Joe,

The USAC Rule Book does not provide for a minimum or maximum size for the fuel cell in a Sprint Car. We run a 38 gallon fuel cell on the pavement cars so that we can carry the fuel load required to complete a race lower and thus lower the Center of Gravity (CG) of the car. We choose to run a smaller tank on dirt for two reasons: 1) to raise the CG to obtain additional side bite on slick dirt tracks and 2) to lower the overall weight of the car.

Our dirt car is about 25 pounds over the minimum weight when it is empty of fuel. The difference in weight between the two tanks is substantial. 99.9% of the time 27 or 28 gallon tank is more than sufficient to run a feature. The fans at Terre Haute got to see the .1% time when it is not.

As far as aesthetics, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I remember when cages were required in the late 60s - early 70s and the tremendous outcry from many on how they ruined the look of a sprintcar. The same was said when the downtubes became popular. I guess it is whatever you get used to.

Rob Hoffman