The is a stock car racing series sanctioned by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). The series is considered one of the top developmental series in NASCAR, and has produced many drivers who have gone on to successful careers in the NASCAR Cup Series and other top NASCAR series.
The Late Model Series was founded in 1953 as the Convertible Division. The series was originally intended for drivers who raced convertibles, but the rules were later changed to allow coupes and sedans. The series was renamed the Late Model Sportsman Division in 1968, and the Late Model Division in 1982. In 1990, the series was renamed the .
The Late Model Series is a touring series, with races held at tracks across the United States. The series is divided into two divisions: the East Division and the West Division. The East Division races at tracks in the eastern United States, while the West Division races at tracks in the western United States.
The Late Model Series is a very competitive series, with many drivers vying for a chance to move up to the NASCAR Cup Series. The series has produced many successful drivers, including Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip, and Rusty Wallace.
Car Specifications
The cars used in the Late Model Series are based on production models, but they are heavily modified for racing. The cars are powered by V8 engines that produce around 600 horsepower. The cars are also equipped with roll cages, safety belts, and other safety features.
The following table shows the specifications for the cars used in the Late Model Series:
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Engine | V8 |
Horsepower | 600 |
Transmission | Manual |
Weight | 3,400 lbs |
Length | 190 in |
Width | 70 in |
Height | 54 in |
Race Format
The races in the Late Model Series are typically 100 laps long. The races are divided into stages, with the first stage being 25 laps long, the second stage being 25 laps long, and the final stage being 50 laps long. The drivers who finish in the top 10 in each stage earn points, with the driver who wins the stage earning the most points.
The driver who leads the most laps in the race earns the most points, and the driver who finishes first in the race earns the most points. The driver who accumulates the most points over the course of the season wins the championship.
Drivers
The Late Model Series has produced many successful drivers, including Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip, and Rusty Wallace. Some of the other notable drivers who have raced in the Late Model Series include:
- Kyle Busch
- Joey Logano
- Martin Truex Jr.
- Kevin Harvick
- Ryan Blaney
Tracks
The Late Model Series races at a variety of tracks across the United States. Some of the most notable tracks on the schedule include:
- Daytona International Speedway
- Talladega Superspeedway
- Bristol Motor Speedway
- Darlington Raceway
- Martinsville Speedway
Schedule
The Late Model Series typically races from March to October. The schedule for the 2023 season has not yet been released, but it is expected to be similar to the schedule for the 2022 season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the ?
A: The is a stock car racing series sanctioned by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). The series is considered one of the top developmental series in NASCAR.
Q: What are the car specifications for the Late Model Series?
A: The cars used in the Late Model Series are based on production models, but they are heavily modified for racing. The cars are powered by V8 engines that produce around 600 horsepower.
Q: What is the race format for the Late Model Series?
A: The races in the Late Model Series are typically 100 laps long. The races are divided into stages, with the first stage being 25 laps long, the second stage being 25 laps long, and the final stage being 50 laps long.
Q: Who are some of the notable drivers who have raced in the Late Model Series?
A: Some of the notable drivers who have raced in the Late Model Series include Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip, Rusty Wallace, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Kevin Harvick, and Ryan Blaney.
Q: Where can I find the schedule for the ?
A: The schedule for the is typically released in January or February. You can find the schedule on the NASCAR website.
References:
Regional NASCAR Late Model Divisions
Regional NASCAR Late Model divisions offer competitive stock car racing across various regions in the United States. These divisions typically feature drivers competing in modified Late Model stock cars, providing exciting events with close racing and local rivalries. Notable regional divisions include the:
- Southern Modified Tour: Covers the Southeast region and is known for its fast and aggressive drivers.
- CARS Late Model Stock Tour: Races in North and South Carolina, producing talented drivers who often advance to higher NASCAR levels.
- ARCA Midwest Tour: Features events in the Midwest and attracts drivers from Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
- CARS Tour: Hosts races primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region, providing a platform for drivers to showcase their skills in competitive races.
NASCAR Cup Series Teams
The NASCAR Cup Series features 36 teams that compete in a full-season schedule. Each team consists of a driver, a crew chief, and a pit crew. The teams are divided into two groups: chartered teams and open teams.
Chartered Teams
- 36 chartered teams are guaranteed a starting spot in every Cup Series race.
- These teams receive a portion of the TV revenue and the NASCAR playoff purse.
- Major car manufacturers (Ford, Toyota, Chevrolet) field their own chartered teams and support satellite teams.
Open Teams
- Open teams must compete for one of four available spots in each race.
- These teams have less funding and support than chartered teams.
- They often rely on sponsorship deals and performance bonuses to stay afloat.
Key Roles within a Team
- Driver: Operates the race car.
- Crew Chief: Leads the team strategy and communicates with the driver.
- Pit Crew: Responsible for changing tires, adding fuel, and making repairs during pit stops.
The NASCAR Cup Series teams represent some of the most skilled and competitive drivers and crews in racing. They compete on iconic tracks across the United States and Canada for the prestigious Cup championship.
CARS Tour East Series
The CARS Tour East Series is a stock car racing series sanctioned by the Championship Auto Racing Series (CARS) and is the primary feeder series for the CARS Tour. The series was founded in 2014 and is based in Mooresville, North Carolina.
The CARS Tour East Series hosts races primarily at short tracks throughout the Eastern United States. The series uses the Late Model Stock Car chassis and engine specifications. The series is split into three divisions: Pro Late Models, Late Model Stock Cars, and Super Late Models.
The CARS Tour East Series season typically runs from March to November. The series awards a championship to each division at the end of the season. The series has produced several notable drivers, including Harrison Burton, John Hunter Nemechek, and Josh Berry.
CARS Tour Pro Late Model Division
The CARS Tour Pro Late Model Division is a NASCAR-sanctioned late model stock car racing series based out of Concord, North Carolina. Founded in 2015 as the CARS Late Model Stock Tour, the series has become one of the premier late model racing divisions in the United States. It features a 20-race schedule on short tracks and road courses throughout the East Coast, with races held in states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, and Maryland. The Pro Late Model Division provides opportunities for aspiring drivers to develop their skills and compete for a championship in a challenging and competitive environment. Notable alumni of the series include Ty Gibbs, Harrison Burton, and Daniel Hemric.
NASCAR Xfinity Series
The NASCAR Xfinity Series is a stock car racing series sanctioned by NASCAR. It is the second-highest level of professional stock car racing in the United States, after the NASCAR Cup Series. The series is open to drivers ages 18 and older. The cars used in the Xfinity Series are similar to those used in the Cup Series, but they are not as powerful. The races in the Xfinity Series are typically shorter than those in the Cup Series, and they are held on smaller tracks. The Xfinity Series is a popular series among fans, and it has produced many of the stars of the Cup Series.
ARCA Menards Series East
The ARCA Menards Series East is a stock car racing series sanctioned by the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). It is one of two regional series, along with the ARCA Menards Series West, that serves as a development series for the ARCA Menards Series. The series primarily races on short tracks and road courses in the eastern United States, with a focus on tracks in the Southeast. Races are held on tracks ranging from 0.6 miles (0.97 km) to 2.5 miles (4.0 km) in length. The series uses Late Model stock cars, which are similar to the cars used in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.