I am Dan Wilder, of Wilder Motorsports. Getting started wasn’t easy. I didn’t come from a “racing family”, nor did I have lots of money. I’m going to focus on entry level classes here. It was difficult finding information on: What car to start with, why and what makes a good chassis for racing. Building a roll cage. Safety equipment.
To have a beginner’s understanding of the sport including dirt racing classes, we’ll take you through everything you need to know.
UMP sanctions short-track racing on dirt tracks from 1/5 mile to one mile in length. Classes include: Super Late Models, Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Limited Modifieds, Sportsman, Street Stocks, Factory Stocks, and Four Cylinders.
Step-By-Step Guide to Begin Racing
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get into dirt track racing:
- Research types of dirt track racing.
- Attend races, observe techniques.
- Obtain a racing license.
- Master reaction time, a critical aspect of a successful start.
- Stay aware of changing track conditions.
I want to start driving on track. Get something that will teach you how to get the absolute most out of horsepower and grip, not tons of it. Cars that fit: older Porsches, Miatas, BMW E36. Master car control before upgrading power.
To field a dirt late model, it costs at least $75,000 per year. You need several acres, 3 to 5 at minimum for a great motocross track. Winged sprint cars are simply the fastest, highest horsepower and most dangerous race cars on dirt today.
Dirt track racing is popular in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the U.K. On the upper end, a 360 non-winged sprint car costs between $50,000 and $100,000. This intro should help get you started racing on the dirt. First is the training school, a great introduction even if you don’t intend to race.
Racing Finances and Speed
How much do dirt track racers make? While the average annual salary is $85,000 for motocross racers, many racers find that they can make a lot more money through endorsements, team racing, and other promotional activities. Riders also earn aggregate bonuses to the tune of $100,000 for 1st place in a race.
How fast do dirt track race cars go? The engines are based on V-8 Chevrolet, Chrysler, and Ford power plants. These cars hit speeds well over 100 mph (160 km/h) and slide around the dirt corners. They are raced on dirt tracks throughout the country anywhere from 1/5 to one mile.
What is the fastest dirt track car? Outlaw Winged 410 Sprint Cars.
How much do professional flat track racers make? According to SalaryExpert, U.S. motorcycle racer salary averages $50,441 per year, not including an average bonus of $1,276. Entry-level racers with three years of experience or less earn an average annual salary of $37,203, which increases to $61,475 after eight years of successful racing experience.
How much is a Formula 1 sponsorship? The average cost of a sponsorship ranges from $5 million to $50 million depending on the size of the placement and team budget.
How much is a mini sprint car? Mini sprint cars cost $3,500 to $10,000 or more depending on options. Mini sprints have 600cc motorcycle engines and are about half the size of full-sized sprint cars.
How dangerous is dirt track racing? Several investigations into local tracks revealed four common deadly characteristics: inadequate barriers, inexperienced drivers, lack of head and neck restraints and substandard medical responses.
How often do race car drivers die? The number of racing deaths annually appears to have dropped in recent years from an average of more than 20 to about 15 over the past five full years.
How many trucks of dirt does it take to cover Bristol Motor Speedway? 2,300 truckloads.
Becoming a professional racing driver requires complete dedication. You need to invest time, effort and often money into your racing career. To be successful, you must keep your body in peak condition.
Most drivers start their careers in karting at a young age. Karting allows drivers as young as 5 to master control elements and acquire sports car driving principles. Many young drivers have started this way, such as Daniil Kvyat and Sergey Sirotkin.
Joining a club, attending events and getting involved in the racing community allows you to learn from people who share your passion. Amateur and hobby racing provides opportunities to gain experience.
To develop your skills, take racing classes to learn rules and protocols. Practice control and adapting to the track for speed. The earlier you start, the better chance you have of a career.
Securing a role is the starting line. What comes next is continuous learning, networking and embracing challenges. Qualities like grit and resilience, along with commitment to growth, serve as your engine in this career.
Start small with go-karting or amateur events. Consider volunteering at local races to gain experience and connections. The journey is as important as the destination, so buckle up and start your engines!