🎮 Join Our Discord Community! 🏁

We have over 100 dirt track racers waiting to answer your questions and help you out!


what is a B-main in dirt track racing? A beginner’s guide

If you’re new to dirt racing—whether you’re a first-time driver, a racing family, or a fan in the stands—you’ll hear “B-main” a lot. This guide explains what is a B-main in dirt track racing, why it matters, and how it works at a typical weekly show or touring event. You’ll learn the format, transfer spots, strategy, safety, costs, and the common mistakes to avoid so you can make the A-feature more often.

what is a B-main in dirt track racing and why it matters

  • A B-main (often called a “consi” or LCQ—Last Chance Qualifier) is a qualifying race run after heats to decide the last few starting spots in the A-main (the feature).
  • It matters because if you don’t transfer directly from your heat, the B-main is your second chance to make the big show.
  • Fans get an intense, high-stakes race. Drivers get a short, aggressive sprint where every position can be the difference between loading up or racing for the win money.

How a B-main works on race night: step-by-step

Note: Formats vary by track and series. Always check the drivers’ meeting or posted race format.

  1. Registration and lineups
  • You’ll pill draw or time trial to set heat race lineups.
  • Heats run first. A set number of drivers (for example, top 3–4) transfer straight to the A-main.
  1. Sorting to the B-main
  • Drivers who didn’t transfer from heats go to one or more B-mains (B1, B2, etc.).
  • The lineup is usually based on heat finish and/or passing points/time trial results.
  1. Transfer spots
  • The posted format will list how many cars transfer from the B-main (commonly 2–8, depending on division and car count).
  • Example: 40 cars, 24 start the A. Heats lock in 16; B-main takes 6; series or track adds 2 provisionals.
  1. Laps and cautions
  • Lap counts are short (e.g., 10–20 laps). Caution laps typically do not count at weekly shows.
  • Expect quick restarts, sometimes single-file if cautions are frequent. A green-white-checkered finish is possible.
  1. Provisionals
  • Some series award “provisionals” based on points or promoter choice. Provisionals add to the A-main without racing in on transfer.
  • Don’t assume you have one—ask at the drivers’ meeting.
  1. Post-B-main logistics
  • If you transfer, hustle to scales/tech if required.
  • Be ready to adjust setup quickly. The A-main often rolls soon after.

Key things beginners should know

  • Know the number: Memorize how many transfer spots are available tonight. Crew should display hand signals or a pit board reminder on pace laps.
  • Race control rules: Learn the restart cone procedure, jump rules, and black-flag policy. Small mistakes here end nights.
  • Read the board: Check the pit board or Raceceiver announcements for staging calls and lineup corrections.
  • Aggression with control: The B-main rewards decisive passes—but one overly desperate slider can end your night and cost others theirs.
  • Fitness and hydration: Short races are high-intensity. Hydrate and breathe on cautions. Heat stress sneaks up on beginners.

Safety notes

  • Keep your belts tight, window net up, and visor/tear-offs ready for heavy roost.
  • Don’t crowd safety crews after a crash. Kill the ignition and follow instructions.
  • Respect yellow flag zones. Officials remember who cooperates under caution.

Equipment, gear, and costs for a B-main

What you need

  • Tires: Bring at least one decent RR for the B-main. If you’re confident you’ll transfer, save your best for the A—but don’t handicap yourself out of the show.
  • Fuel: Top off for heats and B-main; cautions are short, and extra laps add up. Running out under yellow happens more than you think.
  • Spares: Front bumper, tie-rod, and RR wheel/tire. Light contact is common.
  • Cooling: Fan shrouds and clean radiators. You may hot-lap, run a heat, then a B, then an A—heat soak matters.

Costs to consider

  • Extra laps = extra wear on engine, tires, brakes, and fuel.
  • If you burn your best tire to make the A-main and start 20th, plan ahead: can you still finish the A on that tire?
  • Entry fees sometimes include all sessions, but some specials charge per division or per day. Ask at registration.

What you don’t need (yet)

  • Exotic compounds or qualifying-only “sticker” sets at a weekly show. Consistency and finishing matter more than bolt-on heroics.

Expert tips to improve faster

  • Start position plan: If you start deep, aim for halves—get to mid-pack by Lap 3, then attack for the last transfer. Break the job into steps.
  • Nail the launch: Roll to the start in the right gear, steady throttle, steer straight. Wheelspin loses two rows; that’s your whole night.
  • Pass with purpose: Slide where you can clear-and-go. Half-slides invite crossovers and cautions. If it’s not there, diamond the corner and exit low with drive.
  • Read the lane early: Watch the heats. If the cushion’s fast but ragged, a calm middle-lane arc can pass wrecks and win a transfer.
  • Protect the transfer: Once in a transfer spot, don’t get conservative—just remove risk. Hit marks, avoid door-to-door in sketchy entries, and manage restarts cleanly.
  • Use restarts: Choose the row with the slower lead car. Time your throttle so you’re at full grip just as the leader goes.
  • Setup tweaks for a B-main:
    • Slightly tighter car if the track is slicking off; it’s easier to finish with a tick of push than with a snap-loose exit.
    • Don’t over-tighten; you still need to pass.
    • Check stagger and ride heights after packing and the heat.

Common beginner mistakes

  • Not knowing the transfer count and racing the wrong car. Always know who you must beat.
  • Missing staging or being late to grid. You’ll get scratched; no refund on effort.
  • Overdriving corner entry. Dive-bombing creates push-loose cycles and kills exits.
  • Burning the best tire in the B with no plan for the A. Manage tire life on a dry-slick.
  • Jumping restarts or changing lanes before the cone. Officials are strict; a penalty erases your transfer.
  • Ignoring Raceceiver or lineup instructions. One avoidable DQ ruins the night.
  • Skipping scales/tech after the B-main. Automatic DQ in many places.

FAQs

Q: Is a B-main the same as an LCQ? A: Mostly, yes. Many tracks use “B-main,” “consolation,” or “LCQ” to mean the last-chance race to make the feature.

Q: How many cars transfer from a B-main? A: It varies. Weekly shows might take 2–6; big events can take more. The drivers’ meeting or posted format will list the exact number.

Q: Do B-main winners get paid or points? A: Often yes, but less than the A-main. Some tracks pay start money and points for B-mains. Check the payout sheet and rules.

Q: How long is a B-main? A: Typically 10–20 laps, depending on division and car count. Touring series might run longer for top classes.

Q: Can I get a provisional if I miss the transfer? A: Only if the series or track offers one and you meet criteria (points, past champion, promoter’s choice). It’s never guaranteed.

Q: Do caution laps count in a B-main? A: Usually no at weekly dirt shows, but confirm at the drivers’ meeting. Some specials/series have unique rules.

Conclusion

The B-main is your pressure-cooker path to the A-feature: short laps, fierce racing, and zero wasted moves. Learn the format, know the transfer count, and race with smart aggression. Show up early, listen to race control, and execute a simple plan—start well, pass with purpose, protect the transfer. That’s how you turn “last chance” into “see you in the A.”

Optional suggested images

  • Photo: Packed B-main field charging into Turn 1 at sunset (wide shot).
  • Diagram: Typical event flow—Qualifying/Heats → B-main(s) → A-main.
  • Close-up: Driver adjusting belts and tear-offs on grid before the B-main.