FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Welcome to the Wisconsin Sport Trucks Help Center. We have pulled some of the most frequently asked questions from our family, friends, and fans and compiled them all into one place. Chances are you’ve got the same questions that were on someone else’s mind. Should you have any other questions that we may have missed, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the Club Officials.
SO WHAT IS A WISCONSIN SPORT TRUCK?
The Sport Truck, as the name implies, is a truck appearing race car employing a custom-built chassis, pull start engine and chain drive. With the powertrain of a snowmobile engine and the adjustability of a stock car without the high associated costs of suspensions.
WHAT KIND OF MOTOR DO THE TRUCKS RUN?
The Trucks use the Yamaha Phazor two stroke 485cc snowmobile engine. More specifications are available in the Official Club Rules.
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HOW FAST DO THE TRUCKS GO?
Depending on the track, the trucks reach top speeds of 60 mph at Wisconsin International Raceway. High banking at Touring Tracks, like Slinger Super Speedway and Golden Sands Speedway, allow race speeds in excess of 85 mph.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO RACE THE TRUCKS?
The Club has a minimum age requirement of 13 with racing experience, and/or Officer’s discretion. If Track Rule has an older age minimum, Track Rule will supersede Club Rules. All Racers under age 18 must have a signed and notarized waiver, as well as a Hold Harmless Agreement. There is no maximum age to race a Sport Truck.
HOW MUCH DO THE TRUCKS COST?
Sport Trucks are exceptionally reasonable compared to the investment of a full size stock car. Race-ready Trucks can be purchased for between $1500-$9000. Stock motors can range from $200-$500, while a built motor can fetch $1,000-$2,500, Chassis’ are custom built. With members building trucks, new racers are able to purchase a race-ready set up, picking up on the details of the division without the hurdle of building a chassis from the ground up.
WHO MANUFACTURES THE TRUCKS?
All chassis’ are custom built within the guidelines of the Official Club Rules and in conjunction with parts purchased from the Club.
WHERE CAN PARTS BE PURCHASED?
The Club maintains an inventory of Truck specific parts like axels, front and rear wheel hubs, brake hubs, and throttle cables. Body pieces are also available for purchase from the Club, including: cabs, tail section, front ends, sides and bumpers. A complete body is sold at a cost of $915.
HOW MANY TIRES ARE USED IN A SEASON?
This will vary for each driver, in each season. Typically a fresh set of Hoosiers is purchased at the start of the season and last until the last night depending on wear. Drivers have run into issues where a new tire was needed. Tires and rims are available for purchase for roughly $120/$100 respectively from RaceTech Chassis.
HOW MUCH MAINTENANCE DO THE TRUCKS REQUIRE?
Maintenance varies on Truck and Driver. Some Drivers spend an hour the week of a race, where others spend much more time preparing for Race Day.
DO I NEED A RACE TRAILER?
No, the trucks are sized accordingly to fit on a standard snowmobile trailer. A smaller trailer doesn’t require pulling from a truck or SUV and can be hauled with a car. Some Drivers use larger trailers or enclosed trailers, though not required.
WHAT KIND OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED?
The Club requires that all Trucks pass Tech Inspection. In addition to Truck safety, Drivers are required to utilize a 5 Point Safety Harness, a helmet meeting Club specifications, a flame retardant race suit and gloves (with additional underwear, face masks, socks, and shoes are strongly advised). Neck braces are not required by all tracks, but is encouraged.
DO I NEED RACING EXPERIENCE?
Sport Trucks continue to be an excellent choice for entry level short track racing. As a full bodied race car, drivers with aspirations for Late Model or Super Late Model classes can gain experience, while others prefer to make their place in the weekly Sport Truck competition. Career Drivers similarly appreciate this division for the ability to keep their competitive edge, looking to be the first to make the checkered flag.
DO I NEED A PIT CREW?
Many Drivers do benefit from the help of an additional person, for engines with pull start. Though, some Drivers have installed electric starts and do not require additional help. Other Teams have a larger pit crew.
WHAT TIME DO I NEED TO BE AT THE TRACK?
Each track has varying Pit Gate open times, some as early as four hours prior to the race start. Wisconsin International Raceway practice begins at 4:20, with qualifying right after. Norway Speedway opens the gates at 3:00, with their qualifying beginning at 5:45 pm. Touring Tracks times vary based on date and race event specifics.
WHAT TRACKS DO THE TRUCKS RUN AT?
The Trucks run weekly at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Touring tracks include Norway Speedway in Norway, Michigan, Golden Sands in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin; Dells Raceway Park in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; and Slinger Super Speedway in Slinger, Wisconsin. Tracks can vary by year.
DO I HAVE TO RACE EVERY EVENT?
Drivers are not required to race every event. Some Drivers race only the WIR Series, others race in both WIR and in the Touring Series, Substitute Drivers are allowed, the Club must be notified at least one hour before the race. Please see the rules on this for the Touring Series. However, Sub Drivers must be Club Members to receive points for that Truck.
ARE THERE ANY CLUB COSTS FOR MEMBERSHIP?
The Wisconsin Sport Truck Club membership is $25.00 annually. Truck registration is also $25.00 annually. Late memberships are at a cost of $35.00.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS TO RUN EACH RACE?
Because of their miniature nature, fuel consumption is much less than compared to other divisions, keeping weekly running costs affordable. The trucks use about 3.5 gallons of race gas during an event. The lack of suspensions means that you can eliminate the expense of keeping up with latest shock technology to stay competitive. In the event of a wreck, you won’t expect to break the bank. On Race Day, you can expect to pay associated track pit entrance fees.
DO YOU GET PAID TO RACE?
Drivers accumulate points throughout the Season at each track and are paid out based on final point totals in each Series. Payout is based on the availability of Club Points Fund at the end of the Season.
HOW DO I JOIN THE SPORT TRUCKS?
Joining is Easy! Club Forms for Membership, Truck Registration, Hold Harmless and Minor Release are available below. Off Season Club Meetings (October – March) are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm, located at Buzz's in Freedom, Wisconsin.
Additional questions have been answered and can be viewed on our “FAQ” page. Further help is available from Club Officials, current members, and on our Facebook Page and Facebook Group. You can find these pages by searching “Wisconsin Sport Trucks” on Facebook.