CARTERSVILLE, GA – The 2012 NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series rules have been posted on the series web site at www.nesmithracing.com. There are four updates to the 2012 rules that include the areas of weight, valve springs, mufflers, and roof supports.

The first rule update for 2012 involves the weight for race cars powered by the GM Performance 604 aluminum-head engine. The weight has been changed from 2,350 pounds to 2,300 pounds in the name of safety.

"We decided to lighten the cars up a little, as so many racers are having to bolt on so much lead to make weight,” NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series Competition/Technical Director Tim Sims said. “We felt from a safety stand point it was the right thing to do at this time, and 2300 pounds is currently the industry standard for dirt late models as well. This will help some drivers transition with a simple engine change and basically not have to re-invent their race car."

The second update involves valve spring install heights that coincide with an update from GM Performance Parts. The changes are outlined in the rules through a chart, and are designed to keep the durability of the valve springs.

"After a lot of research, conferring with our authorized rebuilder's, and GM, we came to the conclusion that often times a .020" maximum shim was not enough to get the valve springs to the correct and recommended install height,” Sims said. “Both GM and I agree getting the valve springs to the proper install height will help eliminate some of the remaining durability issues. We don't feel this is a performance advantage in any way, but this update and correction will have the valve springs operating in the range they are intended to work at."

The muffler update is a clarification of what type of mufflers are to be used at NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series events that require their use. Mufflers will be required at the first three Touring events of the 2012 season at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, FL on February 2, 3, and 4. The roof support update involves the measurement of the curve or arc of the roof supports.

To view the 2012 NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series rules, visit the series web site at www.nesmithracing.com and click the Rules button on the left side of the Home page. The rules can be viewed in a PDF format that can be easily printed out.

For more information about the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series visit the series web site at www.nesmithracing.com, or visit the series on Facebook at NeSmith Racing. Becoming a fan of the NeSmith Racing Facebook page will make you eligible for special prizes that will be given away each month. You can follow us on Twitter @NeSmithRacing.


NeSmith Chevrolet, Buick, GMC of Claxton, GA is the Title Sponsor of the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series. NeSmith Chevrolet, Buick, GMC is the nation’s number one GM Powertrain Dealer four years running, with free delivery anywhere in the Southeast. GM Performance Parts is an Official Sponsor of the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series. Hoosier Racing Tire is the Official Tire Sponsor of the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series. VP Racing Fuel is the Official Racing Fuel of the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series. Hedman Hedders is the Official Hedder of the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series and the Hedman Husler Award sponsor. RockAuto.com is an Official Sponsor of the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series. NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series Contingency Sponsors for 2012 are Dominator Race Products, Race Car Engineering, KRC, QA 1 Precision Products, Modern Images, Mike Custom Tanks, Shorty’s Shock Service, Schoenfeld Headers, Integra Racing Shocks, J.T. Kerr Racing Equipment, Cofields Racing Starters, Kinser Air Filters, Trak-Star Race Cars, Warrior Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, GRT Race Cars, TNT Race Cars, and Stinger Race Cars.