What exactly do thses letters mean to you? Does the Sprint cup series come to mind? Or maybe the Nationwide series? Or maybe even the trucks? Nascar goes beyond just these few series that we see on T.V. week in and week out. Nascar also has there lower developmental series that provides just as much action as the upper series. And sometimes even more.


Thet are the Camping World east and west series. As well as the Whelan modified tour, Canadian tire series, Mexico series, and the Whelan All American series. Back before Nextel took over the Winston Cup series in 2004. All of these series were known as the Winston west,east, and south series. These are the local tracks where alot of our favorite drivers got there feet wet.


Not to be confused with the U.S.A.C. drivers. Since the U.S.A.C. series just deals with open wheel cars. This is where Ryan Newman, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, The Andrettis, Unsers, and a few others all got there first taste of what racing is all about.


Nascar’s lower series mostly deals with late models, which are 1990 or newer fiberglass or metal bodied cars. They run a stock 360 cubic inch motor with 2 barrel carburetors. They do have all the safety features that you would see in a cup car. The car and driver must also weigh a minimum of 2,950 pounds. They will usually race at about 90 miles per hour around a half mile track.


Then we have the super late models which are faster then the late models. They use aftermarket bodies which are fiberglass and usually resemble those of our favorite drivers. There weight limit is 3,100 pounds and also use a 360 cubic inch motor. But there carburetor is a little bit bigger using a 500 cfm unit. These cars are more versatile as far as chassis and suspension setups. They will usually average between 98 and sometimes 101 miles per hour around a half mile track.


Nascar also has a few other classes which are all Nascar sanctioned events whenever they race. You have the super stocks, Speed trucks, Spec Trucks which have the radiators mounted in the bed instead of in the front of the truck. Then you have the legends cars, street stocks, and of course the exciting figure eight eight racing. And of course we can’t forget the A.R.C.A. series.


The Toyota all star challenge which is in its 5th year will once again be held in Irwindale at the newly named Toyota Speedway of Irwindale. This race has been won by David Gilliland. And just last year who could forget JGR’s up and coming sensation, Joey Logano. Basically what the challenge is. It’s Nascar’s version of crowning one champion through all of these different series.


Remember that none of Nascar’s top stars was put into the rides that they have now. Unless they first came up through the ranks in one these lower series. This is where not only Dale Earnhardt Jr. and some of our other favorite drivers got there start. But you go back to Ralph Earnhardt, Lee Petty, Bobby Allison, Red Farmer, Richard Petty, Alan Kulwicki, Harry Gant, David Pearson, Dale Earnhardt Sr. and alot of the older drivers who also started on the dirt tracks back east somewhere.


Nascar as we see it today. Is a very large and exciting sport no matter what level they race at. They may not be the big names that we are used to watching. But Im sure that someday you just might attend a cup race or truck race. And remember that same driver who got his first start on a short track near you. So take the time to support the future of Nascar. Maybe some day that driver that you supported and talked to after one of these races. Will recognize you when and if he does make it to the big time. Now wouldn’t that be cool? Im Out