Considering the various series, racing engines are about as different as the cars they power. In the case of premier motorsports series, four types of race engines have been typically employed. These versions are identified as normally aspirated injected, turbocharged and blown.
Normally Aspirated
Normally-aspirated engines operate on the basis of normally pressurized air being drawn into the engine, then mixed with a regulated amount of fuel. The resultant air/fuel combination is then pushed into a combustion chamber and, consequently, creates power by moving the crankcase and pistons. Engines of this type are typically seen on NASCAR racetracks each weekend, although there are a number of other race series, including Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) events that employ this type of engine. Power generated can range from 100 up to 1000 horsepower, depending on the displacement of the engine.
Injected
Injected, or more formally referred to as fuel-injected, engines are similar to normally aspirated engines, with the exception of how fuel is managed and metered within the engine. In this case, an electronic component, referred to an electronic control unit or ECU, delivers the right amount of fuel required based on the position of a digital throttle position sensor. Engines like this are typically seen in American Le Mans Series (ALMS) events nearly every weekend, in addition to finding these engines in various SCCA classes. Power generated can typically range from 200 up to 900 horsepower.
Turbocharged
Turbocharged engines utilize similar normally aspirated and fuel-injected bottom-end mechanical components. However, in the case of charged systems, air is drawn into the engine and, subsequently, experiences enhanced air volume by employing a mechanical complex that integrates a powered turbine and a supporting compressor. Prior to 1996, turbocharged engines were regularly mounted in the rear of race cars in the Indy Car Series; however, the engine configuration was eliminated when the sanctioning body altered its technical specifications in 1997. Regardless, the configuration proved its mettle for nearly 20 years by making dependable power ranging from 600 up to 1000 horsepower throughout that time.
Blown
Blown engines are the most exotic of all race engine configurations. Aside from the pure engineering innovation associated these kinds of powerplants, they also produce the most pure horsepower. The use of the word "blown" refers to the application of a belt-driven "blower unit" that creates a powerful inlet vacuum to increase the speed of air being drawn into a pressurized plenum that sits below the unit. Subsequently, this pressurized air is mixed with the appropriate fuel and, consequently, is pushed into the combustion chamber. Blown engines can be seen every weekend at dragstrips across the country. These engines are capable of generating power on the order of 6000 horsepower in the case of Nitro Dragsters or Funny Cars. And this degree of power is capable of moving these cars from a standing start, to well over 300 mph in under four seconds.
Alternative
Until now, the only way to generate speed from a race car was to put some kind of petroleum-based fuel in the engine and light it in order to create combustion. However, beginning in 2008, the world changed significantly when Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH ("Gumpert") fielded the first lithium-powered plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for racing. The car was driven by former Formula One driver Heinz Harald Frentzen and run at the June 2008 24 Hours Du Mans. Since then, additional hybrid or PHEV cars have begun to appear on the racetrack. For example, this year Corsa Ginetta-Zytek fielded a hybrid in the ALMS series at Lime Rock in July, and there are at least two other prototype cars, either in development or already being track tested.
A roll bar is a welded metal frame that is attached to a car to prevent physical harm to passengers. A race car needs to have a durable roll bar attached properly to avoid driver injury during a serious collision. It is important to learn how to install a roll bar in your race car without damaging the vehicle body.
Things You'll Need:
Drill
Installation kit
Screws
Chalk
Step 1
Remove the front and rear seats in your race car before you install a roll bar. The empty space in the car allows you to maneuver the roll bar into the passenger door from the inside. Leave the passenger and rear seats out after installation is complete to keep your car light.
Step 2
Strip the plastic trim and carpet from the interior of your race car to aid installation of your roll bar. You will need to drill directly into the car frame to install the roll bar. Store the carpet elsewhere in the garage to avoid stains and damage during replacement.
Step 3
Lift the roll bar from the garage floor, with the help of a friend, to begin installation. Use the passenger side door to navigate the roll bar into the cockpit without hitting the gauges and steering wheel.
Step 4
Set your roll bar down on a few different spots before you drill holes into the car frame to find the right fit. The roll bar should fit naturally along the top of the rear window, the bottom of the rear window and the stripped car floor. Outline the roll bar with a light chalk line to provide guidance for drilling.
