Late model

A late model car is a term used to describe an automobile which has been recently designed or manufactured, often the latest model. (An early model car, classic car, or antique car is one old enough to be of historical interest; there is no usual intermediate term.)

The precise definition of "late model" varies.

Racing


Late model race cars are typically the highest class of local stock car racing vehicles at many race tracks in the United States and Canada and are typically the last rung on the ladder before a driver moves up to the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, or in some cases even the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Some regional and lower national-level series race in late models. Varieties of late models (ranked from the highest vehicle performance to lowest) include super late models, late model stock cars, pro late models, and limited late models. Mostly all late models require crate motors to be utilized by racecars under their sanction, which often utilize GM 602, 603, and 604 engines or Harrington Enforcers. Vehicles raced on dirt tracks are significantly different from vehicles raced on asphalt.

Super late models are the premier divisions of asphalt short track racing in the United States and Canada. They typically feature engines with upwards of 600 hp, American naturally aspirated V8s, under the hood of a custom-built straight rail (assymetrical) chassis weighing around 2,750 lbs. Most bodies are coupes constructed from fiberglass and conform to the 2002 approved body configuration agreement. This standard, along with the widespread use of this style of racecar, allows teams to not only compete at local tracks but also to travel throughout the country, participating in major events nationwide. Notable big-money super late model races include the Magnolia 100 Raceway in Mississippi, Summer Showdown at the Magnolia State 100, the Oxford 250 in Oxford, the All American 400 in Nashville, and the Snowball Derby in Pensacola.

Late model stock cars are a product of the Carolinas and are the premier class raced at local and regional tracks in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. They feature production-based V8 racing engines that produce over 500 hp. They use perimeter rail (symmetrical) chassis and weigh around 3,100 lb, with a fiberglass body built to withstand the rigors of short track racing without the weight of stock body panels. Some of the larger late model stock car events include the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway, the Charlie Powell Memorial 400 at Florence Motor Speedway, and the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown, a celebrity charity race held at local short tracks in Virginia, most recently held at Langley Speedway (Virginia). Limited late models are similar to late model stock cars but use crate engines producing around 400 hp.

Asphalt late model racing is a common stepping stone for drivers who race in regional and national touring series, including NASCAR. Racers of both dirt and asphalt late models have won the national championship of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

Almost every NASCAR Cup Series driver raced in the class while progressing their career, and many crew chiefs have also developed through this level. Many often run in late model classes during off-weeks or special races, while some drivers who did not advance through this level (such as Juan Pablo Montoya) have since raced a late model. For example, in 2007, Montoya raced the Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway, a charity event with NASCAR Cup and other notable drivers.

Late model-type cars are also prevalent as a form of cost-cutting in road racing. As many of these oval-track cars can be adjusted to become road race cars with weight balance changes, the SCCA has listed them in the GT America category, and with the affordability of a late model stock car in the category ($30,000 cars with specification engines, and frequently purchased used NASCAR wheels), these cars are prevalent in club racing. Similar rules are used in SCCA Trans-Am TA2 class racing, where the same chassis builders for super late models provide chassis for TA2.

Dirt track late model racing also takes place in Australia. The Australian Late Model Championship has been a feature on the Australian speedway calendar since 2002.

Late model cars can also be seen in simulators such as iRacing.

Asphalt

 * American Canadian Tour
 * ASA Midwest Tour
 * American Speed Association
 * CRA Super Series
 * CARS Tour
 * Northwest Super Late Model Series
 * Pro All Stars Series
 * Southern Super Series
 * SRL Southwest Tour Series

Dirt

 * Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
 * World of Outlaws Late Model Series
 * XR Super Series

Asphalt

 * CASCAR Super Series
 * APC United Late Model Series
 * Maritime Pro Stock Tour
 * Ontario Sportsman Series
 * Quebec Sportsman Series
 * Super Late Model Series (Atlantic Canada)