Northwest Street Stock Tour - The Will To Win

There's also a $1,000-plus exchange claimer rule on the motor, but only drivers on the lead lap when the checkered flag falls can claim an engine. That prevents back-markers who can't build an engine from "claiming" one from someone who can.

"The guys on the lead lap all run pretty close to one another, so there isn't any real advantage to trading your engine and $1,000 to get basically the same horsepower you already have," Crase says.

Tech inspection consists of a quick visual for things like too soft a tire compound or roller rockers. Cars have to weigh 3,300 pounds (with driver) at the end of the race.

"The cars are generally pretty clean," says Tom Wrakestraw, one of the tech inspectors. "We haven't had much trouble with folks trying much sneaky stuff."

One of the reasons for the group honesty is that the tour has developed a level of camaraderie among drivers and car owners. Because most of the traveling teams all live in the same general area, groups gather and tow the 100-plus miles in small convoys, stopping along the road to eat or help a driver change a flat. They assemble together at the track and often share meals in a campground setting.

"Even the driving has been a lot cleaner," says Susan Nelson, a regular in the series. "We've seen cases where someone could have turned a car sideways and didn't. A year ago that probably wouldn't have happened. We've run 35-lap races, going three wide a lot of the time, and never had a yellow during the whole race."

But the series isn't without some drawbacks. Kelly says one of the major ones is the lack of a "home track" for the teams. "It really adds a challenge, especially when we flip-flop from pavement to dirt," Kelly says. "It is a two-hour tow to the nearest track we can practice on, and that just isn't practical for most of us."

"It is especially bad if you tear something up," says Ken Manginelli, co-owner of a car. "If you break one weekend, there is no way to be sure it is right until you show up for the next race."

On the plus side of the touring series is the time off between races. "When we were all running at one track, the season had 20 races and we were racing almost every week. It got to be pretty draining," Kelly says. "Now, we race about twice a month. That gives us time for family and allows us to do other things on the off weekends."

Instead of beating on one another for any advantage, the tour drivers are more likely to share information over dinner at the track. And because no one can take everything to the track, when a car nails the wall, almost everyone begins searching their tow rig and trailer for the parts to put it back together.

"We're pretty proud of the series," Crase adds. "We want to keep as many cars as we can on the track."

"I think because we all travel together, set up next to one another, and race together, we've become more like a family," adds Kelly. "We come to a track and the most important thing is to put on a good show."

What: Small touring series for Street Stocks
Where: The 2002 schedule involved stops at South Sound Speedway, a paved oval in Rochester, Washington, and Madras Speedway, a dirt bullring in central Oregon.
Organization: Governed by directors elected by competitors.
Price To Play: It's possible to build a car for under $5,000 and race the series for another $2,000 in entry fees, tires, and tow costs
Rules: Engine rules are loose, but do require a two-barrel Rochester carburetor and cast-iron manifold
Want To Learn More? Visit www.nwstreetstocktour.com