What Is a Dirt Track Car Called?

A dirt track car is generally called a “dirt track race car” or simply a “dirt racer.” The most iconic example is the sprint car, but the term also covers classes like dirt late models, modifieds, midgets, and street stocks. The specific name usually depends on the car’s design, engine, and the sanctioning body’s rulebook.

Understanding the Term

Dirt track racing is contested on oval tracks made of clay or natural dirt, and cars are purpose-built for high grip on a constantly changing surface. Because multiple classes run on dirt—from open-wheel rockets to full-bodied machines—people often use the umbrella term “dirt track car,” then get more specific: sprint car, late model, modified, midget, and so on. These names align with major U.S. sanctioning bodies such as World of Outlaws (sprint and late model), USAC (non-wing sprints and midgets), Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, IMCA, USRA, and DIRTcar/UMP.

Common Names and Classes You’ll Hear

The following list outlines the most widely recognized types of dirt track race cars, each with distinct looks, power levels, and rule sets.

• Sprint Car: Open-wheel, ultralight, often with a large top wing (winged) or without one (non-wing). Among the fastest on dirt ovals; 410-cubic-inch engines can produce around 900 hp on methanol.
• Dirt Late Model: Full-bodied, wedge-shaped fenders and long nose. Big V8 power (often 800+ hp) with advanced suspension and aerodynamics.
• Modified (IMCA/USRA/UMP): Open-wheel front with partial bodywork over the rear, tubular chassis, and powerful small-block V8s.
• Midget: Short wheelbase, open-wheel, no fenders, high-revving 4-cylinder engines typically making 300–400 hp; popular in USAC competition.
• Street Stock/Hobby Stock: Heavier, more production-based bodies and chassis with safety and performance upgrades; a common entry-level class.
• Micro Sprint/Mini Sprint: Scaled-down sprint-style cars with motorcycle-based engines; popular on smaller tracks.

While all of these are “dirt track cars,” fans and teams typically identify them by class—for example, “a winged sprint car” or “a super late model”—to convey the car’s design and performance at a glance.

How They Differ

Chassis and Body

Sprint cars and midgets are open-wheel machines with exposed tires and compact, purpose-built tube-frame chassis. Modifieds blend open front wheels with a partial body over the rear. Late models are full-bodied, with wide, aerodynamic bodywork that helps generate sideforce and downforce. Street stocks retain more production-style silhouettes and heavier components.

Power and Drivetrain

Sprint cars (especially 410-class) are among the most powerful per pound, with methanol-fueled V8s around 900 hp and a direct-drive setup. Late models commonly run big-inch V8s making 800+ hp. Modifieds vary by ruleset but often sit in the 500–700 hp range. Midgets use high-strung, ~2.4-liter four-cylinders at roughly 300–400 hp. Many dirt cars use quick-change rear ends to rapidly tune gearing for track conditions.

Aerodynamics

Winged sprint cars carry large top wings and nose wings that generate significant downforce and stability, especially on slick surfaces. Non-wing sprints rely more on mechanical grip and driver car control. Late models leverage elaborate body shapes, splitters, and deck heights for aero balance, while modifieds run comparatively cleaner aero up front with bodywork concentrated over the rear.

Tires and Track Surface

Dirt tires are grooved/siped and matched to conditions; teams tune stagger (larger right-rear tire) to help the car rotate on ovals. Track crews continually manage moisture and compaction, so the surface can change from tacky to slick across a single night, demanding constant setup tweaks.

How to Use the Right Name

When you’re trying to identify or talk about a dirt track car, these quick pointers help you choose the most accurate term.

1. If you’re unsure, “dirt track race car” or “dirt racer” is safe and correct.
2. Open wheels with a big top wing and nose wing: call it a winged sprint car.
3. Open wheels, no wing, short wheelbase: likely a midget (or a non-wing sprint if it’s larger).
4. Full-bodied with a wedge-shaped nose and wide fenders: that’s a dirt late model.
5. Open front wheels with bodywork mainly over the rear: that’s a modified (e.g., IMCA/USRA/UMP).

Using the class name communicates essential details about performance, rules, and the type of racing you’re discussing, beyond the general “dirt track car” label.

Summary

The generic name is “dirt track race car,” but enthusiasts nearly always specify the class—most famously the sprint car, along with dirt late models, modifieds, midgets, and street stocks. These categories differ in chassis, power, aero, and tires, but they share one purpose: maximizing speed and control on loose-surface ovals.

Why are they called sprint cars?

By the mid-50’s the big cars became known as sprint cars due to their format of having short heat races (sprints) as compared to the champ cars that just ran time trials and a long feature race. Anyway, I wasn’t around then but that’s what I’ve read and heard over the years.

What are dirt track cars called?

There are a myriad of types of race cars used, from open wheel Sprint cars and Modifieds to stock cars. While open wheel race cars are purpose-built racing vehicles, stock cars (also known as fendered cars) can be either purpose-built race cars or street vehicles that have been modified to varying degrees.

What is dirt road racing called?

Off Road Racing – American Motorcyclist Association.

What are the different types of car tracks?

Asphalt/tarmac (motorsports, athletics, cycling) Carpet (electric radio controlled racing) Concrete (motorsports) Dirt (horses, greyhounds, automobiles, motorbikes (track racing), stock cars, radio controlled off-road racing, cycling)