THE OFFICIAL RULEBOOK
 

The ABC (Approved Body Configuration) Body Program was developed to institute an industry-wide standard for the design, construction, and technical inspection of bodies utilized in offset template late models across North America. To align with the ABC program's objectives, leading body manufacturers have committed to crafting aerodynamically identical bodies, following guidelines of the ABC Body Program.

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Uniform body rules across tracks nationwide will facilitate larger fields for special events, attracting cars from diverse series and tracks. This streamlined approach simplifies technical processes, reduces confusion, benefiting everyone involved!

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Contained within this rulebook are program goals, comprehensive guidelines and dimensions necessary for the assembly and technical inspection of ABC bodies.

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MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE ABC PROGRAM

The ABC Program is dedicated to promoting fair competition, cost efficiency, and innovation within the short track racing industry. By uniting body manufacturers under a shared commitment to aerodynamic equality, industry-standard dimensions, and balanced design principles, the program ensures a level playing field for racers while maintaining the integrity of late model racing.

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GOALS OF THE ABC PROGRAM
 

1.  Body Design Standards
   
   a. Develop and produce race car bodies that are aerodynamically equal across manufacturers, affordable, durable, and balanced, meeting the appearance and dimensional requirements of the ABC Program and short tracks nationwide.
   
   b. Ensure compatibility of bodies with the standard offset-style chassis commonly used in short track racing.
   
   c. Adhere to established industry-standard dimensions for all body designs.
   
   d. Implement design criteria requiring bodies to fit exclusively one way onto chassis, eliminating creative mounting techniques that could provide aerodynamic advantages.
    

2. Aerodynamic Integrity
   
   Identify critical areas of the body that, when altered, impact aerodynamic performance. Develop templates and inspection tools that are user-friendly and ensure precise control of these key areas.
    

3. Universal Manufacturing Criteria
   
   Create standardized templates, dimensions, and construction guidelines for all participating manufacturers. Enable approved manufacturers to produce and sell bodies that uphold the program’s objectives of uniformity and fairness while preserving the desired appearance of race cars.
    

4. Regulation and Enforcement
   
   Assign responsibility to sanctioning bodies, promoters of special short track events, and local tracks to enforce ABC Program body rules consistently.
    

• Maintain compliance to the ABC standards to ensure fairness and cost reduction for racers by eliminating the need for research into aerodynamic manipulation.​
   

• Promote an even playing field for competitors, preserving the spirit and competitiveness of late model racing.

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By achieving these goals, the ABC Program champions innovation, affordability, and equality, ensuring the sustainability and growth of short track racing for all stakeholders. 

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BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATING MANUFACTURERS
 

• a. Any body manufacture participating in the ABC Body Program must be capable of producing complete bodies that meet the design and construction parameters established in the ABC Program.  The lack of technology or resources to produce the bodies that meet these requirements must not be an acceptable excuse to allow a manufacturer to participate.
   

• b. It is equally important that a body manufacturer NOT design their panels to be interchangeable with other manufacturer’s panels. Doing this will eliminate copying and “mix and match” body installations.
   

• c. All new bodies must fit the established dimensions of the current approved ABC bodies. All body panels must be designed to fit together only one way to eliminate creative mounting practices in order to gain an aerodynamic advantage.
   

• d. To be part of the ABC program, all participating body manufacturers are required to submit a pre-production full scale model of every body style for approval that has been designed to meet specific ABC dimensions and fits a series of builder’s templates that control the shape of the body at all required dimensions and aerodynamically sensitive areas. Upon approval of the model, manufacturers are required to present a fully mounted, race ready production body that fits the same templates and dimensions as the pre-production full-scale model and must pass a specific aerodynamic test procedure outlined in appendix A, in order for the body to be approved by the ABC Program Committee and sold.
   

• e. It is to be assumed that, because of the design templates, dimensions and aerodynamic testing that is required for body approval, all bodies regardless of manufacturer will be aerodynamically equal.  Therefore, it will be considered a violation of ABC Program Rules for manufacturers advise aerodynamic advantages as a means of implying that their bodies are superior to other manufacturer’s bodies. Honesty and integrity are expected from all body manufacturers participating in the ABC Program.
   

Only the following two companies offer ABC legal bodies approved for competition.
 

Five Star Race Car Bodies in Wisconsin (262-877-2171)

Original ABC body design and ABC Next Gen Body design

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Aluminum Racing Products, Inc. (AR Bodies) in Tennessee (888-245-1468)
Original ABC body design – The AR Revolution Body is not ABC approved.

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BENEFITS TO RACE ORGANIZERS: EASY TO PARTICIPATE
 

The ABC body program has significantly streamlined body rules, benefiting not just local race tracks but also major series nationwide that utilize this body type. This program operates with its own rulebook containing comprehensive guidelines
and dimensions for body inspections. Importantly, there is NO COST for local track promoters to participate in the ABC program. Participating body manufacturers will offer ABC rulebooks on their company’s website.

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Promoters simply need to include a statement in their rulebooks directing competitors to the ABC rulebook for all body guidelines. With uniform body rules across various tracks nationwide, it becomes easier to attract larger fields for special events, drawing cars from diverse series and tracks.

