Nazareth Speedway was an auto racing facility near Nazareth in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania which operated from 1910 to 2004 in two distinct course configurations. In its early years, it was a dirt twin oval layout. In 1987 it was reopened as a paved tri-oval that measured just slightly under 1 mile. Jan 01, 2020 The one thing every racer has to remember is that the tires are the only link between the chassis, engine and track, and an otherwise perfectly set up race car can not perform up to it's potential. Dirt racers have to pick the right tire compound much like an asphalt racer, but there is another important step to getting the most out of a dirt tire. Those are defined by any track greater than one mile in length, with the exception of both Daytona and Talladega.Short tracks are less than 1 mile in length – count Martinsville Speedway (.526.
One Mile On Treadmill Is How Many Steps
Whether you’re looking to replace a tired old Ford engine, swap in a more powerful mill, or modernize your classic muscle car or street rod with a mod motor, there are plenty of options available. Ford Racing Performance Parts, Edelbrock, BluePrint, ATK, and Roush Performanceall offer crate motors to meet your performance and/or budgetary demands.
Here are 10 great Ford crate engineoptions:
ATK High Performance Ford 302 300HP Stage 2 Crate Engines
Why we like it: It fits the bill as a solid, affordable replacement for your worn out small block–with a little added kick. It’s billed as a good choice for daily drivers or mild mannered street rods. And the price is certainly right.
Specs
Assembly: Long block
Displacement: 302 cubic inches
Compression: 10.0:1
Power: 300 horsepower/336 ft.-lbs. of torque
What You Get/What You Need
You get most of the essentials–you’ll have to add a carburetor, air cleaner, spark plugs, and a few other items to finish it off. If you want the fully dressed version, you can step up to the Stage 3 for extra money. This one includes everything from the intake manifold down to the oil pan, including cast iron heads, hydraulic roller cam, OE-style crank and connecting rods, valve covers, damper, timing set and cover, oil and water pumps, and more.
Warranty: 24-month
BluePrint Engines Ford 306 390HP Base Crate Engine
Why we like it: It’s amazing what a few extra cubes gets you from this BluePrint 306. Based on the Ford 302, this small block delivers surprisingly big power–as in 390 horses! Even though it doesn’t come with everything included in the standard 302 above, it’s still competitively priced for the power you get.
Specs
Assembly: Long block
Displacement: 306 cubic inches
Compression: 9.5:1
Power: 390 horsepower/370 ft.-lbs. of torque
What You Get/What You Need
Includes a new cast steel crankshaft and connecting rods, hypereutectic pistons, hydraulic roller cam, aluminum cylinder heads with 190cc runners, valve covers, timing set, high-volume oil pump, and oil pan. You’ll need to add your own intake, carburetor, spark plugs, and related accessories.
Warranty: 30-month/50,000 miles
ATK High Performance Ford 351W 385HP Stage 3 Crate Engine
Why we like it: If you’re looking to drop a 351W into your car or truck, this ATK High Performance is the perfect starting point for your project. You can choose from budget-priced 300HP 351W engines, or go with the stouter 385-horse version. We like the 385HP Stage 3 engine. It gives you extra power in a turnkey package that comes in under the $6,000 mark.
Specs
Assembly: Long block
Displacement: 351 cubic inches
Compression: 9.8:1
Power: 385 horsepower/410 ft.-lbs. of torque
What You Get/What You Need
This is a complete drop-in option, with the carburetor, spark plug wires, and even flexplate included. Things you’ll need: air cleaner and wiring harness.
Warranty: 24-month
BluePrint Engines Ford 347 400HP Base Stroker Crate Engine
Why we like it: We’re fans of stroker motors, and you can find Ford crate motors for 331, 347, 393, and 408 setups, and more. This 347 is a great bang-for-buck option, offering 400 horsepower for under $4,200.
