There are approximately 1,000 race tracks in the United States, and more than 800 of them are dirt tracks. Industry experts estimate that over 52 million tickets a year are sold at dirt track events, more than NASCAR, NFL, NBA and NHL combined. Every weekend over 80,000 Americans compete at dirt tracks spread across all corners of the United States. Dirt racing fans are passionate about the sport they love and one of the many ways they express themselves is through the purchase of officially licensed event, track and series merchandise available at every WRG event. Dirt racing fans’ passion also translates to incredible brand loyalty that is attractive to corporate sponsors.
Who are the World of Outlaws?
The World of Outlaws are the premier sanctioning body for winged sprint car racing in the world, and are comprised of sprint car drivers from across the country and the world. The series was founded by the late Ted Johnson in 1978, giving winged sprint car racer’s somewhere to compete with uniform rules and guaranteed purse money.
How long is the season?
The season traditionally opens in early February in Florida and concludes in early November. The 2009 season will wrap up with the third annual Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, November 5-7. the event will also include the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. Races take place from coast-to-coast and on dirt tracks ranging in size from a ¼-mile to a 5/8-mile. The schedule usually consists of about 85 events and is considered one of the most grueling in all of motorsports worldwide.
What is a sprint car?
A sprint car is a purpose built open-wheel race car, that must weigh at least 1,375 pounds with the driver in the car. The 410-cubic inch engine is fueled by methanol, and produces approximately 850-horsepower.
Why is there a wing on the top of the car?
A large wing on top of the car with sideboards that face opposite directions help to produce a great amount of downforce to help keep the car planted on the track and turn in the corners. The wings also help to absorb energy in the case of the car getting airborne in an accident. Top wings became prominent in the early 1970’s. Sprint cars also are equipped with nose wings.
Where do the World of Outlaws race?
The series races from coast-to-coast. Some of the most well-known tracks on the circuit include: Eldora Speedway in Ohio, Knoxville Raceway in Iowa, Silver Dollar Speedway in California, and Williams Grove Speedway in Pennsylvania. The schedule usually consists of about 85 nights of racing, including preliminary and A-Feature events.
How much does the winner of a World of Outlaws event earn?
The winner’s share of the purse depends on the length of the racing program. Generally, the winner of a standard one-day show will pocket $10,000. In some events, the winner might collect up to $50,000.
Why are the cars pushed to start?
Sprint car do not have starters in them, so a push truck are used to fire the engine, and get the car in-gear. A sprint car only has an in/out direct drive, no reverse gear.
What drivers began their careers with the World of Outlaws?
Dave Blaney, the 1995 series champion, who now races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide series and Kasey Kahne, who drives in the NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series, and also owns the car driven by Joey Saldana.
