Dirt Late Model Thunder Downunder
Author : Oz Motorsport Promotions
Like a violent storm, building momentum as it reeks havoc on the countryside, Dirt Late Model Racing is poised to thunder across the Australian Speedway landscape in 2008 and beyond.
From humble beginnings more than 10 years ago the Dirt Late Model division has rode out the highs and lows of the Australian Speedway scene to emerge as one of the shining lights of the sports future.
Born in the USA, the left hand drive V8’s have grown to the extent that a field of almost 40 cars is set to contest the 7th Annual Australian Dirt Late Model Nationals at the Perth Motorplex in late January 2008.
With wheel hiking, 400+ cubic inch, dirt clawing action, Dirt Late Model Racing is a mix of extreme noise and vibrant colours. A combination that sets a true speedway fans heart thumping!
Such is the growing popularity of the division that in the years ahead it would not surprise if Dirt Late Model Racing threatened, or even surpassed, the dominant position enjoyed by Sprintcar Racing.
Part of the appeal of Dirt Late Model Racing is the wide cross section of drivers, crews, and race fans. From individuals in high profile positions, to those people just out to have a bit of fun, there is room in Dirt Late Model Racing for everyone.
A major strong point of the division is the large number of families that are involved, plus the fact that many of the competitors enter Dirt Late Model Racing after competing in a variety of other speedway classes.
On the west coast fans marvel at the skills of Dirt Late Model Racers such as Brad Blake, Craig Vosbergen, Ben Ludlow, Ryan Halliday, Phil Richards, and Jason Oldfield, while on the east coast racers such as Scott McPherson, Darryl Grimson, Ken Croft, Nathan Disney and Barry Kelleher have shown that they are capable of running hard at the front of the field.
Behind the scenes the work by members of Late Models Australia, Late Model Racing Australia, and the East Coast Late Model Affiliates, is to be applauded. The future path of Dirt Late Model Racing in this nation has been forged by individuals with a vision. The proof of that vision has been the rapid growth in car numbers over the past few seasons.
With increased car counts has come interest and support from the commercial sector, keen to align itself with a division that presents itself in a professional manner.
In a sport where dollars can have a huge impact on success or failure on the track, the support of large and small corporations is a key ingredient to ensuring that Dirt Late Model Racing has a positive and prosperous future.
Adding to the attraction of Dirt Late Model Racing is that full turn-key cars can be sourced from the USA at very reasonable rates. This allows a potential competitor to go racing, and be competitive, without outlaying a vast sum of money. A number of local business houses have also been established in recent years with a view to supplying parts for Dirt Late Models and importing cars from the USA.
Numerous US Dirt Late Model Racers have toured Australia, and many continue to monitor local racing, with an eye to competing ‘downunder’ in events such as the Australian Dirt Late Model Nationals at the Perth Motorplex.
The speedway tracks of Australia have played a major part in ensuring the growth of Dirt Late Model Racing on our shores. The Perth Motorplex in Western Australia, and Tyrepower Parramatta City Raceway in New South Wales, plus a host of regional tracks, have recognised the potential of the division, and the fact that fans love the ‘stand on the gas’ action turned on by Dirt Late Model Racing.
With upwards of 70 Dirt Late Models in Australia the future of the division is extremely healthy….so….next time you’re at the speedway….and you hear a deep thunderstorm like rumble….don’t cast your eyes skyward….just stand in awe as the ground pounding V8 Dirt Late Model racers go to work for your entertainment.
For more information on Dirt Late Model Racing visit : www.latemodelracingaustralia.com and www.eastcoastlatemodels.com.au
Image courtesy of Jim Hersey of www.motofoto.com.au
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