DIRTcar Racing will implement several new rules for the DIRTcar UMP Modified division set to take effect in January for the beginning of the 2026 season.
The updates apply to various aspects of the body, chassis, and wheels in an effort to help support the longevity and health of the division.
“In addition to economics and other factors affecting the division and hurting car counts, the cars are getting to a degree that some racers can’t keep up with and then give up on competing,” said DIRTcar Racing Director Sam Driggers. “The rules updates are in an effort to somewhat dial back the cars, so everyone feels like they have a chance.”
See updated rules below:
Section 7 – Chassis and Frames
A. Chassis
i. The minimum frame and body height from the ground is 4” (inches). This includes the doors and quarter panels.
k. A minimum of 1 1/4” (inches) diameter tubing and/or pipe is required for towing of the vehicle.
Section 8 – Body
A. General Body
c. The sides of the engine compartment must remain open. Any side panels in the engine compartment and/or radiator area will not be permitted on the left side of the car. A maximum of one (1) stone deflector, mounted only on the right side of the car, for rear-mounted oil pumps, oil filters, and for the main oil tank will be permitted. The deflector may be made of steel, aluminum, or heavy-gauge wire. The cover may only be mounted near the unit and is designed to protect with a maximum size of eighteen (18”x18”) inches square and mounted ONLY parallel from the upper right frame rail to the lower right frame rail.
e. Hood must be able to be removed without the use of tools. Hood pins are preferred. Hoods will not be able to be fastened into place using bolts of any kind.
f. A maximum of a 7” (inch) hood scoop will be allowed.
g. The panel used for protecting the components under the car may be used but it cannot go any further back than the engine mid plate and can be no wider than 26” (inches). If the inspector cannot see what he needs to, you must remove the panel to where the inspector can inspect.
k. The maximum body width at the body’s widest part will be 72” (inches). The minimum of width at the body’s narrowest part will be 53” (inches). The top of the doors may have a maximum width of 67” (inches). On the left side, the rear of the door may flare out 6” (inches) for tire clearance.
n. Quarter Panel(s) cannot extend past the decking of the car when checked with a straight edge.
o. Composite bodies will be allowed on all sides of the car. The measurements must be the same as those of aluminum bodies.
B. Nose
b. The nose piece must not exceed 45” (inches) in width, centered between the frame rails and must not extend past the leading edge of the front bumper. The nose piece must have a minimum of 4” (inches) from the ground to the bottom edge of the nose piece.
C. Roof, Roof Posts, Roof Supports, and Window Side Panels
a. All roofs must be full-size. Half-moon roofs will not be permitted. The rear edge of the roof may not be mounted more than 12” (twelve inches) past the rear axle. The roof must be symmetrical. Roofs not mounted parallel to the deck will not be permitted.
d. All flat type roofs will be allowed a maximum 3”-inch difference in height between the front of the roof and the rear of the roof. This measurement may be taken from the interior and/or the ground. The rear of the roof must maintain the same height from side to-side. The maximum height of the roof will be 54” (inches). Roofs must be attached to the roll cage. Spacers beneath the roof will not be permitted.
e. All front roof posts must meet flush with the edge of the body. NO TOLERANCE.
f. All rear roof posts must meet flush with the edge of the body. All rear roof posts must be flat and straight with a 1”-inch tolerance, no radius will be permitted.
t. The sail panels must be the same design, length (top and bottom) on both sides of the car. Sail panels can be fully closed, or fully opened, with no slots or tunneling devices permitted.
v. Sail panels must be mounted flush to the edge of the quarter panel.
w. A straight line will be run from the back of the roof to the top of the spoiler on the rear of the car. Any sail panel material above this straight line will be forbidden.
E. Deck
a. Deck length may be a maximum 120” (inches) from rear of engine. Deck must remain parallel to the frame and chassis and the same width from front to back and front of deck must be level to the ground from side to side. Decking must have the same total length on each side of the car.
i. Spoiler must be mounted on the inside of the sail panels.
G. Body Skew
a. The measurement of the left rear quarter panel from the center of the hub to the rear of the quarter panel should not exceed 48” (inches). Measuring 67” (inches) from the left rear quarter panel to the right rear quarter panel, when 90 1/2″ (inches) forward along the right-side door, the diagonal measurement from that point to the base of the spoiler forward should not be less than 111” (inches). You will be allowed 1” (inch) tolerance.
b. Deck length may be a maximum 120” (inches) from rear of engine. Deck must remain parallel to the frame and chassis and the same width from front to back and front of deck must be level to the ground from side to side. Decking must have the same total length on each side of the car.
Section 10 – Wheels and Tires
A. Wheels
a. Bead locks will be permitted on all four wheels. Inner bead locks will not be permitted.
For the full list of DIRTcar rules, click here.
