EVANSVILLE , IN – Nov. 21, 2007 – UMP DIRTcar Racing will offer its first division that uses crate engines exclusively with the 2008 introduction of the Pro Late Model class, organization officials announced today.
Designed to provide racers an economical pathway to UMP DIRTcar Racing’s marquee Super Late Model and open-wheel Modified divisions, the Pro Late Models will combine the increasingly popular crate-engine concept with UMP DIRTcar Racing’s trademark uniform technical rules and other cost-cutting measures.
Tracks spread across Illinois , Indiana , Kentucky , Louisiana , Mississippi , Missouri , Tennessee and other states are expected to be part of the UMP DIRTcar Racing Pro Late Model program in 2008.
“For the last three years the biggest question I’ve heard from people has been, ‘When is UMP DIRTcar Racing going to offer a crate Late Model division?’” said UMP DIRTcar Racing director Sam Driggers . “I’ve repeated that we’ve just been waiting for the right time to do it – and that time has come.”
The centerpiece of the Pro Late Model class will be the GM 602 and 604 crate engines. Aspiring competitors will be able to purchase the durable powerplants at a cost of approximately $3,500 (GM 602) or $5,000 (604).
UMP DIRTcar Racing’s Late Model body and chassis rules will be used for the Pro Late Models. Additional rules, including mandates on such items as shocks and tire compounds, will be put in place to help keep costs in check.
Complete Pro Late Model rules and information about purchasing GM crate engines will be available within the next week by visiting the UMP DIRTcar racing website at www.umpracing.com or calling the UMP DIRTcar Racing office at 812-426-1200.
The Pro Late Models will compete for UMP DIRTcar Racing National and State points championships in 2008, said Driggers.
This will be the eighth division sanctioned by UMP DIRTcar Racing, which sanctions over 100 racetracks in the United States and Canada . The Pro Late Models will be the first class in UMP DIRTcar Racing history that allows only crate engines to be used in competition.
The UMP DIRTcar Racing Sportsman/Pro Stock division did have a number of crate-engine entries in action in 2007 with the addition of DIRTcar Racing Northeast’s Pro Stock racers to the UMP title chase, but crates were not mandatory.
“We invite all UMP DIRTcar Racing tracks currently running crate-motor Late Model classes to join our Pro Late Model division in 2008,” said Driggers. “We see the division growing every year and serving as a great stepping-stone to our Super Late Models and open-wheel Modifieds.”
For more information on UMP DIRTcar Racing, visit www.umpracing.com.
