Sprint cars and midgets

Sprint cars and midgets are my favorite form of motorsport. They are tubular-frame race cars which race exclusively on oval tracks - either on pavement or dirt. They often produce insane action as drivers race wheel-to-wheel without fenders. Sprint cars are raced under various rules packages. They use methanol-drinking eight cylinder engines, usually either 410 cubic inch, 360 ci, or 305 ci. They may also use large wings, which help increase the cornering speeds. Sprint cars have a power-to-weight ratio similar to a Formula One car. 410 ci engines produce 800-900 horsepower and minimum weight rules are typically about 1400 pounds. Midgets look like small sprint cars, though they rarely use wings. They have four-cylinder engines and weigh about 1000 pounds. In Australia, they are known as "Speedcars". These cars do not have transmissions or starters. They have a direct drive gear and need to be push-started. The cars are outfitted with a larger right rear tire, which helps the cars move through the corners. Over the years, many IndyCar and NASCAR drivers have graduated through ranks of sprint car and midget racing before getting their big break. NASCAR stars Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne remain heavily involved with the sport.