Modifieds
This is the top division at Wall Stadium. Modifieds are purpose-built, open-wheel race cars with custom steel tube frames, aluminum bodies, and big V8 engines pushing over 500 horsepower. They are the fastest, loudest cars at the track, and they headline every Saturday night. When the Modifieds fire up for the feature, you feel it in your chest. This division produced NASCAR champions Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmy Spencer.
What Are These Cars
A Modified looks nothing like anything on the road. Open wheels, no fenders, low to the ground, built entirely from scratch on a welded steel tube frame. The body is hand-shaped aluminum. The engine is a naturally aspirated V8 running through a single carburetor. No computers, no fuel injection. Raw mechanical power.
The Car
- Custom-built steel tube frame with hand-shaped aluminum body panels
- Open wheels with no fenders. Tires and suspension fully exposed
- V8 engine, up to 358 cubic inches, naturally aspirated. No turbos, no superchargers
- Single four-barrel carburetor. No electronics, no fuel injection
- Minimum weight of 2,700 pounds with the driver in the seat
- Hoosier spec tires. Same rubber for every team, so the driver makes the difference
Driver Safety
- Full steel roll cage surrounding the driver on all sides
- Five-point safety harness pinning the driver to the seat
- HANS device protecting the head and neck on impact
- Fire-resistant suit, gloves, shoes, and a racing helmet rated to current standards
- Built-in fire suppression system
- Window net on the driver's side to keep arms inside during contact
Race Format
- Heat races (8 to 12 laps) determine starting position for the feature
- Feature race is typically 40 laps on a regular Saturday night
- Special events go longer. The Turkey Derby runs a 150-lap Modified feature
- Top finishers go through post-race tech inspection to verify the car is legal
- Fail inspection, lose your finish. No exceptions
What to Watch For
Restarts. When a caution bunches the field, Modifieds go three-wide into the corners at full speed. Also watch the final 10 laps. The drivers who saved their tires early start making moves, and the battles for position get intense.