A winged sprint racing car is a high-powered, open-wheel race car designed for short-track dirt and asphalt racing, commonly seen in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. These cars are characterized by large aerodynamic wings mounted on top and sometimes on the nose, which generate downforce to improve traction and cornering speed.
Key Features of Winged Sprint Cars:
- Large Wings – The top wing and nose wing create significant downforce, allowing the car to grip the track better, especially in high-speed turns.
- Lightweight & Powerful – Typically weigh around 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and are powered by high-horsepower V8 engines, often producing over 900 horsepower.
- Rear-Wheel Drive – Power is sent to the rear wheels, making them highly responsive but also challenging to drive.
- Short Wheelbase – Makes them agile but also tricky to control, requiring exceptional driver skill.
- Methanol Fuel – Many sprint cars run on methanol, which burns cooler and allows higher compression ratios for more power.
Popular Series for Winged Sprint Cars:
- World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series (USA)
- All Star Circuit of Champions (USA)
- American Sprint Car Series (ASCS)
- Australian Sprintcar Championship
- Knoxville Nationals – One of the biggest sprint car races in the world.