at less cost by
instituting four key measures; the
use of longer lasting tires, less expensive shocks, less expensive
crate engines, and 93 octane pump gasoline from any gas station.Frequently Asked Questions
LAMOT stands for Late Model Of Tomorrow. It is an asphalt late model racing division. Asphalt late models closely resemble NASCAR Cup Cars. Many professional cup drivers begin their careers racing asphalt late models.
Why the name LAMOT (Late Model of Tomorrow)?
Looking at Nascar's Cup division
and their use of the COT (Car of Tomorrow) body template that was designed for
use in 2008 primarily with an even playing field in mind, a similar idea that was applied to LAMOT.
Where Nascar designed a body template, LAMOT put together a rules package that
allows more teams to compete on a more even playing field
at less cost by
instituting four key measures; the
use of longer lasting tires, less expensive shocks, less expensive
crate engines, and 93 octane pump gasoline from any gas station.
It was created in an effort to
restore asphalt late model racing at the grassroots level. The division set out
to reduce the weekly
costs 
while
making
the racing more competitive
to both new
teams looking to
run late models and experienced teams who became limited with rising
costs. The status quo late model rules resulted in a decrease of both weekly car
counts and special show counts. Prior to this division there were no late models running
weekly in Western New York. As a result, a group of drivers, owners, and tech
inspectors got together in the fall of 2007 to create a late model division for
the future that emphasized combining affordability with what were already high
performing (advanced) race cars. Two examples of the affordability are:
-Fixed costs ($3,300 engine and $115 shocks)
-Variable costs (tires that last longer and pump fuel).
It was evident over time that stagnant or even increasing purse payouts without making the rules more affordable were not the answers to combating the rising costs of racing and rebuilding healthy size fields.
How is it different from other weekly divisions?
Traditionally, a track owner/promoter and head tech inspector oversaw any rule changes. Upon analysis it was agreed that a collaborative effort can benefit both parties (track and division) to operate and promote the late model division. Input from an organized group of experienced late model division members and those who are new, but show a commitment to late model competition is an asset to maintaining the cost of racing in today's economy. The division was created by drivers for drivers. We also raise our own point fund and operate the website independently.
LAMOT was originally organized and made up of a Board of Directors with decades of experience in auto racing. However, the board is dynamic rather than static, in that the members of the board may change. Board members may or may not be involved with race teams that compete in the division. The criteria is simply a dedication to voluntarily contribute to the growth of the division.
As stated previously the board decides what rules are to be used. Each offseason the rulebook is thoroughly discussed and any changes are voted on. Each rule chosen or up for reform is only final after voted on by the board. No one person has more say than another, including whomever is President of the board at the time of a vote.
Tech inspections are completed by the track officials wherever the division competes. If a car is found to be illegal after post race tech inspection, or if there is a protest or claim problem, the board will only determine the penalty if it is not specified in the rulebook or addressed by track officials. If a board member is in anyway associated with the car in question (driver/owner) he/she will step down and another driver will sit in their place on the panel that makes the final decision.
Year end point fund money raised by the board is distributed at the Annual Holland Speedway Year-End Awards Banquet. The money distributed is spread more evenly across the qualifying drivers (competing in 80% of the races) than is traditionally paid out in an effort to award competition of many over the success of a few.
Board members are
available year-round. They can be reached by phone, email, or met
with in-person. In addition, a survey is always available for input. View
the printable survey in either format
or
.
A web-based form survey is also available here
.
How do I suggest a change to the rules?
The board encourages as much feedback as possible. Even if the comment is to express support for a current rule.
What kind of payout does the division receive?
Holland Speedway agreed to pay $200 per car. With this amount allotted it is dispersed much more evenly than traditional top heavy purses, because the entire purse is determined by the number of cars $125 was designated as the minimum paid to last place, which is a sufficient amount for teams not having to buy tires or expensive race fuel weekly.
The year end point fund (raised independently) is also spread more evenly to ALL teams competing in 80% of the scheduled races, and not just the top 5 or 10 finishers in the standings. We believe that each weekly competing team should be rewarded for their hard effort. See also point fund rules.
Why were the less expensive non-adjustable shocks chosen?
Some teams in the past were spending hundreds and even thousands of dollars on shocks, equipment and research to create a big advantage for those with more funding to test and refine their many different shock programs. The Bilstein shocks chosen are both reliable and cost effective at $115 each and are a non – adjustable type shock to ensure the competition is based more on the driver and setup than on cost. *Shocks may be switched out by tech officials and sent to the manufacturer for inspection at any time*
Shock cost comparison graph.
The 2010 Goodyear Eagle Tires are 10" wide. The left sides used by LAMOT are model #2677 and the right sides are model #2878. They are harder than the old racing tires commonly used in years past which wore out quicker. There is also a 12 tire allotment rule for the season to keep the cost down.
Tire cost comparison
graph.
Are the Goodyear Eagle tires any different than the older – more expensive tires run in the past?
