The History of Sprint Car Racing

Early sprint car.

Sprint car racing was a starting and middle ground for many current star drivers in various forms of racing, such as NASCAR and the Indy Racing League. These cars compete on short oval tracks, with either a dirt or paved surface. Sprint cars have an elevated ratio when it comes to horsepower versus the weight of the car. The engines produce 800 horsepower and the cars weigh roughly 1,200 pounds.

Early Years of Sprint Car Racing

While the term "sprint car" surfaced in the early 1950s, the brand of racing existed for years prior. Shortly after World War I, several racers began to created smaller yet powerful race cars from stripped vehicles, most commonly the Model T Ford. At the time, drivers simply referred to these cars as race cars or dirt track cars. The cars were economically manufactured and the drivers were less distinguished than street stock car drivers were. In 1922, the American Automobile Association, or AAA promoted a 50-mile sprint race in California featuring these cars. Throughout the 1920s the cars began to evolve, and the drivers became more polished. In the 1930s, the original design of these cars became known as "big cars" with the emergence of the small midget cars.

United States Automobile Club

The quality of Sprint Cars continued to advance following World War II. The form of racing took on the phrase Sprint Car in the 1950's. Throughout the 1950's, the model of the cars vastly improved as they were professionally fabricated. In 1956, the Sprint Cars Series became sanctioned by the United States Automobile Club, along with the National Midget Series. USAC remains the organization sanctioning the Sprint Car Series and compete on dirt and paved ovals throughout the United States

Prior to the introduction of V8 engines, racers continued to commonly use the older four-cylinder motors. The more powerful Chevrolet V8 engine phased out the four-cylinder engine as the decade of the 1960s progressed.

USAC awards championship to the Sprint Car Series, National Midget Series, as well as the Silver Crown. In 1995, Tony Stewart won the title in all three series, becoming the first driver to win the elusive Triple Crown. J.J. Yeley accomplished the Triple Crown in 2003.

Safety Advancement

In 1966, sprint cars installed roll cages for the first time at the Cumberland Fairgrounds in Maryland. Roll cages significantly added to the safety of the cars. Over the years, the engines produced more horsepower; therefore, teams began to implement broader tires, as well as wider frames. Furthermore, safety requirements include fuel tank bladders to prevent leakage, six or seven point safety seat belts less than two years of age, two-layered driver suits, driver gloves, and fully shielded helmets.

Winged Sprint Cars

In 1958, Jim Cushman became the first driver to with a wing installed on the rear of the car. The wings provided the cars with additional downforce and speed, and allowed the cars to turn more efficiently. In the 1970's many drivers began mounting wins on the cars. Wings also became an added safety feature. When a car lifts off the ground and flies airborne, the wings absorb some of the impact.

World of Outlaws

Ted Johnson established the World of Outlaws in 1978. This series featured winged sprint cars racing on dirt ovals. This series competes on tracks across the United States.

Famous Sprint Car Drivers

Several renowned racecar drivers competed in sprint cars. A.J. Foyt, Al Unser Jr., Mario Andretti, Parnelli Jones, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart are just a few of the star drivers to cut their teeth sprint car racing.

References

• NA Motorsports
• Sprint Car Hall of Fame