Circle Track racing has a very deeply-rooted culture and history. What started as bootleggers attempting to outrun police by making their cars faster and deliver their load of home-made moonshine has quickly become a multi-billion dollar enterprise in the form of NASCAR. Some would argue the best drivers in the world have come from the circle track circuit. Most notably would be Dale Earnhardt Sr., Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart.

Racers have even left other forms of racing to hit the paved oval and turn left for 500 laps; like Juan Pablo Montoya who left his career in Formula One in 1997 to become the youngest CART FedEx champion at 24. This brings us to today’s circle track racers. Unlike the early years, today’s grassroots racers have very strict rules to follow in regards to chassis build, safety, and most importantly, engine specs.

Long gone are the days of shoehorning in a big block engine to dominate the oval track. Today’s rules are very precise on what exactly can go in (or on) circle track race cars. This is where Chevrolet Performance (previously known as GM Performance) steps in and helps with their new CT 525 motor. Just like every other motorsport, more power equals more wins and the CT525 is definitely not one to disappoint.

The engine is based on the current LS3 in the C6 Corvette and Camaro, but completely re-designed to meet the strict rules of most circle track race classes. Some of these changes include adding a carbureted intake manifold, racing camshaft, and eight quart steel oil pan. The engine comes complete with water pump, exhaust manifolds, and an SFI certified balancer. The cylinder heads are high-flow LS3 rectangular ports and the main caps are held in place by 6 cross-bolted bolts to make sure nothing goes anywhere and the block stays strong.

With 525 horsepower and 471 ft./lb. of torque, the CT 525 engine will help put you in the lead and keep you there. Another great feature is the coil-near-plug ignition system. Let’s say your current racing class requires an old-school conventional dizzy and the coils are a total no-go. That’s not a problem either, as Chevrolet Performance has a front distributor kit (part# 88958679) to fit the LS3 and get you running in your class. For all those weekend warriors out there who race the circle track circuit, you can’t go wrong with the Chevrolet Performance CT 525 crate motor.