I brought this up a while back but now have more information.
The crate engine sprint program is expanding. It started in Ohsweken Speedway in Canada with the 602 crate engine. In their first year they are getting close to 20 cars and everyone is happy with the program and are very competitive.
They are also running with the 305s at Mercer in PA.
Wilmot Speedway in Wisconsin just announce they are adding a crate engine division next year and are leaning towards the 604 engine.
The main difference is that the 602 engines at a $3,200 cost and a no rebuild policy versus $5,700 for the 604 engine that allows rebuilds at approved rebuilders.
Both run carbs on alcohol.
So far the 602 tracks are running with wings and Wilmot will be non-wing but the cars can run either way.
Racesaver 305 engines are advertised from $10,000 to $17,000.
Larry Kemp

The only way I see this working in Indiana would be a wing class.
The market is full right now with non wing cars. There's about 7 places to run them every weekend.
No place will have 2 non wing classes on the same night.
They look to much alike for the fans.

See, 10-17k for a 305? Like I said.. The builders have picked up on the growth: as the demand increases, so do the prices.. Wanna run a sprint car? Take a gander at the classifieds page for good 410 engines, then consider that cost vs a 305.

In regards to the crate stuff, it levels the pockets and playing feild with horsepower. We've got crate stockcars and late models down here in the south. Lots of cars, great racing, and affordable. Eliminates deep pockets for winning races, and allows the technical chassis guys to get creative. Then you go back to winning races on the scales instead of by how much you spend on a ultralight crankshaft.
If I were to crunch the numbers between a crate sprint and crate sportsman monte carlo, I'd be willing to bet the costs may come out pretty close.

-Justin

People need to stop using prices seen in classifieds as a basis for the cost of a class. There are always guys that will overspend, rules or not. There are guys with 305's that cost more than some 360's just like there are guys with 360's that cost more than some 410's. But more and more people take that as the status quo for the class. This type of mentality does not help to get new people in the sport.

I cannot tell you how many times I have seen people come to talk with drivers/crew about what it costs to go racing and their reply starts with a "if you have to ask you can't afford it" or similiar type replies. This does nothing to help get people involved.

That is my thoughts as well.
This would allow some of the smaller tracks that cannot afford the more expensive sprints to expose their fans to sprint car racing as well as younger drivers coming from other divisions to get the experience.
One of our stated reasons for the 602 crate and the no rebuild policy (repairs would be allowed at certified repair centers) is that they are low maintaince and teching is simple and GM will be introducing a more foolproof sealing system with teeth in offenses regarding their seals.

As mentioned above, rules don't limit spending, racers spend what they can afford. I have owned/raced mini sprints and 305's, the 305's were less expensive, I had less than $6k in the first one, complete (all used equip), bought & sold several cars ranging from
$5,500 t0 $10.5k all cars that people raced and had fun with, some of these cars competed with 410's & 360's and finished in front of several on dry slick tracks.

How much you choose to spend on your fun is up to the individual, I enjoyed this class as I like all types of sprint racing.

Bill May

Bill May

AMEN!!!

Whatever floats your boat.

Rules that were designed to save racers money usually have the opposite effect. Remember K.I.S.S. and you will never go wrong> Especially in Sportsmen type racing.

Some people race with MONEY>

Some people race with SMARTS>

Some people race for the FUN OF IT>

Honest Dad himself

God

I feel old.

I remember watching sprint car races when the 302 Chevy (That would be a 283 CID bored out to 4 inches) was the hot set up. I can remember watching Roy Robbins and thinking to my self how the hell does he hold on to that thing.

His cars would make the "Sh1t Box" look like an "Agajanian special" and I can guarantee very few of the top drivers today could even make one complete lap behind the wheel of one of them things at racing speeds.

Honest Dad himself

If you want to see great 305 racing this weekend head to 34 raceway in Burlington Ia. They are having the 305 Nationals along with a MOWA show. 305's paying 2000 to win. 34 averages around 20 to 24 cars weekly some of that fastest 305's around. Good Racing! They have a good rule pkg. and they will tech.

Can someone enlighten me on what is used to build a 305? Is there a preferred block? What internals are used? Alum heads? Carbed of FI? Wet sump oil or dry? Etc just wondering what is used in a mid-pack type of 305? Thx