News

New Year Rings In Updates to DIRTcar Sportsman Rulebook


WEEDSPORT, NY — Jan. 7, 2010 — From fuel to shocks to weight to RPMs, DIRTcar Northeast Region officials have updated the rulebook for 2010 to continue the goal of equal competition among the hundreds of racers in the division.



“We have closely looked at the outstanding competition in the Sportsman division and want to make sure that going forward we continue to keep the playing field as even as possible,” said DIRTcar Northeast Region of Series & Sanctioning Joe Skotnicki. “The additions to the rulebook not only will make it easier for teams to be competitive, but they should also make it easier for competitors to know that they’re using approved components on their cars, and components that should extend the life of them, as well.”



First, tests and inspections have revealed several challenges in the fuel usage; many competitors are blending race fuel with pump gas , pump gas can be unreliable as vendors use additives to achieve premium status, and development of specialized fuels for spec engines, creating an unknown for Sportsman competitors that could damage motors. Therefore, VP Race Fuels has developed the D-98 fuel required for the DIRTcar Northeast Region Sportsman division, and it can be purchased through track vendors or a VP dealer. GM, who builds the engines used in the division, has endorsed the use of consistent fuel.



Shock absorbers will now be labeled with a DIRTcar decal to show they are approved and requires manufacturers to sell only shocks that fit the approved design for the Sportsman division, and allows inspectors to easily inspect them. The rule will cap the price on shocks and give competitors a variety of approved choices.



Before the Sportsman division went to GM 602 engines, the cars weighed 2,500 pounds. To encourage their use, cars powered by a GM 602 motor were given a 100-pound weight break. Now, with all cars running the GM 602 motors there is no need for a weight break, making the new weight rule 2,450 pounds.



Finally, a new RPM limit chip will be required, holding cars to no more than 6,000 RPMs. With GM recommending a maximum of 5,700 RPMs, this chip will bring the engine closer to its intended specification and should then add to its longevity and durability. Motor builders have been forced to do increased number of engine rebuilds as the RPMs have increased on the GM 602 engine. The reduction of RPMs will lead to less heat and stress on the engine components, thereby adding to an engine’s life and reducing the cost to the competitor.





Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About 2010 DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Rule Adjustments



Fuel



1. Why the new fuel requirement?



Racers, builders and others have been developing a variety of performance enhancing items for GM 602 crate engine, including custom fuels. Testing during the 2009 season found three factors that were in place:



a. An overwhelming number of teams are blending fuels from several sources including mixing race fuel with pump gas. Tests showed octane levels as high as 109 as well including the addition of fuel additives and octane boosters

b. Several fuel suppliers have introduced a new generation of “crate fuel” designed to boost performance 25 hp with up to 114 octane. MSRP is 3 or 4 times D98

c. Pump gas testing shows an increasing mixture of alcohol, ethanol, and water making it a wild card on what a customer is getting. Pump gas vendors are also using additives to achieve the “premium”



2. What does that mean?



Teams are now using fuel to gain horsepower; it has become a way to circumvent the design of the GM engines. DIRTcar and VP Racing Fuels have developed a fuel that will bring consistent fuel, eliminate the “chemist” and solve the inconsistency of retail pump fuel.



3. What are the details?



D98 will be available from your track vendor or a VP dealer. Technical inspectors will use comparative and analytical testing on inspection. The fuel will retail at approximately $4.50 per gallon and it will be labeled D-98.



4. Where do I get the fuel?



Your local track fuel vendor or your VP dealer.



5. Will there be a burn off?



No, this will be the required fuel at events



6. Do I need to adjust jetting? Timing? What will it do?



Drivers who used the fuel at Syracuse did not feel any adjustments were necessary and many were pleased with the stability. GM has endorsed the use of a consistent fuel.





Shock Absorbers



1. What’s the deal with the shock rule?



The key points are:

a. Make the shock companies and suppliers responsible for selling the approved parts.

b. Create a ceiling price point for shocks.

c. Allow the manufacture to recommend and manage within the price range.

d. Give the participant selection between manufactures’ but within approved design, product type and price point.



2. I don’t get the purpose of the sticker?



The sticker does three things:

a. Primarily, makes the manufacture responsible that they are only selling the approved shocks to the division racing within the approved design and price point.

b. Let’s the participant know the shock style is approved and fits within the type and price point submitted for approval.

c. Allows tech inspectors a quick approval and associates the number to a manufacture.



3. Who set the approved types?



Nearly two years ago, all shock companies were asked to submit shocks that fit within the rule goals and price points. Most companies submitted types and models and they were approved and announced via bulletins starting June 2009.



4. I don’t get why we need a shock rule or a sticker?



The DIRTcar decal program lets the driver know the shock he is using or buying fits the rules. It makes the shock companies responsible.



5. Will my shock absorbers be technically inspected?



Each manufacturer has provided samples and provided detailed specified part boards for the ease of inspection. Since they are responsible for selling the correct part, it is important to them.



Weight



1. I don’t get it… why do we need a change?



a. Originally the cars weighed 2,500 lbs prior to the introduction of the crate engines. A weight break of 100lbs given to the crate motors to encourage use.

b. Since we only have one engine type, the need for the weight break is not necessary.

c. Lightweight high end components are not necessary in Sportsman.



2. So what is the rule?



The rule is now 2,450 lbs.





The RPM Limit Chip



1. I don’t get it… why do we need a change?



a. The GM recommended RPM is 5,700 and this change brings the engine closer to its intended specification.

b. One of the other concerns is that the rebuilding of the crate engine has increased rapidly since the program was introduced. The GM 602 engine program was intended to create longevity and durability in a racer’s program. The reduction in RPM will reduce some heat and stress on the components that were intended to operate at the specific and required RPM. The 6,000 RPM Chip rule is closer to the recommended RPM from GM, which is 5700.