Well, supermodifieds are a unique form of short track racing, and are in fact the fastest short track machines in the world.
There are three key things about a super that make it a super.
#1 - the big top wing. This is mounted on pneumatic struts and pivots with the wind pressure of the speed of the car. As the car runs down the straight, the wing flattens out to lessen drag. When the car brakes for the corners, the wing pops back up to maximize downforce and also act as a bit of an air brake to help the car run even deeper into the corners.
#2 - the offset big block. The engine on a supermodified is mounted outside of the frame rails and as far over to the left as possible. This puts the heaviest component of the car to work aiding in leftward grip, which a supermodified needs in spades. The engine, by the way, is a Chevrolet big block displacing about 468ci using mechanical fuel injection and burning methanol. The average supermod engine produces about 800-900hp in a car that weighs less than 2000lbs.
#3 - the unlimited chassis. A minimum weight, minimum height, maximum wheelbase, maximum leftside weight (68% of the weight on the left), and a series of safety rules concerning the footbox and rollcage. That's the complete extent of the chassis rules. Every car is a one-off special constructed by machinists and fabricators as their imagination's ideal short track machine. The cars use all manner of suspension (while solid axles are most common, they use torsion bars, vertical coil-over shocks, pushrods, turnbuckle coilovers, unequal length a-arms, even fiberglass leaf springs).
When all of these things combine (along with 22in wide right rear slicks) they make for lap times on 1/2mile ovals of under 14seconds. There is absolutely nothing like an ISMA or MSA Supermodified.
In a few weeks, the International Super Modified Association (which is the headlining no-holds-barred ultimate in super racing) will crown their champion. The points battle is a four way fight between 2004 champion Chris "The Rowley Rocket" Perley.
Penneville, New York's Pat Abold.
Nick "Nokie" Fonoro.
and all-time ISMA points and win leader, Russ Wood.
