Left-front coilover suspension detail. Dwarf cars have fully adjustable suspensions and are a good training car with which to learn setup.
With only slight changes, the same car can be modified to run on either dirt or pavement. The change normally involves not much more than changing the tires and making suspension tweaks. This is certainly a more economical situation than other types of racing that require two different cars for dirt and pavement racing.
For many drivers, this is an excellent second step on the way up to full-size race cars. Many Dwarf car drivers come from the Kart ranks. As Karts have no suspension systems, these cars provide a valuable learning tool for mastering chassis technology and how to tune it. For other drivers, this is their first experience with racing, many having watched the cars from the stands and then deciding to give them a try.
Dwarf car action can be as intense as that of their bigger brethren because of the cars' power:weight ratio and suspension sophistication.
Cost Advantage
A huge advantage of Dwarf car racing is that it's high-performance racing on the cheap. In a racing world of spiraling upward costs, this type of racing is still within the reach of most.
A new car, minus the engine, can be acquired for about $6,500 and up. But if that's a little steep for you, a used roller can be bought for $3,000-$5,000. New engines can cost in the $2,000-$3,000 category, while used engines can be acquired for one-third to half that of a new engine.
A minimal amount of tools are required, but recall that you'll need both metric (engines) and regular (cars) sets. Hauling these cars is an economical situation, requiring a small trailer, one that a small vehicle can pull.
Dwarf cars typically have a Toyota rearend and coilovers. Note the left-side mounted fuel cell.
More Info
The Western States Dwarf Car Association (WSDCA), which oversees a number of western Dwarf car groups, is one organizing body. In the Eastern U.S., there is the Team USA organization. At dwarfcarracing.com and dwarfworld.com, there is a wealth of information on the subject. The Dwarf Car Company (602/495-9341) can also provide technical assistance. In addition, the Internet can be of help in locating Dwarf car tracks in your state. Finally, there is a pure Dwarf car magazine, Final Lap, which can be ordered by calling Jim Brunner at 615/217-9799.