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Simple as ABC, More Cars, Easier Tech, Less Confusion... EVERYONE WINS!

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BENEFITS TO RULE MAKERS & TECHNICAL STAFF: TECH SIMPLIFIED

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Gone are the days of managing multiple sets of templates for each body style. All it takes is inserting a statement into your rulebook that directs competitors to the ABC rulebook for body guidelines. This effectively removes the promoter from the body rule-making process. Now, standardized wooden templates for each model and a dimensional inspection device called the “Referee” are readily available.

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The “Referee” tech device efficiently checks various dimensions—front overhang, front tread width, roof height at 10 inches back from the windshield, wheelbase, rear tread width, quarter panel height, and rear spoiler overhang—in less than two minutes. Additionally, the centerline, side-to-side, and fender templates inspect areas not covered by the “Referee” and can be completed in about a minute. Consequently, a comprehensive body inspection can be conducted in under three minutes per car, making it feasible even for events with a high car count. These templates and the
“Referee” device are available from each participating body manufacturer for a nominal fee.

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BENEFITS TO RACERS

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The ABC program provides racers with very clear directions on how to mount a body that meets the rules and requirements for any event they wish to participate in thus eliminating the need for competitors to mount expensive, event specific bodies with the hope of gaining an aerodynamic advantage.

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It is strongly recommended that all racers and car builders adhere to the ABC dimensions and templates when installing their bodies. Ensuring the proper mounting of the body in line with these guidelines will prevent any potential loss of practice time resulting from the need to rectify body infractions at the track.

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THE ABC NEXTGEN BODY

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The Five Star ABC NextGen Body was developed to revitalize the Late Model Racing aesthetics following a 15-year tenure of the existing/original body style. In strict adherence to ABC Program guidelines and now holding complete ABC approval,
this body was meticulously engineered to match the aerodynamic performance of the original ABC body. As a result, it utilizes the same “Referee” for technical evaluations and has garnered full approval for competition from all major tracks and series.

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This innovative body design introduces standardized body panels featuring three distinct brand front noses: Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Toyota Camry. These front noses remarkably enhance brand identity compared to the original ABC front noses. Alongside, the new body incorporates numerous benefits including a wider greenhouse with fire-retardant resin, heightened fender clearance, and integration of two inches of yaw into the quarter panels and bumper covers.

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The primary goal set by Five Star was to design the body in a manner that minimizes ambiguities during the mounting process. This not only simplifies the installation but also promotes uniform installation standards. These improvements were made to substantially streamline the technical inspection process, ensuring equitable competition among all cars.

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RULES FOR 1998-2002 NON-ABC APPROVED BODY STYLES

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The utilization of any 1998-2002 body mandates strict adherence to the original manufacturer's specifications as of December 31, 2002, during installation. Cars must conform to the respective manufacturer's guidelines, utilizing templates approved by Five Star or Aluminum Racing Products. Additional weight will be enforced for cars deviating from predetermined tolerances, while maintaining a maximum width of 78 inches on all body panels. Prohibited actions include louvers or drilling on body panels, and approval is limited to Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Taurus, and Intrepid bodies.

 

Note: Participation of any 2003 or 2004 non-ABC bodies from any manufacturer, as well as parts from those bodies, is strictly prohibited from competition. Note: Any 1998-2002 bodies will incur a 100-pound weight penalty upon assessment.

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GENERAL ABC BODY REQUIREMENTS

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• Only approved body panels produced by approved manufacturers will be allowed for competition.
   

• Approved aluminum body panels will be a minimum of .040 inch thick.
   

• Carbon fiber is not allowed in any body panels.
   

• The entire body must be from one manufacturer. Mixing of panels from different manufacturers will not be allowed.
   

• All body panels must be mounted as produced by the manufacturer. Modification or alteration of panels will not be allowed.
   

• All body panels and windows must be mounted and properly braced on the chassis to prevent deflection under racing conditions.
   

• Composite and aluminum panels, plastic fenders, and plastic quarter panels must have manufacturer’s identification labels that are visible in designated location and not painted over. All molded plastic parts must have molded-in part numbers and manufacturer’s identification with the exception of the rocker panels.
   

• An aero stamp used within this rule book indicates that the dimension or tolerance mentioned is aero sensitive.
   

• Maintaining the dimensions and tolerances in these areas is important to maintain aero equality.
   

• Body panels must not be painted on the inside by the manufacturers.
   

• All cars competing in a race event must have a complete, well-appearing body. Headlight and taillight decals are recommended for brand identity.
   

• The body must be mounted parallel to the centerline of the tread width front & rear with a 1 inch tolerance.
   

• All dimensions and template inspections will be done with the driver out of the car.
   

• It is the responsibility of all competitors to present a car that fits the templates within allowable tolerances and meets all dimensions as inspected by the “Referee.”
   

• All body panels are designed to fit the templates within the tolerances as indicated on the template with an engraved blue colored line. The engraved or blue colored line equals 1/4 inch. All other areas will equal 1/2 inch.
   

• The maximum tread width is 66 inches.
   

• A wheelbase range of 101-106 inches is allowed.