Forward-looking Information for Modern Dirt Racing
Many aspects of the parts and pieces of dirt cars have evolved over the past 20 years or so. We’ve seen almost every part of the car evolve from fairly primitive designs to the most advanced configurations possible. Historically, the brake systems have been among the least evolved, mainly due to the fact that in years past, dirt racers used very little braking. Now, though, that has all changed.
A big influence in the change in how brakes are used in dirt racing involves the way the cars are setup and raced. The setups offer a more balanced approach whereby all of the four tires are doing work. We rarely see the left front tire up in the air.
This is true for the top three most popular types of dirt cars, the dirt Late Model, UMP/IMCA Dirt Modifieds and the NE Big Block Modifieds. (I have purposely not included the dirt Sprint Cars, as that is another story altogether.)
With this balance comes a more straight a head driving style, which has been popularized by the top winners in each division. Drivers like Billy Moyer, Scott Bloomquist, Ken Schrader, Kenny Wallace, Kenny Tremont, Brett Hearn, and our own David Reutimann, and his father Buzzy, all have more of a straight-forward style that has been bringing success.
A better understanding of the balance concept has helped bring about the change in setups. During the early to mid-’90’s, we saw cars running a softer right rear spring than the left rear, but we now see stiffer right rear springs over the left rear.
Shock technology has evolved a great deal, too. In 1995, it was rare indeed to see a dirt Late Model running gas-pressure shocks. These days, it is rare to see one not running gas pressure. I believe the Modifieds ran them before the Late Models did, using stock configuration Bilstein gas-pressure shocks.
Esta historia es de la edición June 2017 de Circle Track.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 2017 de Circle Track.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Race Products
The VESTA15 helmet is certified to Snell SA2015 standards and incorporates contemporary design with modern production techniques to achieve a balance between light weight and affordability.
Racing Around
Regional News, Industry Updates & Items of Interest From Around the Country
Ready or Not— Duane Carter Enters the Indy 500
“duane, I’ve Already Pulled Your Qualifying Number”
Modern Dirt Brake Choices and Use
Forward-looking Information for Modern Dirt Racing
Next Generation
We take a look at mbe’s new clean-sheet cylinder head design for big block modified racing.
Fuel Burn Off Trade-Off
Why Your Handling Does Not Change.
From Conventional to Bump Setup
How We Helped a Local Team Convert.
Asking for Sponsorship— DOs and DON'Ts
7 tips for selling yourself and your race team to potential sponsors.
Explaining The Dirt Four-Link
Learning How To Make Smart Changes.
Longhorn Chassis Jumps Into The Modified Game
The Dominant Late-Model Chassis Builder Took Everything It Learned Racing Supers and Applied It to Its Brand-New Dirtmodified Chassis.