverage engine and sponsorship support from their teams.

National Tour

While regional sprint car series stick to certain parts of the country, the World of Outlaws schedule takes drivers coast to coast. The season kicks off with races in Florida in February before shifting north and west for summer and fall events.

The Midwest is a hotbed with races in states like Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois Ohio, and Indiana. The Northeast swing hits Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey tracks through the mid-Atlantic region.

Two west coast events bookend the season in California and Las Vegas. After 88-90 races over nine months, a champion is crowned based on total points.

If you enjoy high speed action, the World of Outlaws sprint car series provides the ultimate in dirt track racing excitement. Seeing 900+ horsepower winged sprint cars driven by the best in the business is a must for any racing fan.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Transitioning to late models, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series focuses its schedule on the eastern half of the country with talented dirt late model stock car racers. Let’s examine this regional touring series and what it offers fans.

Racing Format

Lucas Oil late model events take place on smaller 3/8, 1/2, and 5/8 mile local dirt oval tracks, typically located farther east than the World of Outlaws late model tour. The fields have 24 or more cars for features going 50-60 laps.

There are several different engine rules to accommodate both steel-block and aluminum-block motors.

The series visits some iconic venues like Eldora Speedway plus weekly racing tracks. Payouts can exceed $20,000 for race winners. The top drivers in seasonal points fund take home six-figure championship checks.

Top Drivers

Many of the same racers follow both the Lucas and World of Outlaws series, criss-crossing the country with their teams. Perennial contenders include Jonathan Davenport, Tyler Erb, Tim McCreadie, Jimmy Owens, and Brandon Sheppard.

These drivers have won races and championships over the years, establishing their dirt late model prowess. With lucrative payouts, the competition is fierce every night. Having an efficient team and avoiding problems is key over a long season.

Regional Tour

The Lucas Oil series keeps its focus on the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast regions. Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia all see multiple events. Crowds are huge at iconic ovals like Knoxville, Florence, Eldora, and Smoky Mountain.

Fan attendance combined with track partnerships help maintain the regional feel. Drivers can race in their backyard rather than traversing the whole country like with the World of Outlaws.

For excellent late model stock car racing with talented national drivers competing locally, follow the Lucas Oil series as it travels to some of the best known dirt tracks in the country.

United States Modified Touring Series

Transitioning to open-wheel modifieds, the USMTS brings together large fields of cars and drivers to race across the Midwest and Plains states primarily.

Racing Format

The 80+ race USMTS schedule stretches from March through October each year. Most events are at small 3/8 mile or 1/2 mile dirt oval tracks, normally on back-to-back nights. The main event features up to 24 modifieds racing for 30-40 laps and over $10,000 in prize money.

Drivers qualify through heat races and b-mains to make the A-feature. given the large car counts, competition is fierce all night long both to qualify and then run up front in the main event.

Top Drivers

Modified racing emphasizes chassis setup and driving ability. Multi-time series champions like Rodney Sanders, Ryan Gustin, Jason Hughes, Johnny Scott, and Zack VanderBeek always contend.

They excel at tuning their cars for hooked-up traction no matter the track conditions. Combined with their driving talent, these veterans battle for wins regularly on the series against 100+ other competitors.

Regional Tour

The USMTS was founded in Huntsville, TX and maintains a presence across the central Plains states. Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and the Dakotas host many events, especially at rural county fairground tracks.

Drivers haul their open-wheel modifieds around on trailers, often racing within a few hours of their home base. The schedule expands outward but keeps a regional feel perfect for grassroots dirt trackers.

For exciting open-wheel racing on dirt ovals across the Midwest, the USMTS provides constant action with huge car counts and tight competition night after night.

FAQs

What is the fastest class of dirt track racing?

Sprint cars are the fastest dirt track racers, with 900+ horsepower and huge wings generating downforce for cornering grip. Top speeds can exceed 140 mph on long ovals.

How much does it cost to field a competitive dirt late model?

A top-level dirt late model can cost $150,000-$200,000 including the chassis, engine, spares, trailer, and tools. Used cars are cheaper. Budget $30,000+ per year for tires, repairs, and operating costs.

Can you use the same car for both dirt and pavement oval racing?

Some pavement “super late models” can switch to dirt racing with adjustments, but most cars are optimized for one surface. Dirt late models use softer suspensions, left-side weight, and traction components like panhard bars.

What is the average length of dirt track oval races?

Sprint car features are 25-30 laps, late model main events are typically 40-60 laps, and modifieds race 20-40 lap races on average. Heat races and qualifying rounds are shorter.

How many dirt tracks currently operate in the United States?

Over 1,000 dirt oval tracks are active across the country from small 3/8 mile bullrings to mile-long speedways. Most race weekly from March through October. Regional touring series visit different tracks over a season.

Conclusion

This breakdown of major dirt track racing series and classes should help you understand the differences and key features across North America. Whether sprints, late models, or modifieds, dirt oval track racing provides side-by-side action and blazing speeds on clay surfaces.

Horses were first raced on these dirt tracks over 100 years ago, but today the mechanized horses of sprint cars, late models, and modifieds prevail as kings of the ovals. Attend an event at your local dirt track or one of these sanctioned series to witness dirt track racing in its most competitive and thrilling forms.