If you take into consideration all the different types of vehicles in the world and all the different racing formats it is very likely that Auto Racing is the most popular sport in the world and the #1 entertainment on earth . There are so many different styles and types of race vehicles and so many different race tracks , race courses and competition venues that it would be impossible to cover them all in any one article . To give an example of the popularity of auto racing ; Southern Ontario is not really known to most people as a large Stockcar Racing market . Yet there are over ten Stockcar tracks within 150 miles of Toronto ? These race tracks will attract over 1,000 people , each on a bad Saturday night and over 3,000 people on a good night . It is likely similar to this at least , any were in North America and many other parts of the world too . Some areas such as USA , Stockcar Racing is even more popular than this .
If you check around the area were you live in USA , Canada , or likely in Mexico to , you will likely find at least the same popularity for auto racing and automotive competitions of all kinds .
If you have never been to an auto race or competition , check it out . You Will have fun .
The small local Race Tracks normally run at least 3 different classes or types of cars . You might even see some one you know , a neighbor or a friend , driving a race car ? Some race tracks will even run novelty events such as demolition derbies , spectator racing or even School Bus racing to add to the entertainment .
If any one try’s to tell you that auto racing is just cars going in circles , don’t listen to them , as they don’t have any clue what they are talking about and know nothing at all about racing .
The people who race at the local tracks spend most of their spare time and cash , building their race cars and then maintaining the cars and making them faster and better . In the event that the car is involved in a wreck they most spend even more time and money to repair the car and have it ready race again on Saturday night . Why do these people do it ? Because they love the Sport . They have to love the sport , because the prize money when they win any , does not even com close to paying the bills . The result of all the racer’s hard work is great entertainment for you .
Your local track sets rules and regulations for each class of race car . All race cars the race in each class must be built within the limits of those rules and regulations .
The cars must all have what is called a roll cage to protect the driven in the event of any kind of wreck or roll over .
This roll cage is normally built of heavy steel tubing that is strong enough to completely protect the driver from harm in any situation . The cars must be equipped with a safety harness to keep the drivers securely in the seat at all times . The fuel tank and fuel hoses must be mounted securely and in places were they will not be ruptured in case of a collision or upset .
Fire prevention is at the top of the safety list to stockcar racers , so safety regulations are very strict to keep the possibility of fire to an absolute minimum .
All safety systems such as brakes and steering etc must work properly . Exhaust systems must be mounted in a manor that will not allow exhaust fumes to enter the race cars . The race cars can not have any fluid leaks , as fluid on the track is slippery and can cause wrecks .
Regulations control the size of the engine that can be used in each class of race car . Fuel systems and carburetor sizes are regulated to keep all the race cars competitive with each other , in their class . Tire regulations keep all race cars using the same type of tires in each class .
The beginners classes of race cars are the entry level cars . They often have 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder engines , and are usually regulated to be factory stock , with only safety modifications done to them such as , roll cage , safety harness and fuel system safety alterations .
Some tracks may have a claims policy to limit the amount of money that is spent on each car , in order to keep the cost of racing , more affordable . These cars ar very similar to cars on the street in appearance .
Though the entry level race cars are less expensive to run that the faster classes , it can still be an expensive hobby to maintain , and requires most of the racers spare time to keep the race car up . When the car is damaged in a wreck there is even more work to get it repaired and ready for next Saturday nights racing .
Likely all stockcar drivers either start here or move up from Go-Carts to this level .
The next class up from the entry level stockcars are a little faster cars with bigger engines . Normally these cars run V8 engines . These cars are often full body cars , much the same as the cars on the street . These cars can very in the amount of modifications done to them , according to the regulations set by the race track the car races at . These cars are commonly called Street Stocks , Factory Stocks , Challengers or Street Modifieds
These cars are more expensive to race and to maintain than the entry level race cars . They are also much faster and require more experienced to driver to race them .
(Continued in auto racing page 2)
Auto Racing
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