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In the four years I have been racing Sportsman cars in Florida, 2015 is the closest I have seen to uniform rules for the division statewide. Unlike Super Late Models, Pro Late Models, Modifieds and Pro Trucks, Sportsman rules have been very different track-to-track. This year, with NSS leading the way by revamping their antiquated rules, they are almost all the same....almost. To save everyone time that is considering traveling around, I'll point out the MAJOR differences:
All tracks have the left side weight rule at 56% EXCEPT for Desoto (57%).
All tracks have a minimum of a 105 inch wheelbase EXCEPT New Smyrna, Orlando, Three Palms and Desoto (104 inch minimum).
All tracks allow a 1.5 inch carburetor spacer EXCEPT for Bronson (1") and Auburndale and Showtime (1" Crate, 1.5" Open Motor).
The only other oddball rules are a hefty 50 lb. weight penalty for a quick change rear at Bronson and the 64" track width rule and the ridiculously low $65 shock claimer rule at Showtime. (Desoto's $125 rule is more realistic for the class).
All in all the rules are pretty close and should be a more inviting proposition to get guys to travel around. Couple this with low fuel prices for tow vehicles AND crate motor pump gas AND the switch to the Hoosier R750 tire which doesn't drop off after 100 laps (or probably even more) and Sportsman racing is more affordable than it has been in a long, long time. (Although there seems to be no one willing to make a formal announcement, I'm officially declaring that the Hoosier R750 is the new mandated tire for Sportsman cars at EVERY track in the state. If anyone has evidence to the contrary, please offer the proof. If you have a good or new set of Hoosier 650/450's, you might want to race in the Sportsman 50 portion of NSS's World Series. It is likely the last race they will be allowed and also a good opportunity to get your sponsors in front of a good crowd at the track AND on free internet TV.)
All tracks have the left side weight rule at 56% EXCEPT for Desoto (57%).
All tracks have a minimum of a 105 inch wheelbase EXCEPT New Smyrna, Orlando, Three Palms and Desoto (104 inch minimum).
All tracks allow a 1.5 inch carburetor spacer EXCEPT for Bronson (1") and Auburndale and Showtime (1" Crate, 1.5" Open Motor).
The only other oddball rules are a hefty 50 lb. weight penalty for a quick change rear at Bronson and the 64" track width rule and the ridiculously low $65 shock claimer rule at Showtime. (Desoto's $125 rule is more realistic for the class).
All in all the rules are pretty close and should be a more inviting proposition to get guys to travel around. Couple this with low fuel prices for tow vehicles AND crate motor pump gas AND the switch to the Hoosier R750 tire which doesn't drop off after 100 laps (or probably even more) and Sportsman racing is more affordable than it has been in a long, long time. (Although there seems to be no one willing to make a formal announcement, I'm officially declaring that the Hoosier R750 is the new mandated tire for Sportsman cars at EVERY track in the state. If anyone has evidence to the contrary, please offer the proof. If you have a good or new set of Hoosier 650/450's, you might want to race in the Sportsman 50 portion of NSS's World Series. It is likely the last race they will be allowed and also a good opportunity to get your sponsors in front of a good crowd at the track AND on free internet TV.)
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