Racing Divisions
Nine car and two bike divisions race at the Bendigo Bank Arena Latrobe.
Sprintcars
Sprintcars are high-powered race cars designed primarily for the purpose of running on short dirt tracks. Sprintcars have a high power-to-weight ratio making sprint car racing super exciting!
This speed often also makes it very dangerous. The safety record of sprint car racing in recent years has been greatly improved by the use of roll cages and arm and head restraints to help protect the drivers.
Sprintcars have wings with sideboards mounted on top of the cars to give them sufficient down force so as not to become airborne and the opposite direction of the sideboards help to turn the car in the corners. Sprintcars are also fitted with a large rear right hand wheel to keep these radical speed beasts on the racetrack.
Latrobe Speedway Track Record, Sprintcars 10.87 seconds - Brian Brown (USA)
Super Sedans
Super Sedans are a fully constructed steel chassis with a fibre glass or sheet metal body that must resemble a production car. Super Sedan engines can be up to a 366 Cubic Inch capacity. The V8's can only be naturally aspirated which means No turbo, supercharging or fuel injection allowed on V8's, but are on 6 and 4 cylinders.
Super Sedan gearboxes, differentials and tyres are quick change types so ratios can be optimized for each race track and the weather condition. Super Sedan tyres are large and soft to aid traction and there are different compounds for different conditions. Settings for traction and handling can be made by changing the springs. Super Sedans must meet a minimum weight limit and horsepower is usually in the area of 450 - 550 horsepower.
Latrobe Speedway Track Record, Super Sedans 14.03 seconds - Jarrod Harper
Formula 500's
The Formula 500 race car is a purpose built chassis and is powered by a 500cc two stroke engine or 600 cc four stroke engine. Basically they are a small sprint car and have a lot of characteristics in common except on a smaller scale. Many of today's leading sprintcar drivers started out in Formula 500.
Latrobe Speedway Track Record, Formula 500's 13.02 seconds - Adrian Redpath
TAS Sedans
Tas Sedans are a controlled division built very similar to Super Sedans but restricted to 6 cylinders and single barrel carbies and road radial tyres. Many older Super Sedans are reborn into Tas Sedans.
Latrobe Speedway Track Record, TAS Sedans 16.25 seconds - Neville Smith
Minisprints
"The name says it all!" With engines in the front, tyres and suspension similar to Sprintcars and large wings over the roll cage, (to aid in cornering) the cars are every bit a purebred racer.
Minisprints engine capacities are set to strict rules. The options are; Motorcycle Engines limited to 1200cc, Car Engines limited to 1400cc twin cam, 1500cc single cam or 10A rotaries. Turbo and superchargers are not allowed. Minisprint wheel and tyre sizes can be varied to aid cars gearing and cornering set-up. Minisprints must be able to start and take off on their own, thus eliminating the need for a push vehicle.
Latrobe Speedway Track Record, Minisprints 12.58 seconds - Shannon Wynn-Allan
Street Stocks
Street Stocks are based on road going cars with very limited and controlled modifications. Street Stocks must have fitted roll cages for safety but no other bar work is allowed. Fibre glass or sheet metal is allowed to replace original bolt-on body panels but they must resemble the original parts.
Street Stocks suspension changes are limited to shock absorbers and springs but they must remain as per factory placements. Street Stocks engines, gearboxes and diffs are controlled and engines must be checked for legality before allowed to race.
Street Stocks race in both directions around the track so as to discourage the purposeful setting up of suspensions from standard. Street Stocks started in Tasmania and are now raced in all states of Australia.
Latrobe Speedway Track Record, Street Stocks 16.78 seconds - Todd Auton
Speed Karts
Pic by: Damon Kingshott
A Speed Kart is basically a go kart that races on dirt. It has a 100cc engine and use grooved race tyres. This class is a entry class that is used by younger competitors to gain experience and move up to other speedway divisions.
Latrobe Speedway Track Record, Speedkarts:
- Clubman 14.44 seconds - Dion Wyllie
- Outlaw 14.18 seconds - Geoff Piekar (NSW)
Modified Sedans
Modified Sedans are similar to street stocks but they are allowed to modify the vehicles chassis and allowed bodywork from the pipe bumpers to the roll cage. Modified Sedans engines must be the same type fitted by the factory but they can be highly modified and springs and shockies are allowed vast improvements. Diffs and gearboxes can be changed but must be from the same manufacturer. Tyre selection is also limited.
Latrobe Speedway Track Record, Modified Productions16.57 seconds - Jason McPherson
AMCA Nationals
AMCA Nationals have a purpose built chassis and use a 253 Holden V8 engine. Most of the suspension is Holden based and they run a control tyre rule. Body shapes are basically the same.
Latrobe Speedway Track Record, AMCA Nationals 15.71 seconds - John Smith
Sidechairs
Sidechairs are a three wheeled rig built on a specific chassis. A sidechair has a rider and a passenger whose job is to keep the bike stable as it goes around the corners. They do not have breaks and are powered by a 1000cc engine.
Latrobe Speedway Track Record, Sidechairs 14.69 seconds - Bernard Sheals / Jamie Rainbow
Solos
Solos are a two wheeled motor bike powered by a 500cc engine. They are not equipped with brakes and in an emergency they are laid down on the ground to stop them. The rider uses his left leg to help stabilise the bike as it races the track.
Latrobe Speedway Track Record, Solos 14.03 seconds - Ashley Jones