Specs
Assembly: Long block
Displacement: 347 cubic inches
Compression: 10.0:1
Power: 400 horsepower/415 ft.-lbs. of torque
What You Get/What You Need
You get a hand-picked, seasoned Ford 302 block that’s been bored .040 inches over. Inside, it features a cast crank, forged rods, and hypereutectic pistons to handle the extra power. BluePrint adds in its own aluminum cylinder heads, hydraulic roller camshaft, and a double roller timing set. To complete the setup, add your own intake manifold and induction system.
Warranty: 30-month/50,000 miles
Ford Racing EcoBoost Crate Engine
Why we like it: That’s right–we’ve included a four-cylinder. You can’t deny that the performance of this compact little engine is impressive. The 2.0L powerhouse delivers 252 horsepower and 272 ft.-lbs. of torque in a very lightweight package. Seeing is believing, and more and more people are coming around to the Ford EcoBoost.
Specs
Assembly: Long block
Displacement: 2.0L
Compression: 9.3:1
Power: 252 horsepower/272 ft.-lbs. of torque
What You Get/What You Need
The latest technology is what you get. This 2.0L EcoBoost is outfitted with a Borg-Warner turbocharger that produces 16 psi of boost, twin independent variable camshaft timing, and a direct-injection, high-pressure fuel system. That’s how you make big (or at least respectable) power in a small package. It includes everything from the induction system, to the oil pan, to the valve covers and spark plugs. You even get the accessory drive, air cleaner, starter, alternator, and intercooler. It’s another turnkey solution!
Warranty: 24-month/24,000 miles
Roush Racing 511RFE Crate Engine
Why we like it: The Ford FE series is legendary in our books, yet it’s often overlooked. Roush Racing makes it possible to drop one of these iconic big blocks into your street rod or hot rod. The 511-cube big block is based on the 428FE and delivers in a big way with 575 horsepower that’s been refined for the street.
Specs
Assembly: Long block
Displacement: 511-cubic-inch
Power: 575 horsepower/580 ft.-lbs. of torque
What You Get/What You Need
This is a turnkey setup and is priced as such. Here’s what you get for your money: aluminum cross-bolted block, steel crank, H-beam connecting rods, forged pistons, CNC-ported aluminum heads, hydraulic roller cam, double roller timing chain, single-plane intake manifold, and Holley 4150 carburetor. Oil pan, plugs and plug wires, Roush air cleaner, distributor, alternator, water pump, and breathers are also included. There’s not much else you need!
Warranty: 2-year/24,000-mile
Ford Racing 427 535HP Crate Engine
Why we like it: It’s a modern version of the legendary Ford 427FE motor. This one is built on Ford Racing’s Boss 351 block, so you get big block power in Ford’s small block Windsor package.
Specs
Assembly: Long block
Displacement: 427 cubic inches
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Power: 535 horsepower/545 ft.-lbs. of torque
What You Get/What You Need
How does Ford deliver 500-plus horsepower from a small block package? It starts with the Boss 351 block with 4-bolt mains, forged steel crank, H-beam connecting rods, and forged pistons. Ford Racing then adds its aluminum “Z” cylinder heads and .594-inch lift hydraulic roller camshaft. The engine also includes oil pan, valve covers, timing set and cover, harmonic balancer, and water pumps. You’ll need to add your own intake manifold and induction components.
Warranty: 24-month/24,000 miles
Ford Racing 5.0L DOHC Aluminator Naturally Aspirated Crate Engine
Why we like it: Another one of Ford Racing’s popular Aluminator engines, this is a great drop-in replacement for 2011-14 Mustang GTs. It’s also ideal for restomods and customs where an LS swap alternative is desired.
Specs
Assembly: Long block
Displacement: 5.0L
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
What You Get/What You Need
Designed for naturally aspirated applications, this engine is built on a production Mustang GT aluminum block. It features aluminum heads, forged pistons, Manley H-beam connecting rods, Boss 302 bearings, composite GT intake manifold, Ford Racing engine cover kit, ARP 2000 bolts. It also comes with a throttle body, oil pan, valve covers, damper, water pump timing cover, and spark plugs.
