How to Set Up a Late Model Stock Race Car

Late-model stock-car racing is a popular sport enjoyed by many competitors and fans. Many race tracks throughout the United States offer racing events for these types of race cars. The driver's skill is important, but no driver can show her true talent without a properly fitted race car. There are many adjustments that can be made on race cars to affect their handling. But a few basic adjustments can get your car handling a lot better. Drivers will like different set-ups, so effective communication with a driver on which set-ups he likes is a key to success.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Various sizes of wrenches
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine how wet or dry the racing surface is before each race. The amount of moisture in the track will be a big factor in how you set up your race car. Tracks with a lot of moisture are commonly referred to as "tacky" or "heavy"; this means the race cars' tires should grip dirt easier. Dry tracks are commonly referred to as "slick"; this means the tires will have a hard time gripping dirt.

    • 2

      Choose what compound of tire you want to race with. Compound is the hardness of the tire; a harder compound tire is often used on a dry slick track, whereas a softer compound is used on wet, tacky tracks. Some race tracks allow only a certain amount of compounds. Check the rules of each track and racing series before the race begins.

    • 3

      Adjust rear tires' stagger -- their difference in circumference -- to affect how the car rolls into and out of corners. The bigger tire is on the right rear wheel and that size rarely changes; the left rear tire is often changed a few times throughout the night. Teams may add stagger on a tacky track and reduce stagger on a slick track. Race-tire manufactures should have a variety of sizes to choose from.

    • 4

      Adjust shocks, springs and ride heights to help the car turn easily for the driver. There are many combinations of shocks, springs and ride heights that can be used on the car. Consult with your race-car manufacturer for a base set-up. These adjustments will also vary on the driver's style. Some drivers like a "tight" race car and others like it "loose." Tight is sometimes referred to as "under steer," meaning the car won't turn as sharply. Loose is often referred to as "over steer," meaning the car will be very responsive to the slightest turn of the steering wheel.