Legends cars give racing fans touch of automotive history
by Paul D. Matson, reporter

    The cost of auto-racing has become so prohibitive few people have the money to get involved, but in recent years a new division of motor-sports has emerged, giving the average person a chance to be in the winner’s circle.

    Legends Cars—5/8-scale, fiberglass, full-fendered replicas of the original “jalopies” they imitate—offer that possibility.

    These cars are not as expensive as other forms of racing. Many racers do not use pit-crews or have corporate sponsors.

    These cars are designed to race on shorter courses, usually one-half mile or less in length, and are much less expensive to buy and maintain.

    Now the fastest growing division in racing, Legends first premiered at the former Charlotte Motor Speedway, now Lowe’s Motor Speedway, in April 1992.

    Legends Cars have four divisions: Pro Division for the professional driver, Masters Division for drivers 40 and up, Semi-Pro Division for the beginning driver or the driver who has been inactive in other areas of racing and Young Lions Division for drivers 12-16.

T    he largest producer of racecars in the world, 600 Racing Inc. of Harrisburg, North Carolina, produces the Legends Cars. An estimated 3,500 Legends Cars exist today.

    After research showed 30-40 percent of all racecars were not on the tracks due to soaring expenses, 600 Racing Inc. began an accelerated research and development program to build an affordable racecar and is promoting a “family-oriented” sport.

According to the mission statement of the Legends Cars Series,     “Legends Cars are created by 600 Racing, Inc. and sanctioned by INEX, Corp., to provide a fun and affordable racing opportunity in which anyone (experienced and inexperienced) can compete. This series is an attempt to fight the high costs involved in racing, and the rules will be strictly enforced to ensure safety and cost control.”

    The Legends Cars recently made an appearance at the Texas Motor Speedway. Fans of the cars were able to get a first-hand look at the cars in action.