Usually, especially if the car spent its street lifetime in the salty winters of the Midwest, there will be rusted-out floorboards that must be replaced. Another builder, Billy Teegarden, added that for safety purposes, he adds 2x2-inch framerails internally down the sides of the cars.
Generally, 13-inch street tires are required, but there are variations at different tracks. At some, steel Aero Racing and Bart Wheels are allowed for greater strength, but there is an 8-inch width requirement. As a general rule, there is no weight rule for these cars.
An 84-cid (1.6L), four-cylinder powerplant doesn't sound like much of a high-performance race engine, but it's capable in this racing environment. Teegarden explained they can rev up to 6,000 rpm and probably make close to 100 hp. For the most part, the engine must be retained in stock trim with its two-barrel carburetor.
But there are some aftermarket performance parts coming on line, including higher-performance Laser and Lunati Cams. Plus, there have been discussions for making two different classes as the fields have expanded-a Stock and Modified class, something that has been tried already. Time will tell if this proposal comes to pass across the sport.
The remainder of the powertrain, including the three-speed manual tranny and rear end, must be retained. One Chevette driver noted that a typical rear-end gearing for a 11/44-mile track might be about 3.36:1 while running in second gear. On a 31/48-miler, it could be a 3.70:1 gearing while running in third gear. An optional ratio is a 4.11:1 unit, which can be acquired on the Internet for about $500.
Driver's age rules, again, vary by location. Teegarden recalled a recent race where a 13-year-old girl stepped into a race car for the first time, and won. He added, "You have to be careful with these cars because they tend to be a bit top-heavy and lean on the turns. The situation isn't made any better with the wheels that are very close together." Again, the Chevette wasn't built with racing in mind, but it's happening.
Chevette TracksThese tracks have either run Chevettes in the past, or are currently racing them. Undoubtedly, there could be more added to this list in the future, but this will get you started.
Indiana: Lawrenceburg Speedway
Ohio: Brown County Speedway, Brushcreek Motorsports Complex
Kentucky: MudlickSpeedway, Lake Cumberland Speedway, Florence Speedway, Richmond Speedway, Fleming County, Ponderosa Speedway, Barren County Speedway, I-75 Speedway, Beach Bend Raceway Park, Wayne County Raceway Park, Mamouth Cave Speedway, Corbin Speedway, Clinton County Speedway
Tennessee: Hill TopRaceway, Macon County Speedway, Tennessee Motor Speedway, Golden Mountain Speedway, Scenic Speedway