If you've ever stood at the fence of a dirt track and felt the ground shake as a sprint car screamed past, you already know — there's nothing else like it in motorsports. Sprint car racing is raw, loud, and absolutely addictive. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the sport, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is Sprint Car Racing?
Sprint cars are purpose-built open-wheel race cars designed for short oval tracks — typically dirt. They're defined by their massive rear wings (on winged sprint cars), high-horsepower engines (often 900+ hp), and the ability to reach speeds over 140 mph on tracks up to a half-mile in length. The combination of power, light weight, and loose dirt surfaces makes for some of the most spectacular racing on the planet.
Winged vs. Non-Winged
The two main classes you'll encounter are:
- Winged Sprint Cars — feature a large 25 square foot top wing and side boards that generate downforce and allow higher cornering speeds. The World of Outlaws and High Limit Series are the two national touring series is the country.
- Non-Winged Sprint Cars — stripped of wings, these cars rely entirely on driver skill to navigate the corners. USAC (United States Auto Club) sanctions the top non-winged series.
The Premier Tracks and Series
Sprint car racing happens coast to coast, but a handful of tracks have legendary status: Knoxville Raceway in Iowa (home of the Knoxville Nationals), Eldora Speedway in Ohio, Williams Grove Speedway in Pennsylvania, and Dirt Track at Charlotte, among others. The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and High Limit Series travel all over the country, making it one of the most grueling schedules in motorsports.
How to Follow the 2027 Season
The best way to stay on top of every race, every track, and every month of the season is with the 2027 Sprint Racing Calendar — 12 months of cinematic sprint car photography from premier tracks across the US, all for just $25. It's the perfect way to count down to race day, every day.
And if you want to rep the sport year-round, check out our Sprint Racing Calendar apparel — from raglan shirts to classic tees, built for fans who live and breathe dirt track racing.
Why Sprint Car Racing Is Worth Your Attention
The drivers are fearless, the cars are violent in the best possible way, and the tracks are intimate enough that you can see the whites of a driver's eyes through their helmet. If you haven't been to a sprint car race yet, make 2027 the year you go. Grab the calendar, pick a track, and go.