Dirt Track Racing – One of America’s Favorite Pastimes
By Hope Graves
Dirt track racing is the single most common form of auto racing in the U.S.
Dierks Bentley says it best in one of his top songs… “Sideways”
“Worked all week, now it’s time to play
Gonna get a little sideways”
That right there describes any man that ever put on a dirt track racing helmet!
Dirt Track Racing is a weekend hobby. It is THE time for these men to shine under the bright night lights!
A friend of mine said it best…. For God SO Loved The World… He gave us Dirt Track Racing!
The Main Objective… Is the Winners Circle
Dirt tracks consist of a clay oval with multiple divisions of cars all competing for the same thing… money, trophy, points and bragging rights for the week… There can only be ONE WINNER in each division.. you know the famous saying… 2nd place is just the first loser…
Divisions range from the all powerful V8′s to the screaming 4 cylinders, each class is tailored.
Track surfaces can be made up from any soil but most are clay based and always watered before races to help keep them tacky! Some tracks are flat.. but most have banking! Tracks range in size.. you have 1/2 mile, 3/4 mile, 1/8 mile… each track is different…
RULES… You Always Have Rules…
Every dirt track provides rule books outlining each division; including dimensions, engine size, equipment requirements, etc…. It’s THE LAW written in black and white! Most track rules are similar if not the same… This helps tracks to be able to field as many race cars as possible!
NOT every racer abides by the rules… This makes for some REAL excitement! You’ve heard the statement…. “Hey Ya’ll WATCH THIS”
Going Green… On With The Show…
Time to let them engines roar.. time to get down and dirty!
First things First is Hot laps… drivers take a few laps around the oval to warm them babies up, at this time the fans are gathering in the stands. After a round of Hot Laps you move right along into the Heat Races. Placement for heat races is derived from driver sign in, every driver draws.. and you can bet they all want that #1 spot. Finishing order of the Heats set the stage for the MAIN EVENT!!! You hear the chatter thru the stands “Did you see what I saw?” Man, Child and Woman alike are filled with anticipation… Hearts pounding ready for that Green Flag!
WHO ARE RACE CAR DRIVERS?… THEY ARE OUR IDOLS!
Who enjoy the thrill of going fast and sliding left! Some racers elect to give their winnings to great charities such as the Shriners!
FAST CARS RACE SO WEAK LEGS CAN WALK!!
Drivers are the kid’s Heroes!
I am a wife to a weekend dirt tracker. It is a family hobby.
http://www.squidoo.com/DIRT_TRACK_RACING
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