Late model

A "late model car" refers to a newer car, which has been recently designed or fabricated. Essentially, “late model” means “latest model.” By contrast, the terms "early model car" or "classic car" would refer to older cars. The term is broadly used in racing, and often appears in common use, as in "The officer was driving an unmarked, late model sedan."

There is no precise definition. According the the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles, a late-model vehicle is defined as:

* A vehicle 8,000 pounds or less manufactured in one of the last six model years, or
* A vehicle 8,001 pounds or more manufactured in one of the last 16 model years.

Racing

Late model racecars are the highest class of local stock car racing vehicles at many race tracks in the United States and North America. Some regional and lower national-level series race in late models. Varieties of late models (ranked from highest vehicle performance to lowest) include Super Late Models, Late Models, and Limited Late Models. Some series require crate motors to be utilized by racecars under their sanction. Vehicles raced on dirt are significantly different from vehicles raced on asphalt. Asphalt late model racing is an extremely common stepping stone for drivers who race in regional and national touring series including NASCAR. Racers of both dirt and asphalt Late Models have won the national championship of NASCAR Weekly Racing Series.Schaefer, Paul. "Where Stars Are Born: Celebrating 25 Years of NASCAR Weekly Racing". Coastal 181, Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA, 2006.] Almost every NASCAR driver raced in the class while progressing their career.

United States national touring series

Asphalt

*American Speed Association
*CRA Super Series
*USAR Hooters Procup Series
*ASA Late Model Series

Dirt

*Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
*World of Outlaws Late Model Series

ee also

*National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame, a United States hall of fame for dirt track late model racers

References

* [http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1585-26116--,00.html State of Michigan, Secretary of State]