Back in the 1920’s automobiles were all the rage. It not only was a newer and quicker mode of transportation is was also viewed as entertainment for the masses. It’s here that folks started racing their cars on dirt tracks in the Midwest and South.
The dirt tracks that were built for racing were all a mile in length or less. Some racers built their own open-wheel cars that were used only for racing. In the South, locals raced the cars they owned that were bought right out of the dealers showrooms, these were the first stock cars.
Dirt track racing today is the most popular form of car racing in America. There are almost 1500 dirt tracks in operation today,and most offer weekly dirt track racing events. Dirt tracks started out being mostly flat, but due to increasing speeds these cars now race on banked tracks. Adding banking to the tracks has made the tracks safer and the racing more even.
Many of the top drivers today like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson got their start running on dirt tracks in youth events like Go Kart and Midget cars.
Today professional series’ like the World of Outlaws and the Lucas Oil Late Model Series compete on the dirt. Dirt track racing has become popular all over the world. Tracks have been built in Canada, Australia, and the U.K. and other nations in the Middle East are also taking to the great sport of dirt track racing.
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