The History Of The European Late Model Series

The European Late Model Series was designed to bring the ideals of American stockcar racing to Europe. We believe the ingredients for a successful motor racing series are: entertainment for the fans and the drivers alike; a multi-format media offensive to ensure teams and their marketing partners get top value for money, and fast, high-power race cars with real presence that are cheap to buy, run and maintain.

There are many American Late Model stockcars in Europe and we felt it was time to bring them together to race on the ovals of Europe.

What is a Late Model?

According the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles, a Late Model vehicle is defined as:

• A vehicle 8,000 pounds or less, manufactured in one of the last six model years, or
• A vehicle 8,001 pounds or more, manufactured in one of the last 16 model years

Late Model racing is the highest level of stockcar racing run by most oval track organisations in the USA. There are many varieties, all with very significant differences. Some classes of Late Models race on dirt, some race on asphalt. They vary in performance too; some classes have unlimited engines and some use the conventional Pinto four cylinder engine found in most UK stockcars. The majority of Late Model formulae require the use of a V8 crate engine, as found in the CAMSO Late Models of Belgium.

Asphalt Late Model racing is a common stepping-stone for drivers on their way to the top echelons of NASCAR racing. NASCAR has its own touring and regional Late Model championships for drivers to progress through on their way to Craftsman Truck Series, Nationwide Series or the Sprint Cup.
The cars

Almost any American stockcar can compete. The Series’ technical committee has a range of performance-limiting augmentations to impose on cars in order to create an even playing field.

Chassis:

All chassis must be approved by the European Late Model Series. Current approved chassis include Howe, Lefthander and Tanner. To seek approval for another chassis manufacturer, please contact the European Late Model Series.

Engines:

Only V8s need apply here! The current cars racing in the series use Chevrolet engines.

Tyres:

To help control cost, the European Late Model Series uses control racing slick tyres. The amount of tyres a team can purchase for the season is limited.

Body types:

Only approved American stockcar body types are allowed.

Click Here for more detailed information on the 2012 Rules and Regulations

The future

In 2012 the European Late Model Series intends to increase the number of races held in the UK and expand the Series to include races at Venray and Lelystad in the Netherlands

It is our aim to combine top-level oval racing with the media presence of top-level circuit racing, creating a package which has never been seen before in Europe and can cost less than club circuit racing or Hotrods.