Figure 8 racing
Figure 8 racing is a form of racing that combines elements of oval racing, demolition derby, and road racing.
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[edit] Track
Racing is done on a track shaped like an 8. The cars cross paths at the center of the 8, which is known as the "crossover". Because of this layout, crashes are inevitable. Figure 8 racing is a unique sport that requires strict attention to detail and timing to successfully navigate the crossover.
[edit] History
Figure 8 track racing began right after World War II in the late 1940s. The track may have had an overpass so that the cars did not cross each other's paths. Most historians believe that the first track where drivers crossed each other's paths was the 1/5 mile long Indianapolis Speedrome.[1][2] The sport received nationwide publicity when it was frequently televised on ABC's Wide World of Sports in the 1960s, usually from the Islip Speedway in Islip, New York.[3][4]
[edit] Vehicle
The cars used are often standard cars, but are usually modified for lightness and safety. A wing much like a sprint car may be placed on the roof to increase downforce. The cars' bodies are typically made out of sheet metal.
[edit] World championship
The oldest operating figure 8 track in the United States is Indianapolis Speedrome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The track has been in operation since the 1940s. It hosts the annual World Figure 8 race, which is considered the world championship event.[5] The first 3 hour long endurance race was held in 1977.[1]
[edit] United States championship
The national championship in the United States is held at Riverhead Raceway in Riverhead, New York.[6][7]
[edit] Notable Figure 8 tracks
- Columbus Motor Speedway
- Colorado National Speedway
- Evergreen Speedway
- Flat Rock Speedway see Figure 8 School bus racing
- Indianapolis Speedrome
- Irwindale Speedway
- Little Valley Speedway
- Manzanita Speedway
- Riverhead Raceway
- Rockford Speedway
- Seekonk Speedway
- Slinger Super Speedway
- Toledo Speedway
- Wisconsin International Raceway
- Anderson Speedway
[edit] Media
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[edit] References
- ^ a b 3-Hour Figure World Championship 2004, John Stark, The Cheers magazine, 2004, Retrieved January 30, 2007
- ^ http://www.speedrome.com/3hour/history/3hourenduro-1977.html History of Figure 8 racing
- ^ http://www.figure8news.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=655 Figure 8 News
- ^ http://thegarageblog.com/garage/demos-dawn/ The Garage Blog
- ^ World Figure 8 Stats - Speedrome -Home of the World Figure 8 Championship
- ^ Suffolk Life Newspapers - A Night At The Track
- ^ http://www.gitrcheap.com/figure8usachampions.html Figure 8 USA
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Figure 8 racing |
- National Organization of Figure Eight Automobile Racing web site, accessed August 2006
- NEFigure8n.com, Nebraska Figure 8 Racing Association, accessed September 2011