Warranty: 24-month/24,000 miles
ATK High Performance Ford 460 525 Stage 3 Crate Engine
Why we like it: This engine allows you to drop in traditional 385 Series big block power for under 10 grand. And it comes with a special surprise–42 extra cubic inches. Based off the traditional 460, it’s stroked to offer 502 cubic inches and around 525 horsepower.
Specs
One Mile On The Globe
Assembly: Long block
Displacement: 502 cubic inches
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Power: 525 horsepower/570 ft.-lbs. of torque
What You Get/What You Need
You get pretty much everything but the air cleaner and wiring harness to hook it up. Highlights include nodular iron crankshaft, forged connecting rods, hypereutectic pistons, hydraulic flat tappet cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM cylinder heads, intake manifold, carburetor, and much more.
Warranty: 24 months
Edelbrock Supercharged 5.0L Coyote Crate Engine
One Mile One Minute
Why we like it: 700 horsepower. 606 ft.-lbs. of torque. Enough said.
Specs
Assembly: Long block
Displacement: 5.0L
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Power: 700 horsepower/606 ft.-lbs. of torque
What You Get/What You Need
You get a brand new Ford aluminum block, forged crankshaft, forged H-beam rods, and forged aluminum pistons as the foundation for this package. Up top, you might notice an Edelbrock E-Force TVS2300 supercharger with all the fixins–electric intercooler water pump, intercooler, and intercooler plumbing. This complete package also includes 50-pound fuel injectors, mass airflow sensor housing, front-end drive accessories, oil pan, valve covers, air cleaner, and more. It also comes with the necessary computer and wiring harness to get the engine hooked up and tuned.
Warranty: 24-month/24,000 miles.
Hot Rods or simply Rods refer to a number of Britishoval racing formula (not to be confused with hot rods, which are generally road-going modified vintage cars). Hot Rods were introduced at Hednesford Hills Raceway in the early 1960s as a British counterpart to NASCAR-style production car racing. The term 'stock car' was not adopted because it was already in use for a form of oval racing in Britain that had evolved in a very different way than American stock cars. In south west England, hot rod racing evolved from a class known as sports and production car racing, introduced at tracks such as Plymouth and St Austell in the 1950s.Hot Rod racing rules vary depending on promoters, of which there are many, but almost all are based on European or Japanesehot hatches and race on tarmac 1/4 mile ovals with deliberate contact banned, although accidents are common due to the large number of cars within a tight environment. The fastest and most expensive Rod formula are the National Hot Rods (not to be confused with the National Hot Rod Association) which use tube chassis, kevlar bodies and highly tuned 2 litre straight-4 engines. Hot Rod formulas also race in Ireland, continental Europe and South Africa. They have similarities with some of the more sophisticated mini-stock divisions in the USA. The World Championship for the National Hot Rods is staged at Foxhall Stadium in Ipswich in the first weekend of July each year. The 2 Litre Hot Rods are the next class down; their World Championship is held at various tracks in England, every third year at the Nutts Corner track in Northern Ireland.
World Championship[edit]
First raced at Foxhall Stadium in Ipswich in 1972 where the championship has remained ever since. The title befitted the event for much of its early life as drivers from across the globe were invited to take part. Later years have seen the event take on a more domestic look although it includes some European and occasional South African representation.
