Explaining The Different Classes Racing At The Tulsa Shootout
Explaining The Different Classes Racing At The Tulsa Shootout
We break down the differences between the six different divisions that will be competing during the Tulsa Shootout.
With 1,666 entries drawn in, the 39th annual Tulsa Shootout has officially set a new record as the largest in event history.
Split into six different classes, the “Mecca of Micros” offers Winged Outlaw (246 cars), Outlaw Non-Wing (378 cars), Stock Non-Wing (409 cars), A-Class (387 cars), Restricted (139 cars), and Jr. Sprints (107 cars).
As you watch every lap live on FloRacing this week, here’s a quick breakdown of the difference in divisions.
OUTLAW (Wing & Non-Wing)
This is your headlining division at the Tulsa Shootout, the wing race (55 laps) especially is what drivers all around the country dream of winning one day. This year, the divisions have drawn 246 Winged Outlaw and 378 Outlaw Non-Wing cars.
The sky's the limit in this class. Many engines are professionally built nowadays with a 640cc max displacement, there are bigger 14 sq. feet wings to provide extra downforce, and cockpit adjustments to tweak your shocks and wings are allowed.
The unique distinction in car count for Winged Outlaw to Outlaw Non-Wing is because a good majority of racers will simply run their “Stock” car in the Outlaw Non-Wing class. Due to the size of the track and the nature of non-wing racing, the smaller motor is less of a disadvantage when the wing is not a factor. In fact, many of the Outlaw Non-Wing champions over the years have done it with a “Stock” engine under the hood.
STOCK (A-Class & Non-Wing)
More of an entry level type class, these are year-in and year-out the biggest divisions at the Tulsa Shootout and all across the country for that matter. This year, Stock Non-Wing drew in a whopping 409 cars while A-Class set a new division record with 387 cars.
The “Stock” in this class is pretty simple, these are traditionally pulled right off 600cc motorcycles and plucked right into a micro sprint. Offering about 25 less horsepower, you’ll notice this group also has smaller 10 square foot wings. There are no cockpit adjustments of any sorts allowed.
VIDEO: Hyper Racing's Jim Radney walks us through the differences in the Micro divisions racing at the Tulsa Shootout.
RESTRICTED
The final kid class as a stepping stone before reaching Stock then Outlaw is this division intended for 8-16 years old. With 139 entries drawn in, the Restricted class also established a new division record for cars this week.
Essentially the same as A-Class, the only difference in Restricted simply comes down to the motor under the hood. You’ll take a stock 600cc powerplant but similar to NASCAR, you’ll use a ¾ inch restrictor plate to tone the motor down for the kids. It’s a great entry level class for kids to understand the feel of the car and get to race competitively without the consequence of the power yet.
Like the Stock divisions, no cockpit adjustables are allowed and you’ll notice the smaller 10 square foot wings.
JR. SPRINT
The most obvious division to decipher at the Tulsa Shootout for a casual fan is the Jr. Sprints, intended for young kids 6-12 years old. For the first time in event history, the Jr. Sprint division eclipsed triple digits with 107 entries setting a new record this week.
As you’d expect, everything is smaller with a Jr. Sprint from the car itself, the motor, the wings, the tires, you name it. It’s simply about getting the kids behind the wheel and learning how to race with each other. And don’t underestimate these kids either, the Jr. Sprints have often delivered some of the most exciting races of the night; and they’re certainly bringing the best interviews each and every single year.
For the complete technical breakdown of each class, you can find the official class rules at https://www.tulsashootout.com/classes/.
How To Watch The Tulsa Shootout
FloRacing is the official live streaming partner of the Tulsa Shootout, which officially begins on Wednesday, December 27 with Heat Races that evening. The event continues all the way through Sunday, December 31 when six Golden Drillers are decided.
If you’re not a FloRacing subscriber, click here to become one today. For $159/year, you get full access to the Tulsa Shootout, Chili Bowl Nationals, High Limit Racing, Lucas Oil Late Model Series, USAC Racing, and so much more.
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