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Expert: - 6/13/2004


Question
Why do most, if not all, races conducted have the race cars travel in a counter-clockwise direction around the track?  I know most dirt tracks pack the track in the opposite direction of the actual race.  Just curious.

Answer
Hi Dwight !

I believe it's more from tradition than anything else.  I believe also that in the very few circle track races on other continents, some of them may be run in a clockwise direction.
  
Most road races are run in a clockwise direction, hence we do more right turns than left,  but we have more fun- - -we get to do both !

Hope my comments are a help !

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida  

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Dan Liddy

Expertise

Anything concerning race cars, 20 years competition experience, Senior Competition Driver Instructor , car builder, mechanic, welding, fabrication, tuning , engine modifications, set up, suspension design. Specializing in Datsun/Nissan products. Please submit questions about RACE CARS ONLY. No street cars, no video game scenarios Thank you.

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I have been racing for 20 years, I have been the Central Florida SCCA Regional Championship points for 5 years running, and won the championship in my class 2 times. During my first start in the 60's I won many solo awards and the State Championship Drags. I serve as a senior instructor for SCCA, and have taught in Mercedes AMG events at Daytona, and Dodge Viper Days at Sebring International. I have been in the thick of the competition for all of my career. At one time or another I have driven race cars at speeds nearing 195 MPH. It's quite a ride !

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