This article will be part of my “dirt education” series where I will be highlighting the different types of dirt racing and providing some facts and knowledge for casual fans or those that are new to the sport. Most dirt racing fans already know everything there is to know about sprint car racing, but I have noticed a void with other motorsports fans. There have been times when NASCAR reporters and analysts mention sprint car racing on their platforms, especially when talking about Kyle Larson, where I have noticed that some fans are unfamiliar with this type of racing.

In this article, you will find:

  • Define “Sprint Car”
  • Types of Sprint Cars & Specifications
    • Wingless
    • Winged
      • 305
      • 360
      • 410
  • Popular Sprint Car Series
  • Major Sprint Car Races

Helpful Links

“Hey Google, Define Sprint Car”

That search will get you a variety of different results. In my own words a sprint car is “A lightweight, open wheel race car designed primarily to run on short dirt ovals. Sprint Cars can have a variety of engine types and run with or without a wing on top.”

Types of Sprint Cars

Depending on your region, the type of sprint car that you are familiar with may vary. For those growing up around Indiana, you are likely more familiar with wingless sprint car racing. If you grew up in Central Pennsylvania, you are more familiar with winged sprint car racing. Both types of sprint cars provide excellent entertainment, but what is the difference?

Wingless Sprint Cars

Wingless sprint cars are considered “traditional” sprint cars by many, as the first forms of sprint car racing started without a wing on top. When it comes to the characteristics of the two, they are largely similar. The major difference comes when setting up the cars, as a winged sprint car will be impacted differently by “dirty air” from other cars on the track. When you ask a winged sprint car driver about the guys who prefer wingless, they will often say “those guys are crazy.” A wingless sprint car is a lot more unstable than a winged sprint car, but the speeds are slowed down a bit and it gives the drivers an extra second to make a calculated decision when entering a corner. Without a wing on top, the crashes in wingless sprint car racing can be violent and hard to watch sometimes. Crashes in all forms of sprint car racing can be sketchy, but the wing on top can sometimes absorb some of the impact, where as a wingless sprint car does not have that luxury

Without the wing, wingless sprint cars do not get the same downforce as winged sprint cars. That means they are set up differently, especially with ride height in the rear of the car. Like a winged sprint car, wingless sprint cars can be run with various engine types. The most popular choices are a 360 cubic inch engine and a 410 cubic inch engine. In some regions, you will find wingless sprint cars with a 602 crate engine or a 305 cubic inch engine.

Winged Sprint Car

Winged Sprint Car racing is the most popular form of sprint car racing today. The sport is home to the premier touring series and some the highest paying, well-known events in all of dirt racing. If you took the wing off of a winged sprint car, they would look nearly identical to a wingless sprint car. Again, it is all about the set up, as the wing allows drivers to have more downforce and carry more speed down the straightaways into the corners. Here are some standard specifications that you would find on a winged sprint car.

Wheelbase: 86″ – 90″
Width: 77″
Weight: 1,400 lbs with the driver
Chassis: Chrome-moly frame
Suspension: Mostly torsion bar, some coil over
Ground Clearance: 6″ on right, 4″ on left
Tire Brand: Hoosier
Right Rear Tire: 22.5″ wide, 105″ circumference
Wheels: Aluminum
Steering System: Power steering
Brakes: Disc brakes

– World of Outlaws Sprint Cars

If you saw a 410 sprint car, a 360 sprint car and a 305 sprint car parked next to each other, you likely wouldn’t be able to tell the difference if you are a casual fan. The difference becomes very evident once they hit the track at full speed.

410 Engine

410 racing is one of the highest levels of dirt track racing in the United States.

Engine: 410 cubic inch max
Fuel System: Fuel injection
Horsepower: Approx 900 hp
Compression Ratio: 13-17:1
RPM: 8,000 – 9,000
Speed: Up to 160 mph
Powertrain: In/Out direct drive with quick change rear end
Lubrication: Dry sump oil system
Fuel: Methanol

– World of Outlaws Sprint Cars

360 Engine

360 engines are usually used as a form of entry level racing before moving into a 410 cubic inch class. They are somewhat more affordable and produce less horsepower.

Engine: 360 cubic inch max

Fuel System: fuel injection

Horsepower: Approx 700hp

Compression Ratio: in the neighborhood of 14.5:1

RPM: roughly 7,000

Speed: Up to 130 MPH

Fuel: Methanol

305 Engine

Often referred to as a “RaceSaver” engine. The 305 cubic inch engine is for racers moving up from micro sprints or local racers who want an affordable way to race weekly.

Engine: 305 cubic inch max

Fuel System: fuel injection

Horsepower: Approx 430hp

Compression Ratio: in the neighborhood of 11:1

RPM: roughly 6,000

Speed: Up to 105 MPH

Fuel: Methanol

Popular Sprint Car Series

Whether you are interested in wingless or winged sprint car racing, there is a national touring series for you.

Major Sprint Car Races

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Published by Steve Thornton

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