The Race Program

The typical race program usually involves a number of classes, and many tracks offer both open wheel and stock car racing. Preliminary races for each class, called heat races, open the schedule. The heat races determine the starting race position in the main events and usually earn points. The heat races are usually shorter than the feature races and not as many cars are generally raced in each heat. Depending on the number of cars in each class, there may be more than one feature race (for example, C feature; 3rd place heat winners, B feature; 2nd place heat winners), with the winners moving up through to the main feature (A feature). The A feature, or main feature, is held for each class of racecar and is usually the longest race in the programme. Points, a trophy, and maybe a purse are awarded according to finishing position.

Many tracks have other special events. They may have a "trophy dash" during each program, between the heats and the features, to allow the heat winners to compete for a trophy. If the reward is monetary, the race may be called a "dash for the cash" or a "run for the money".

Occasionally, a track will sponsor a "powder-puff" race to allow the wives, girlfriends, daughters, and mothers to drive the racecars for a few laps of racing. If enough women drivers express an interest in a separate event for themselves, the track operator may put the powder puff into its regular race schedule; otherwise, most serious women racers compete in the same events as the men.

From time to time, the track may have a "bonus points" race to attract racers and fans from competing tracks. Many times the track operators also promise a larger purse for winning these races.

Many tracks contract with any of the various racing associations to schedule an association sanctioned event. The racers in these events earn points for ranking in the association. The associations also usually require a guaranteed purse from the tracks for the winners of sanctioned events.

Many Southern tracks also may have a "run-what-you-bring" contest, featuring two drivers from the stands who, after signing waivers, can run their personal automobiles against each other in a one-on-one 1 or 2 lap shootout.