Are late-model circle track racers an untapped source of potent road course race machines? Robert P. Gomer seems to think so, as he’s entered an Asphalt Late Model Road Race 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS into the 2023 Tire Rack Ultimate Track Car Challenge Presented by Grassroots Motorsports.
Powered by an LS3 V8 built by Robert Yates Racing Engines good for 570 horsepower, the Monte Carlo comes in at only 2200 lbs. including driver.
Robert says that handling is the car’s greatest strength on track, and that likely has something to do with the tube frame, coil-overs, wide Hoosier tires and Wilwood brakes fitted to each corner of the car.
However, does this Late Model racer have enough V8 power and handling prowess to overcome the competition?
What is the Ultimate Track Car Challenge? It’s our annual no-holds-barred track competition that simply seeks the fastest machines on four wheels. The rules are brief: Car and driver must pass a safety inspection. Period.
Pretty much everyone is welcome: New, old, factory-bought and home-built. Wings are cool. So are box flares, giant intercoolers and sequential shifters.
Learn more, including how you can register today, by visiting ultimatetrackcarchallenge.com.
The Tire Rack Ultimate Track Car Challenge is presented by Tire Rack, in association with Wilwood Engineering, HP Tuners, SPA Technique, Deatschwerks, CRC Industries and Volkswagen, with trophies from Track Advantage, Stifflers, BimmerWorld, HGSI, XS Batteries and Hoosier Tire. Thank you to the SCCA for sanctioning the UTCC.
Well, thanks for that rabbit hole. I have never paid attention to Late Model rules and just kinda assumed they were closer to 26-2800lbs; somewhere between pavement Modifieds and typical stock cars.
TIL local Late Models run at 2450lbs minimum weight.
In reply to gumby :
Between J.G.'s ASA project and J.A.'s extensive background in circle track racing, I feel like a whole new world of racing has been opened up to me.
2200 lbs!? That's Miata weight. TIL how light late models are.
This things going to be crazy fast. Can't wait to drool on it in October.
The answer to that question is yes. It was done with success in the 80s
Colin Wood said:In reply to gumby :
Between J.G.'s ASA project and J.A.'s extensive background in circle track racing, I feel like a whole new world of racing has been opened up to me.
There are certainly a bunch of old oval-track guys in this world - and their influence is being seen these days. From what I've learned in sports car racing, I'd love to apply it to ovals. The same applies for vice versa. I still find it fascinating on what each discipline focuses on as far as aspects of their car setup.
How do you license that for the street? 
My dad and I were lucky enough to have this guy just down the street from us. The amount of chassis knowledge and just stories in general that this man possesses...
He worked on several movie sets building stunt cars, even built a 4 wheel steer Cavalier for a Mobil commercial. He had his hand in several LSR cars, and modified the Huuffaker GTU Fiero chassis, so that Clay Young was able to record the first GTU win by an American manufacturer. Someone should really sit down and do an interview with him!
In reply to racerfink :
You should send that to the Dinner With Racers guys.
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