EVANSVILLE, Ind. — UMP DIRTcar Racing will offer its first division that uses crate engines exclusively with the 2008 introduction of the Pro Late Model class.

Designed to provide racers an economical pathway to UMP DIRTcar’s marquee super late model and open-wheel modified divisions, Pro Late Model will combine the increasingly popular crate-engine concept with UMP DIRTcar’s uniform technical rules and other cost-cutting measures.

Tracks across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and other states are expected to be part of the Pro Late Model program in 2008.

“For the last three years, the biggest question I’ve heard from people has been, ‘When is UMP DIRTcar Racing going to offer a crate late model division?’” said UMP DIRTcar director Sam Driggers. “I’ve repeated that we’ve just been waiting for the right time to do it — and that time has come.”

The centerpiece of the Pro Late Model class will be the GM 602 and 604 crate engines. Competitors will be able to purchase the durable powerplants at a cost of approximately $3,500 (GM 602) or $5,000 (604).

UMP DIRTcar’s late model body and chassis rules will be used for Pro Late Model. Additional rules, including mandates on such items as shocks and tire compounds, will be put in place to help keep costs in check.

This will be the eighth division sanctioned by UMP DIRTcar Racing, which sanctions more than 100 race tracks in the United States and Canada.