Unlocking the Thrill: Exploring the Accessible World of US Legend Car Racing

For those who dream of a life in motorsport, talent and willpower can only go so far. Opportunity, coaching, and finances also play a major part in finding an entry to racing. To learn more about what might be the single most approachable forms of motorsport other than small-displacement motorcycles, I recently visited Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway to drive a US Legend race car on the circuit's quarter-mile infield oval track.

Unleash Your Racing Passion on a Budget

The Humble Beginnings of US Legend Cars

The US Legend Cars International was founded with a vision to create an affordable and accessible racing platform. As explained by Graham Smith, the grandson of the company's founder Ollen Bruton Smith, the original idea was to build a race car that cost about as much as a bass fishing boat, using easy-to-find parts. This led to the incorporation of components like the Celica rear differential, shock dampers, and a cable throttle, all contributing to the "humble man's race car" concept.Over the years, the US Legend recipe has evolved, but the core principles of simplicity and affordability remain. The cars are powered by a Yamaha FZ-09 triple-cylinder engine, capable of producing around 135 horsepower, and weigh approximately 1,100 pounds. The tube-frame chassis and retro-styled body provide a raw and connected driving experience, harkening back to an era before advanced technologies dominated the sport.

Mastering the Primitive Controls

Stepping into the US Legend car, I was immediately struck by the minimalist and demanding nature of the controls. The thin-rimmed steering wheel, touchy clutch, and unassisted brakes required my full attention as I adjusted to the car's responsive acceleration and turn-in characteristics. The primitive setup, with its lack of power steering, traction control, or refined suspension, forced me to find a flow and adapt my driving style quickly.As I gained confidence and experience, I began to understand the nuances of the car's behavior. I learned to sense when the outside tires were picking up grip, allowing me to carry more speed through the wide arcs of the oval. Adjusting my line and throttle application to avoid the tricky dips and bumps on the track became a crucial part of my learning process.

Safety and Longevity: The Backbone of US Legend Cars

One of the standout features of the US Legend car is its exceptional safety record. According to Graham Smith, the chassis has been built by the same team in Harrisburg, North Carolina, since the company's inception in 1992. These experienced technicians take great pride in ensuring the cars are not only consistent but also incredibly safe, even in the event of a severe accident.The simplicity and durability of the US Legend car also contribute to its long-term viability. Ricky Schlick, the owner of Ricky Schlick Racing, informed me that a set of tires can realistically last an entire season, and some of the earliest customers still race in their original chassis. This low-maintenance approach helps to keep the overall cost of racing a US Legend car remarkably affordable, especially when compared to more advanced racing platforms.

Versatility and Accessibility: Oval or Road Course, Novice or Veteran

The US Legend car's versatility is another key aspect of its appeal. While I experienced the car on the quarter-mile oval at Kern Raceway, Schlick shared that he spends the winter months racing on the Silver State Road Course Series in Nevada, followed by the oval events at Irwindale Speedway in Southern California from March to October.The car's simplicity and forgiving nature make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced drivers. Schlick explained that while the cars can be raced by children and teenagers, adult novices are required to run in a series of classes to prove their competence before joining the main field. This ensures a safe and competitive environment for all participants.

Realizing Your Racing Dreams on a Budget

For those aspiring to experience the thrill of motorsport, the US Legend car presents a compelling and accessible option. With a starting price of $17,500 for the car, and minimal additional costs for consumables like fuel, tires, and brakes, the financial barrier to entry is significantly lower than that of more advanced racing platforms.While the retro looks and rudimentary performance might not appeal to everyone, the US Legend car offers a unique opportunity to live out the dreams of NASCAR, IndyCar, or Formula 1 racing, without the astronomical price tag. The combination of affordability, safety, and a pure driving experience makes the US Legend car a standout choice for those seeking to immerse themselves in the world of motorsport.