The cars, which began competition in 1992, sport a 73-inch wheelbase, a 46-inch height, and weigh in at 1,080 pounds-1,300 pounds post-race with driver. The engine used is a sealed 1,250cc Yamaha motorcycle powerplant capable of 132 hp. Available body styles are '37 Ford, Chevy, and Dodge sedans, along with '34 Ford, Chevy, and Dodge coupes. The Legends use 13-inch tires and a four coilover shock suspension system. Over 4,300 cars have been produced to date. Turnkey Legend cars list for $14,995, but are currently $11,500 with a rebate.
The only builder of Legend cars is 600 Racing Inc., which also sponsors national racing programs in oval, dirt, and road course competition. There are Semi-Pro, Masters, and Pro classes for various ages and levels of competition. Competition has taken place in the United States, Canada, and Europe. A number of second- and third-generation NASCAR drivers have competed in these cars.
Baby Grand CarsThe Baby Grands are motorcycle-powered 21/43-scale cars that are downsized versions of Nextel Cup cars. They are currently available in both Chevy and Ford body styles and have most of the same safety features of the full-size race cars. Included are a five-point safety harness and an aluminum racing seat. Also, the sturdy, integral rollcage is constructed of 111/42x0.095-inch tubing.
Other features of the 1,250-pound car include a one-piece fiberglass body, full aluminum interior, quick-release steering wheel, a five-speed shifter, and 13-inch tires. The working hood and decklid make it possible to have easy access to most components of the car. For more serious repairs, the entire body can be lifted off. Speeds of up to 140 mph are possible.
The Yamaha 1,250cc powerplant is capable of producing 120-125 hp. Technology is everywhere in these little movers, including a Winters quick-change rearend.
The Baby Grand cars are designed with first-time racers, as well as veteran drivers, in mind. The small size of the cars makes them easy for one-person loading. A small flatbed trailer works just fine for this application and can be easily stored in a small area.
The cars are raced in many parts of the country, on both road courses and ovals-but only on pavement, at least to date. Almost 300 Baby Grand cars had been built by the end of 2003.
As of 2004, the Baby Grands are now a new Pro Division of the MMRA racing association, the top class of a program that starts with quarter midgets. MMRA's Pete Neimeier explained that the MMRA program is designed to have drivers ready to move up to the next step, a full-bodied stock car with a series such as ASA or Hooters ProCup.
Pro Challenge Race CarsAnother motorcycle-powered series is the Pro Challenge Race Car Series, which uses a sealed spec 1,199cc Kawasaki engine capable of about 150 hp at 11,600 rpm.
The cars, which resemble NASCAR Nextel Cup cars, come in Monte Carlo, Taurus, Grand Prix, and Intrepid body styles, along with Chevy and Ford truck models. A complete turnkey car lists at $19,995 base price and weighs 1,525 pounds with the driver.