09/12/2025
Can you read the dirt?
How do you read a dirt track?
Reading a dirt track is one of the true arts of our sport. The best drivers are constantly studying the surface throughout the night, looking for clues about how it will change. Here are a few key things they focus on:
• Color changes – The shade of the dirt often reveals where the grip is. Darker areas usually mean more moisture and traction, while lighter areas can indicate a slick, dry surface.
• Weather – Temperature, time of day, cloud cover, and whether parts of the track are in the sun or shade all impact how quickly the surface dries out or retains moisture.
• Surface hardness – Drivers watch how the track is moving and holding material. A surface that’s still soft has moisture left in it and can continue to widen, while a harder surface may be close to sealing over.
Reading a track is one of the toughest jobs in the game. The guys that can do it well are usually up front at the end of the night.