Year | Venue | Winner | Car Model |
---|---|---|---|
1972 | Ipswich | 108 Bob Howe | Ford Escort mk1 |
1973 | Ipswich | 351 Barry Lee | Ford Escort mk1 |
1974 | Ipswich | 351 Barry Lee | Ford Escort mk1 |
1975 | Ipswich | 304 Derek Fiske | Ford Escort mk1 |
1976 | Ipswich | 306 George Polley | Ford Anglia |
1977 | Ipswich | 351 Barry Lee | Ford Escort mk2 |
1978 | Ipswich | 351 Barry Lee | Ford Escort mk2 |
1979 | Ipswich | 356 Gordon Bland | Ford Escort mk2 |
1980 | Ipswich | 19 Mick Collard | Ford Escort mk2 |
1981 | Ipswich | 962 Ormond Christie | Toyota Starlet |
1982 | Ipswich | 932 Davy Evans | Vauxhall Chevette |
1983 | Ipswich | 962 Ormond Christie | Toyota Starlet |
1984 | Ipswich | 88 Peter Grimer | Toyota Starlet |
1985 | Ipswich | 962 Ormond Christie | Toyota Starlet |
1986 | Ipswich | 950 Norman Woolsey | Toyota Starlet |
1987 | Ipswich | 306 George Polley | Toyota Starlet |
1988 | Ipswich | 63 Phil White | Toyota Starlet |
1989 | Ipswich | 950 Norman Woolsey | Peugeot 205 |
1990 | Ipswich | 942 Davy McCall | Peugeot 205 |
1991 | Ipswich | 413 Roger Peck | Toyota Starlet |
1992 | Ipswich | 63 Phil White | Vauxhall Nova |
1993 | Ipswich | 950 Norman Woolsey | Peugeot 205 |
1994 | Ipswich | 639 Ricky Hunn | Peugeot 205 |
1995 | Ipswich | 96 Ian McKellar | Peugeot 205 |
1996 | Ipswich | 962 Ormond Christie | Ford Fiesta mk3 |
1997 | Ipswich | 962 Ormond Christie | Ford Fiesta mk3 |
1998 | Ipswich | 718 Colin White | Ford Fiesta mk3 |
1999 | Ipswich | 718 Colin White | Volkswagen Corrado |
2000 | Ipswich | 718 Colin White | Volkswagen Corrado |
2001 | Ipswich | 175 John Steward | Vauxhall Corsa B |
2002 | Ipswich | 942 Davy McCall | Peugeot 206 |
2003 | Ipswich | 230 Dave Longhurst | Mitsubishi Colt |
2004 | Ipswich | 911 Malcolm Blackman | Peugeot 206 |
2005 | Ipswich | 994 Keith Martin | Peugeot 206 |
2006 | Ipswich | 41 Carl Boardley | Vauxhall Tigra A |
2007 | Ipswich | 41 Carl Boardley | Vauxhall Tigra A |
2008 | Ipswich | 41 Carl Boardley | Vauxhall Tigra A |
2009 | Ipswich | 41 Carl Boardley | Vauxhall Tigra A |
2010 | Ipswich | 115 Chris Haird | Vauxhall Tigra B |
2011 | Ipswich | 911 Malcolm Blackman | Peugeot 206 CC |
2012 | Ipswich | 9 Glenn Bell | Vauxhall Tigra A |
2013 | Ipswich | 962 John Christie | Vauxhall Tigra A |
2014 | Ipswich | 115 Chris Haird | Vauxhall Tigra B |
2015 | Ipswich | 970 Shane Murphy | Vauxhall Tigra A |
2016 | Ipswich | 76 Adam Maxwell | Vauxhall Tigra B |
2017 | Ipswich | 115 Chris Haird | Vauxhall Tigra B |
2018 | Ipswich | 305 Billy Wood | Vauxhall Tigra A |
2019 | Ipswich | 17 Robert McDonald | Vauxhall Tigra A |
2020 | Not held due to COVID-19 pandemic |
Numbering System[edit]
As the sport developed across the country in the 1970s there was some confusion as drivers from different regions and promoters found themselves racing with the same numbers. The National Hot Rod Promoters Association (NHRPA) decided to introduce a national numbering system to help stop confusion, this format was used up until 1989.
- Incarace 1-299
- Spedeworth 300-599
- PRI 600-699
- West Country (Autospeed) 700-799
- Scotland 800-899
- Northern Ireland 900-999
See also[edit]
- Stock Car Speed Association, American-style stock cars in Britain.
External links[edit]
One Mile One Mile And A Half
- [1], Waterford Raceway, Short Circuit oval racing in Waterford Ireland
- [2] Photos from Hot Rod World Finale Ipswich 2011
- [3] National Hot Rod Photo Gallery