Step 5
Drill holes within the boundaries of your chalk outline to begin the final stage of installing a roll bar. Use a heavy-duty drill to cut through the car's metal frame without getting the drill bit stuck.
Step 6
Apply a few screws to the roll bar from the cockpit to set the bar in place as you finish installation on the exterior. Place a screw at each corner of the roll bar for temporary stabilization during work on the external plates.
Step 7
Lock your roll bar in place with external screws and metal plates. You will drill several holes through the bottom of the car as well as the rear wheel wells during installation. External bolts keep your roll bar in place while you install the internal bolts before taking to the race track.
Rally racing is one of the oldest types of auto racing, dating back to the first Paris rally in 1911. It differs from other types of car racing in that it is held on public or private roads, as opposed to a circuit. Rally races also involve different stages of the race, during which drivers are required to reach checkpoints at specified times. When you learn to rally race, you will need to stress driving precision over pure acceleration.
Things You'll Need:
Co-driver
Map of rally race
Rally car
Designated safety equipment
Participate in a Rally Race
Step 1
Choose a competent co-driver. Both you and your co-driver should not only possess excellent driving skills, but also a keen sense of time and direction, not to mention the ability to read a map.
Step 2
Decide the type of rally race in which you want to compete. A stage rally may require fast, efficient driving through specific stages of the race. A road rally is a pure form of the sport, in which you will be expected to arrive at specific checkpoints during designated times. The latter form of rallying is considered even more challenging because it relies on the driving team's knowledge of the area and the ability to overcome obstacles.
Step 3
Consider the type of road surface on which you will be competing, and match your rally car to that type of course. While many rallies are held on public roads, some are conducted on dirt, sand or even ice and snow. Choosing a vehicle that has four-wheel drive and a rugged suspension should be considered mandatory when preparing for a rally race.
Step 4
Find out which type of safety equipment may be required for the rally race. This may include a roll cage, racing seat belts, fire extinguishers and even fireproof suits and helmets. Check with the racing organization that is sponsoring the rally to find out about specific requirements.
Step 5
Plan for the practical side of the rally race, especially if it's an endurance race, by considering how you will eat, drink and go to the bathroom in a manner that will not compromise your race times. While many rally racers bring a collection of bottles for their needs, some experienced drivers actually wear adult diapers.
n today’s ultra competitive motor sports arena, you are sure to find a track you will like if you participate in a rally car race. This form of racing involves a type of vehicle that can go from dirt roads, to river crossings, to high-speed paved road races, making it the most diverse form of motor sports available today. The perfect rally car is small, lightweight, and able to handle the quick turns and road conditions. Here’s how to make a rally car.
Things you’ll need:
Chassis
Roll cage
Engine components
Wheels
Tires
Hand tools
Welder
Step 1
You can make a great rally car from quite a few selections of manufacturer’s street model vehicles like the Ford Focus, VW Jetta, Honda Civic and other body frame styles that can handle, sharp turns and still go fast. This type of vehicle makes the best rally car.
Step 2
Because rally road races are performed at extreme speeds and in difficult driving conditions, a roll cage is a must in the event of accidents, roll-overs or collisions with obstacles you may find in your path to a win. Have a roll cage installed so that you have the protection you need in the event of an accident.
Step 3
Though you can take a stock Ford Focus to a rally race, you will surely not win without boosting the performance of your stock engine. Air intakes, brakes, computer controlled fuel systems and performance exhausts all add to your rally car's performance. Be sure you take the time to build more horsepower with improved engine components.
Step 4
Because your new rally car will be expected to traverse a multitude of different road conditions, you will need a set of tires and wheels that work well under the expected conditions. By fitting your new rally race car with quality wheels and tires you will increase you chances of winning it all, or losing control if you don’t include this important piece of rally car equipment.
Step 5
Every winning race car has been tested and tuned prior to performing at its best levels. Now that you learned how to build a rally car you are ready to be safe while you compete for rally race trophies, and prize money. Be sure to test your new rally car for as many quality checks as you have added to the original chassis and engine. Welds, connections, nuts, bolts, gaskets, o-rings and dip sticks need to be check for their performance when able. Now that you have done all the work, get ready to enjoy the new experience of running in a rally car race.
, depending on the displacement of the engine. 
