Figure 8 racing is a form of stock car racing in which automobiles race on a track that purposely intersects itself, increasing the risk of collisions. Figure 8 racing is most common and popular in the United States and Canada. With the advent of auto-dueling, Figure-8 Racing has lost most of its national appeal (ie TV coverage). However, it still holds appeal at local venues and is still VERY popular with back yard mechanics and young people looking to increase their driving skills.
Racing is done on a track shaped like an 8. The cars cross paths at the center of the 8, which is known as the “crossover” or the “X”. Because of this layout, crashes are common. Figure 8 racing is a unique form of motorsport that requires strict attention to detail and timing to successfully navigate the crossover. In Canada, figure 8 racing often takes place as a part of demolition derby events.
The green berms in the “holes” and at the pinch are 5′ tall and should be considered a dirt wall.
Figure 8 track racing began right after World War II, in the late 1940s. The track may have had an overpass so that the cars did not cross each other’s paths. Most historians believe that the first track where drivers crossed paths was the 1/5 mile-long Indianapolis Speedrome.The sport received nationwide publicity when it was frequently televised on ABC’s Wide World of Sports in the 1960s, usually from Islip Speedway in Islip, New York.
Local fairgrounds in Iowa began offering figure-8 races as part of the County Fair attractions in the early 1970s. Though demolition derbies had been part of fair entertainment following the second World War, Figure-8 racing was embraced by the rural population as there was move driving skill involved than just surviving your typical demolition derby. Locals enjoyed the relatively inexpensive family entertainment and the chance to cheer on family, friend or neighbors.
Cars were typically late-model stock vehicles that were stripped of everything NOT needed for the actual movement of the vehicle. Interiors were gutted and replaced with a roll cage. All seats but the driver’s were removed. After-market parts that improved the performance of the vehicle were usually not allowed by local track rules. Figure-8 racing continued across the state of Iowa throughout the trouble of the early-21st century as folks need SOME sort of diversion to take their minds off of troubles.. Even after the decriminalization of death in arena sports, Figure-8 racing remained a bastion of driving skill and the safety of drivers was still paramount. After all, you didn’t want to be the one who killed the county’s only (insert your own vital job) and cloning was only available to the “Big City” folk.
After “Crazy Joe” won the Fresno Demo Derby in 2023, the Iowa Figure-8 Racing Association (IF8RA) decided to allow mounted weaponry at Figure-8 races as well in keeping with the times. Although this new sport of “Autodueling” was popular with the locals, some felt it lacked the skill of a good Figure-8 race. Autoduels were held until the passage of the “Anti-Autoduel Act” of 2024 (See the Car Wars Iowa Timeline for more information). With Auto-dueling banned in the state, short track races and many variations of Figure-8 racing once again became a prominent County Fair attraction. This Figure-8 track is the closest one to Uni, IA.
15 miles west and 7 miles south of Uni, IA (via US20 & IA14)
AADA advisory route is considered safe during daylight hours, but US20 is poor to average road condition, IA14 is rated as poor road condition.
Race Types:
Even with the re-legalization of autodueling within the state borders, weaponized Figure-8 racing has never caught on, though some venues will hold a full-on autoduel events. Of course, ram plates and defensive dropped weapons are not considered weapons, a driver just runs the risk of running over and into his or her dropped weapons on the next lap. A typical venue will hold various types of events through the course of the season.
Figure-8 – run against vehicles of similar body styles. Yes, any body style, Figure-8 races have regularly been run with compacts up through pickups and vans (one enterprising promoter even ran a race with semi-tractors). However, you will NEVER find a pick-up in a sports car class. Races are usually run with 8 vehicles / 4-lap heat with the top 8 finishers for the night competing in a 10-lap finale. Repairs to vehicles CAN be attempted after your heat but must be finished before the feature. Vehicles are stripped to the bare minimum and are usually metal armor.
Vehicles are positioned approximately as seen in Fig 1. IRL cars enter from the “Entrance” make one complete 10 m.p.h. circuit of the track and are stopped by the officials as close to that starting grid as possible. Cars start from a dead stop at the waving of the green flag. First vehicle to finish four laps wins the heat. The checkered flag is waved for the winner and all other cars must come to halt. Cars stuck in the mud, disabled, or otherwise unmovable are left on the track until the end of the race and then are towed off.
Refs Note: Start each with an exact copy, body style, armor type, power plant, and tires and a roll cage. Give each player the same amount of cash for upgrades.
Enduro – same class rules as Figure-8, but the winner is the LAST vehicle still operable.
Trailer Race – similar to Figure-8 but each vehicle is towing a 10′-15′ trailer. If your trailer is detached you must leave from the first available exit. Winner MUST be still towing a “trailer”; minimum 1 point of armor on the bottom, one attached wheel, and still be connected to the towing vehicle. Trailers at start must have at least two wheels and 1 point of armor at each location. Trailers have a maximum weight of 1,000 pounds.
School Bus – Old retired School busses. No modifications. Ref should stat out one bus and give identical copies to each player.
Grundy County Speedway Layout
Guard Shack (5 DP) Usually empty on race day. It is kept locked. Pretty standard guard shack equipment inside.
Ticket Booth (5 DP) Manned on Race Day. They make sure all citizen carried weapons do not violate the GCS rules of carry-in by ticket holders. Guns only, no rockets, no grenades, no lasers, etc. When races are not being held a gate is drawn across the open walkway.
Restrooms (10 DP Cinder Block Building) Do I really need to describe what happens in here?
Concession Stand (10 DP Cinder Block Building). Standard County Fair food, Popcorn, Fried things on Sticks, Soda Pop, Beer (18 and older only) etc.
Grandstand and Bleachers. Paid spectators sit in the grandstand and non-racing drivers and crew sit in the bleachers.
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