Off-season check-up, and 2017 rules changes
Many people park the race car at the end of the season, then wait until the next season’s opening day is approaching to put a new body on the car and head to the track. There are several things that should get and off-season check-up and also a few things you should be checking based on the 2017 rules changes.
- Rod ends: Replace them. Rod ends are cheap, readily available, and take a lot of abuse. We highly recommend starting the new season on fresh rod ends, and replacing them again at mid-season.
- Spring slider / coilover eliminator: Spring sliders are one of the most common items we see that cause binds / hinder performance as they wear. Regardless of which slider you use, most manufacturers offer rebuild kits and rebuild services for their sliders. This kits and/or services are relatively cheap, and can save you a lot of time at the track chasing down a bind
- Brake fluid: Drain it all and replace it. Don’t use cheap fluid. It boils at a low temperature and you have inconsistent brakes throughout the race.
- Pullbar: If your car has a pullbar, check the shaft for smoothness of travel. Replace or rebuild as needed
- Shocks: If you’re racing one night per week, your shocks need freshened up, and possibly updated each season. There are many reputable shock services out there, our favorites being CPD Racing Shocks, and Dickson Racing Shocks. http://facebook.com/CPDRacingShocks http://dicksonracingshocks.com
That isn’t meant to be a comprehensive list, but nonetheless its a good list.
2017 Rule Changes
While, I will keep my personal opinion of any specific rule changes to myself, you should take the time to look at the newly imposed rules and make sure your car is compliant based on the sanctioning body you race under. In some instances this involves checking shock and spring angles, in others it involves checking the location of shock and spring lower mounts in relation to the centerline of the axle. Further, IMCA as most know has re-instated the spoiler on the crates, which does give the crate an advantage over the open motor. So, if you’re a crate person, make sure you’re getting the most out of the gift you’ve been given.
Regarding rule changes in general, and avoiding specifics, I’m slightly disappointed to see the broad attempt to stifle creativity across pretty much every dirt modified and dirt late model sanctioning bodies. While I will give the rule makers the benefit of the doubt and assume that they think they’re doing racers a favor by making rules to level the playing field and save racers money. The real question is, do the rules save racers money, or simply require spending more money to get the same solution that was previously available…
Remember, races are won in the shop. Make sure you’re getting the most the rules allow, and make sure everything on your car is in tip-top shape.
Good luck in 2017