The tires chosen are a harder compound and work well with the engine and shock combination. Other divisions make use of higher horsepower/more expensive engines with a softer tire compound resulting in higher engine and tire costs. By using the tires+shock+engine combination the power to grip relationship comes into play as much as if not more so than in the more expensive divisions, raising the element of driver skill as a factor. Sprint Cup Champion Driver and former late model competitor Matt Kenseth illustrated the power to grip factor in his guest editorial article Getting a Grip on Crates from the #1 Motorsports Magazine Dick Bergren's Speedway Illustrated.
Why use the GM Crate 602 instead of a GM Crate 604 as the engine?
The difference between the LAMOT legal 602 crate engine and a 604 crate engine is approximately 50hp or only 12%. The 602 works well when combined with the longer lasting and harder compound Goodyear tires. The GM Crate 602 has a lot of power and has been widely used in both dirt and asphalt divisions across the country. DIRT Sportsman and Fastrak Late Model divisions are two examples that have had great success with this engine. The 602 crate currently sells for $3,300 (plus tax). The lower cost and no-rebuild rule will allow more teams to move up to a late model class and even the playing field.
Drivers T.J. Johnson, Mike Ticco, and Jason Gwin all used their engines for 4 complete seasons from 2008-2011.
Cost breakdown: $3,300 total, divided by 4 seasons, = $850 per season. This breakdown does not include the cost of oil or valve springs (variable costs). It also does not factor in resale value if the engine is sold used.
If the GM Crate 602 engine can't be rebuilt, how can it last?
With the use of a rev-limiter chip, limiting the RPMs at 6,000, the stress on the engine is reduced. By checking the replaceable engine parts, which are listed in the rule book, this engine can last several seasons. Many DIRT and Fastrak teams have used their engines multiple seasons.
Where can I purchase a GM 602 Crate Engine?
The engine can be purchased at Emerling Chevrolet, where it will be sealed by LAMOT tech. Emerling is also one of our proud sponsors.
*Board Member Jerry Szalanski handles the sales of the sealed GM 602 engines for the division. To purchase a new sealed crate engine for competition, please contact Jerry directly at 716-863-0598 and he will make arrangements for you.
Will I get stuck with a GM Crate 602 if I no longer race?
We are the first exclusive GM Crate 602 engine in asphalt late models in the area, however because the motor is widely used by both dirt and asphalt divisions throughout WNY and the country, its resale is in higher demand than any other type of open or crate race engine. The motor can also be sold to current or future teams.
What other engine components are needed for the GM Crate 602?
The teams have their choice of two different 4-barrell, 650 CFM, carburetors as long as they are Holley Box Stock. The part numbers are the 4777 or the 0-80541-1. The 4777 is typically used on dirt with the 602 engine and the 0-80541-1 is the same used in most 604 crate engine divisions. If you are building a late model from scratch or have a custom built engine this component may be needed.
How does the cost compare to other divisions?
In addition to saving money on the engine, shocks, the yearly tire and race fuel bill and with various other rules in place, we partnered with Howe Enterprises for a discount on a new chassis (at any stage) to all division members. Details.
A new car or chassis can be bought at any stage of completion by companies such as Howe Enterprises. Also, since late models are the most commonly run division across North America, there is always a healthy supply of used cars for sale. Late model parts are easy to obtain, most commonly ordered through local dealers, and similar if not less in cost to modified divisions.
Most classic appearing V-8 running stock cars require stripping and the building of a roll cage for a car that uses 20+ year old components. The availability of the components, although cheap, and can be found in a junk yard, are becoming rare with time. Many of these lower level stock classes are now allowing aftermarket parts which are comparable in cost to late model parts.
We have drivers that previously competed in the following divisions with knowledge of the comparison of costs:
Go-Kart, 4-Cylinder, Street Stock, Super Stock, Charger, Cup Lite, late model, and Sportsman Modifieds.
The bodies used by the late models are exactly the same as other asphalt late models across the country. The chassis's are offset tube frames and are also no different than those being raced across the country. On a 3/8 mile banked oval track such as Holland Speedway, the cars are running lap times that are only a few tenths of a second slower than the old late models ran (when the cars are at equal weight and left side percentage), with their more expensive motors, shock programs and traditional race tires that drop off in performance after one race.I'm interested in competing, what is my next step?
If you are new to asphalt late models it is recommended that you have a racing budget configured first. If need be the next step would be to contact any board member to get an idea of what equipment (car, chassis type, etc.) is preferred and in your budget. *Not all used late models for sale are equal or ideal*
There are always used late models posted for sale in the for sale forums. Once you have the equipment needed to race do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the building of your car or during the season for FREE setup assistance. You can even come visit the shops of some of our current teams to get an in-person detailed look at the equipment they use.
Is there a membership fee to join?
No, the board and staff operate voluntarily. Team profiles on the website are also free of charge for drivers to share their background, racing stats, pictures, give sponsor recognition, etc. on the Team Profile Form
How can I advertise with the division?
Simply fill out the form linked here and you will be contacted promptly. Because cost is a high priority for our competitors it is equally as important for us to be flexible with dedicated businesses owners interested in marketing with us.
Visit www.lamotracing.com or www.hollandspeedway.com for more information
© LAMOT inc. 2008-2012