Sprint Car racing graphics designed, produced and installed by The Vehicle Wrap Experts at Iconography. We are proud to have helped design, produce and install these graphics for Brody Roa’s sprint car.
What Is a Sprint Car?
A sprint car is a high-powered, open-wheel race car specifically designed for short oval dirt or pavement tracks. Featuring no fenders and a high power-to-weight ratio, these cars often use 410-cubic-inch engines producing roughly 900+ horsepower on methanol fuel. They are known for incredible acceleration, often featuring large top wings for downforce, and are used in series like the World of Outlaws.
Sprint car racing is often considered a “stepping stone” to the highest levels of American motorsport; legendary drivers like Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Kyle Larson all began their careers in these cars. Major events, such as the Knoxville Nationals in Iowa, are some of the most prestigious races in the world.
The History of Sprint Car Racing
Sprint car racing began in the American Midwest in the 1920s, evolving from modified Model T’s on fairground dirt tracks, becoming a distinct, high-powered, open-wheel sport by the 1950s with large wings for downforce, and later professionalized by sanctioning bodies like the World of Outlaws (WoO) in the late 1970s, solidifying its place as a thrilling cornerstone of American grassroots motorsports.
Early Days (1920s-1940s)
- Fairground Roots: The sport started on horse racing tracks at county fairs, with early racers modifying light, stripped-down cars for speed.
- “Big Cars”: Before the “sprint car” term emerged in the 1950s, these were known as “big cars,” larger than midgets, with open cockpits and powerful engines.
- IMCA Influence: The International Motor Contest Association (IMCA), formed in 1915, helped develop these early “big cars” by sanctioning races on dirt ovals.
Evolution & Separation (1950s-1960s)
- Divergence from Indy Cars: Sprint cars separated from Indy-style cars in the 1950s, focusing on dirt oval racing, with front-engine designs proving better for the loose surfaces.
- USAC & “Sprint Cars”: The USAC National Championship in the 1950s helped solidify the identity of these dirt racers as “sprint cars,” distinct from midgets and Indy machines.
Modern Era & Safety (1970s-Present)
- The Wing Era: In the 1950s, the first small wings appeared, but by the early 1970s, large top and front wings with sideboards became standard, dramatically increasing downforce and speed, transforming the cars.
- Safety Improvements: Public concern about safety led to the addition of roll cages, creating “cage sprints” or “super sprints”.
- World of Outlaws (WoO): Ted Johnson founded the World of Outlaws in 1978 to create a national series with unified rules, bringing professionalism and national prominence to the sport.
- Global Reach: Today, sprint car racing thrives globally, with major sanctioning bodies and dedicated fans in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Why Does Your Race Car Need Custom Graphics?
Putting custom graphics on a race car of any kind is essential for maximizing sponsor visibility, establishing a professional team brand, and ensuring the car stands out to fans and officials. Custom wraps and decals turn the car—especially the large wing—into a moving billboard, while providing durable protection against racing debris.
Key Reasons for Custom Sprint Car Graphics:
- Sponsor Exposure: Custom graphics allow you to prominently feature sponsor logos, ensuring they are noticed by fans and photographers at the track.
- Professionalism and Branding: A cohesive, custom design makes the team look professional, which helps attract and retain sponsors.
- Visibility on Track: Eye-catching designs help announcers, officials, and fans identify your car in a crowded pack.
- Advertising Surface Area: The large wing on a sprint car acts as a prime, high-visibility billboard, maximizing the impact of your graphics.
- Protection and Durability: High-quality vinyl wraps protect the car’s body panels from dirt, debris, and scratches, keeping the car looking new.
- Flexibility: Custom graphics are easy to update, allowing for sponsor changes or new designs for specific, special events.
Does your race car need new vehicle graphics? Or perhaps your car just needs some racing stripes. Call the vehicle wrap experts at Iconography today. 562-424-4353
