Late model
Encyclopedia
A "late model car" is a car which has been recently designed or manufactured, often the latest model. (An "early model car" or "classic car
" is a car old enough to be of historical interest; there is no usual intermediate term.) The term is broadly used in car racing, and often appears in common use, as in "The officer was driving an unmarked, late model sedan."
There is no precise definition. According to the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles
, a late-model vehicle is defined as:
Late model racecars are the highest class of local stock car racing
vehicles at many race tracks in the United States and North America
. Some regional and lower national-level series race in late models. Varieties of late models (ranked from highest vehicle performance to lowest) include Super Late Models, Late Models, and Limited Late Models. Some series require crate motors to be utilized by racecars under their sanction. Vehicles raced on dirt
are significantly different from vehicles raced on asphalt
. Asphalt late model racing is an extremely common stepping stone for drivers who race in regional and national touring series including NASCAR
. Racers of both dirt and asphalt Late Models have won the national championship of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series
. Almost every NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series driver raced in the class while progressing their career, and many crew chiefs have also developed through this level. Many often run in Late Model classes during off-weeks or special races, while some drivers who did not advance through this level (such as Juan Pablo Montoya
) have since raced a Late Model. (Montoya in 2007 raced the Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway
, a charity event with NASCAR Sprint Cup and other notable drivers.)
Classic car
A classic car is an older car; the exact meaning is variable. The Classic Car Club of America maintains that a car must be between 20 and 40 years old to be a classic, while cars over 45 years fall into the Antique Class.- Classic Car Club of America :...
" is a car old enough to be of historical interest; there is no usual intermediate term.) The term is broadly used in car racing, and often appears in common use, as in "The officer was driving an unmarked, late model sedan."
There is no precise definition. According to the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
In the United States of America, a Department of Motor Vehicles is a state-level government agency that administers vehicle registration and driver licensing. Similar departments exist in Canada...
, a late-model vehicle is defined as:
- A vehicle 8,000 pounds or less manufactured in one of the last six model years, or
- A vehicle 8,001 pounds or more manufactured in one of the last 16 model years.
Racing
Stock car racing
Stock car racing is a form of automobile racing found mainly in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Great Britain, Brazil and Argentina. Traditionally, races are run on oval tracks measuring approximately in length...
vehicles at many race tracks in the United States and North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
. Some regional and lower national-level series race in late models. Varieties of late models (ranked from highest vehicle performance to lowest) include Super Late Models, Late Models, and Limited Late Models. Some series require crate motors to be utilized by racecars under their sanction. Vehicles raced on dirt
Dirt track racing
Dirt track racing is a type of auto racing performed on oval tracks. It began in the United States before World War I and became widespread during the 1920s and 30s. Two different types of racecars predominated—open wheel racers in the Northeast and West and stock cars in the South...
are significantly different from vehicles raced on asphalt
Asphalt
Asphalt or , also known as bitumen, is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid that is present in most crude petroleums and in some natural deposits, it is a substance classed as a pitch...
. Asphalt late model racing is an extremely common stepping stone for drivers who race in regional and national touring series including NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
. Racers of both dirt and asphalt Late Models have won the national championship of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series
Whelen All-American Series
The Whelen All-American Series is a points championship for NASCAR sanctioned local racetracks around the United States and Canada....
. Almost every NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
Sprint Cup Series driver raced in the class while progressing their career, and many crew chiefs have also developed through this level. Many often run in Late Model classes during off-weeks or special races, while some drivers who did not advance through this level (such as Juan Pablo Montoya
Juan Pablo Montoya
Juan Pablo Montoya Roldán is a Colombian race car driver known internationally for participating and winning in Formula One and CART race competitions. He has enjoyed great success. Currently, he competes in NASCAR, driving the #42 Target Chevrolet Impala for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing in the Sprint...
) have since raced a Late Model. (Montoya in 2007 raced the Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway
Eldora Speedway
Eldora Speedway, also known as The Big E and Auto Racing's Showcase since 1954, is located near Rossburg, Ohio. Eldora is a half-mile clay oval with an estimated seating capacity of nearly 20,000...
, a charity event with NASCAR Sprint Cup and other notable drivers.)
Asphalt
- American Speed AssociationAmerican Speed AssociationThe American Speed Association is a sanctioning body of motorsports in the United States formed in 1968. The Association was based in Pendleton, Indiana and currently is headquarters in Daytona Beach, Florida. ASA was most famous for a national touring series which began in 1973 but was...
- CRA Super SeriesCRA Super SeriesThe CRA Super Series is a Super Late Model stock car racing series owned and operated by the Champion Racing Association. It is a touring series based in the Midwest United States. It was formerly known as the Kendall Late Model Series and the Sunoco Super Series. The series utilizes late model...
- USARacing ProCup Series
- ASA Late Model SeriesASA Late Model SeriesASA Late Model Series is a nationally touring American stock car racing series. Founded by Ron Varney in 2003 as the "USPRO Cup Series" , it was renamed "ASA Late Model Series in when it was purchased by the American Speed Association in 2004...
- ACT Late Model Tour
- UARA
- PASS
See also
- National Dirt Late Model Hall of FameNational Dirt Late Model Hall of FameThe National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame is a non-profit hall of fame for American drivers of Dirt Late Model racecars. It is located on the grounds of Florence Speedway, in Walton, Kentucky.-History:...
, a United States hall of fame for dirt track late model racers