What Is A Sprint Car?

     

                
This type car is the modern version of the original cars that raced in the Indianapolis 500 beginning nearly 100 years ago.  In the 1960's the roll cage was added to further driver protection. Soon after, the wing on the top followed. 

Sprint cars are the fastest cars in the world on dirt, usually racing on 1/4 to 1/2 mile ovals.


ENGINES:  410 cubic inch aluminum block Chevy with fuel injection
850 horsepower (average street car is 150-300 horsepower)
Average cost of new engine - $40,000 to $50,000
Engine rebuilds - approximately every 10 races or less
DRIVETRAIN:  1 gear (either in gear or out of gear) Car requires a push to start
FUEL:  Methanol
Fuel tank capacity - 28 gallons
Miles per gallon - 1 mile
CHASSIS: Tube frame constructed from 4130 chromoly steel
SUSPENSION:  Torsion bars on all 4 corners
TIRES:  Hoosier dirt racing tires
Utilitizes tire stagger to improve handling (stagger  = difference in circumference of left & right rear tires - right rear tire always larger than the left, 12-17 inch difference - varies depending on size & shape of racetrack)
Cost:  $200 per tire (2-6 rear tires needed in one night of racing)
TOP WING: All aluminum (weighs approximately 25 lbs),  Provides aerodynamic downforce allowing rear tires to better grip the racing surface
NOSE WING:  All aluminum (weighs approximately 5 lbs), aerodynamic downforce holds the front end of the car down to the surface of the racetrack