Clint Bowyer Racing (CBR) team member Jared Landers makes the pass on the outside.
Generally, dirt track racers don't spend as much time working through every conceivable setting for the front end of their race cars compared to their asphalt-racing cousins. That doesn't mean that dirt racers aren't as advanced or don't care about handling as much-it just means that dirt track racing chassis have developed in a different manner.
Most successful Dirt Late Model racers currently turn to their spring and shock packages when it comes to tuning the setup at the racetrack. Many settings that are completely adjustable on an asphalt car are locked down by the chassis builder on a Dirt Late Model. That can actually be an advantage because while most racers prefer a dead smooth track with lots of grip that lets them go all-out, the truth of the matter is too often a dirt racetrack will develop holes and ruts that you can lose a small child in. To stand up that the abuse that comes from racing on such rough surfaces, the cars simply have to be built tougher.
Still, care must be taken to make sure the front end of your dirt race car is properly aligned and maintained so that the driver has a good feel for the track from the wheel, the car responds to driver inputs quickly and consistently and-most of all-maintains maximum traction with the track surface. We recently spent some time in the race shop of Clint Bowyer Racing, which fields two entries in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Drivers Jonathan Davenport and Jared Landers are doing well, and as this went to press were both in the top-10 in the championship point standings.
Professional dirt track racers have to walk a thin line between all-out aggression and survival. They can be out racing over 60 nights over the course of a season and unlike the big guys in NASCAR's Cup Series, they don't have a stable of spare cars sitting in the shop and an army of mechanics keeping everything prepared. Most professional dirt racing teams may have an extra car, or maybe two, and a couple crew members to keep all the equipment in racing condition.
Team mechanic Tommy Grecco says that members of the Clint Bowyer Racing team are willing to put in the hours and do whatever is necessary to win races, but because the schedule can be so hectic, a priority has to be put on working efficiently and putting your effort in places where you can get the best results. Sound familiar? Like the rest of us racing on a budget, the key to success is figuring out how to get the most bang for your buck.
25. Grecco also recommends keeping a sharp eye on all of your heim joints. CBR uses teflon coated ones that do not require any grease or other lubricant because they can trap dust and grit. As soon as they feel any looseness in the heim joint, it is removed for a new one. This helps keep the steering nice and tight for great responsiveness.
