The Modified Sprint class offers race drivers an opportunity to race in a highly competitive, exciting and challenging open-wheel class whilst keeping the overall outlay to a minimum compared to other forms of speedway racing.
Comparible in size to a midgetcar, yet diversely different by having the additional advantage of both a top and front wing that makes them look more like a sprintcar, Modified Sprints are a spectacular class to watch as the cars and drivers are pushed to their limits with the aim of claiming the checkered flag.
With exceptional power and the assistance of the wings these purpose racecars are capable of putting in some of the fastest laps seen on dirt ovals in New Zealand.
So just what are these things?.......take a look at the information below to learn more about these exciting pocket-rockets....
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This
is where it all happens, under the hood is the heart of the modifiedsprint - the engine!
Most of the cars now on the scene are running water-cooled engines, with the Suzuki
GSXR1000 being the most common. Engines must remain stock standard (no
aftermarket race parts allowed) and the car must remain chain driven (no quick-change
differentials allowed) What more can be said - once these things get wound up you are
treated to some high-speed action as well as the unmistakable "Modifiedsprint
Scream!" Quick Facts: - Engine size maximum of 1200cc. Must be at least two complete speedway "seasons" from manufacture before being able to be raced. Sleeved back engines not permitted.
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Getting
the power from the engine to the track is the job of the tyres,
but these arent just your ordinary tyres. Modifiedsprints run on specialised dirt
track racing tyres, with names such as Hoosier and American
Racer. These 13inch wheels come in a range of compounds, each
suited to differing track conditions. Softer compounds are better suited to gluggy/wetter
tracks while harder compounds last better on slick/dry tracks. Most modifiedsprint drivers
seem to go for mid range and because the cars aren't overly hard on tyres these mid-range
tyres can easily last a season or two. Quick Facts: - Unlike standard road tyres - these race tyres operate best at low pressures generally ranging from 3-12 psi (pounds per square inch) An average road car runs on 32-26 psi.
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Glueing
these little beasts to the track (well most of the time) is the job of the aerofoils, or
as they are more commonly known wings. Serving more of a purpose
than just being a mobile billboard wings work like an aircraft wing in reverse these
aluminium structures create large amounts of downforce forcing the car to stick to the
track and allowing for higher corner entry speeds than other non-winged open wheel
classes. The smaller front wing assists with car control by allowing the driver to place
more downforce over the front end of the car. Wings are also reported to be like big
cushions if the car should leave the track, as they take the brunt of any impact and
usually end up at the scrapyard. Quick Facts: - The front wing optional, neither wing is allowed to be adjusted by the driver while racing.
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Without
it, like most combustion engines, modifiedsprints would simply sit still and not be very
exciting. With the newer engines now being the mainstay of the class standard Petrol
is the common type of fuel run, Methanol and Avgas
have been or are still in use. Fuel is stored surprisingly enough in fuel
tanks at the rear of the car, these are specially fabricated fuelcells that must adhere to
the guidelines set down by Speedway New Zealand. The usage of standard pump gas ensures
that the cars are economic to run, with an average meeting costing around $15. Quick Facts: - Standard (pump) Petrol is the most common fuel, Methanol and Avgas in a few situations are still being used. Fuel boosters or additives are not permitted.
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Holding
all these components together is the most integral part of the car - these single seater, chrome-moly
purpose built light-weight space frame chassis are strong and capable of taking a fair
knock, ensuring the driver is kept as safe as possible if an incident should happen. A
fair number of the cars currently running utilise a Henchcraft
chassis imported from America, various other chassis are available including Raceworks,
Harris, Breka amongst others. Push bars, bumpers, knerf-bars and wings are
generally bolted to the chassis, and panels are attached using an innovative attaching
device called a Dzus Clip. Axles are attached using a
combination of torsion arms, radius rods, shocks and a device called a birdcage - all this
light-weight componentry is topped of by covering the skeleton with a number of fibreglass
panels to complete the modifiedsprint chassis. Quick Facts: Electricians cable-ties are not permitted to attach panels. |
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In
the area called the cockpit sits the pilot (driver) as in any area of motorsport safety
is of major importance. These weekend warriors are protected for on-track battle in a
mumber of ways. First up is probably the most obvious is the Helmet,
like most race gear must adhere to strict guidelines set down by Speedway New Zealand.
Drivers are required to wear race-overalls, gloves and boots
made of Nomex this fabric is known for its fire retardent
properties - fire is the worst enemy of any race driver! A number of neck supports are now
available, ranging from simple collars through to the cutting
edge HANS device, these items are compulsory in speedway. Seat-belts,
are a 5-point harness, and in conjuction with arm-restraints
keep the driver securely in his seat, most drivers now utilise
the full-containment style which wraps snuggly around the
driver.. Quick Facts: Tear-offs - these plastic strips attach to the helmet visor and when muddy can be "torn off" by the driver during the race the allow for clear vision. |
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Put
all these features and specifications together and you have a Modifiedsprint, one of the
fastest speedway classes in New Zealand. Billed as an ideal place to "cut your
teeth" in the world of open-wheel racing modifiedsprints offer exceptionally fast and
competitive racing at a fraction of the cost of other classes. Many of todays top racing
drivers (pilots) in the Christchurch area have done time in the class before moving into
other areas of speedway. This exciting class is also self-starting which means that they
are a quick turn-around on race night, there is no need (unless of breakdown) for
push-starting! Quick Facts: - Overall weight, around 325-350kg. Wheelbase: 1520mm minimum - 2030mm maximum. Wheeltrack (measured from centre of tyres) 1070mm minimum - 1320mm maximum. NO mirrors permitted.
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This is just a quick over-view of the modifiedsprint class, for a more indepth run-down of specifications and general racing rules please visit www.speedway.co.nz and look up "regional classes" in the online Speedway New Zealand General Rules And Regulations rulebook.