Introduction
Xcel Modifieds are designed after a full-sized dirt modified. They have a full adjustable suspension and offer many of the characteristics of their bigger cousin but in a package that is easier to maintain and much more cost effective.
The series was designed to be a working class level where up and coming drivers could compete with seasoned cars and be competitive while learning how drive and to set up a car.
All aspects of the car are focused to make competition even and ensure component prices are kept in check.
Xcel has, and will do its best to keep tracks from making the cars more expensive. The checks and balances of the Xcel series are designed to save equipment from failure, create even competition and ensure that all teams have a shot at winning.
We encourage all who are looking at competing in this class to look at the program as a whole and understand that the series relies on fair competition and that depends of keeping the origins of the class intact. This website is full of information and resources to help you understand more about the series and the car.
If satisfaction of figuring out the setup and driving the car better bring you to a win, you are landing in the right place in this series. In contrast, winning by superior spending is not the goal. We have teams with big budgets, but they like it here for the way it’s run, not because they can spend their way to the win.
CHASSIS: 1 3/8″ 095 Tubular | Jig Built | Powder Coating Included
BODY: 04D Aluminum | Each body built in-house by Xcel Chassis | Many color choices
XCEL DIMENSIONS: 114″ Front to back | 63″ Wide WEIGHT: 675lbs (no driver)
POWER OPTIONS: Suzuki GSXR600 | Yamaha FZ-09 | Xcel Chassis Seal
RADIATOR: Xcel Chassis specific dual-core
FUEL: 87 Octane Gasoline | 4 Gallon fuel cell
SAFETY: Fire suppression system with fuel shut valve
DRIVE: 520 Chain driven, 5 Speed Transmission
REAR AXLE: 1 3/4 Splined Aluminum by Xcel Chassis
FRONT SUSPENSION: 3-Link Aluminum Spindles and Hubs | 6″ Coil Over Bilstein Shocks (by Xcel Chassis)
REAR SUSPENSION: Wishbone Link | Aluminum Birdcages | Adjustable Panhard Bar | 6″ Coil Over Bilstien Shocks
REAR BRAKES: Wilwood High Volume Master Cylinder | Wildwood Dynalite Caliper | 9″ or 10″ Rotor
SHOCKS: Xcel Chassis Spec 6″ Travel Steel Bilstein Shocks**
TIRES: Xcel Chassis Spec Hoosier – D15 (Front) RD15 (Rear)
WHEELS: Aluminum 10″ Diameter Racing Wheels | Bead Locks Included
ELECTRICAL: Xcel Chassis Spec Wiring Harness | Motor Rev Limiter | Xcel Chassis Seal
STEERING: Rack & Pinion System | Quick release steering wheel
SAFETY HARNESS: 5-point Seat Belt
DRIVERS SEAT: Kirkey High Back Aluminum Racing Seat w/ Cover
FIRE SUPPRESSION: Recommended 2023*
*additional cost **Penske shocks potentially being phased in 2023
Xcel Chassis Frame
Frames are cut and bent in shop from 1-3/8″ 095 tubing and then fit on a jig and welded to ensure uniformity.
Each frame is then quality checked, and a number welded for identification.
When the frame is complete it is sent out to a local partner of Xcel Chassis for powder coating.
If a frame is damaged during competition, Xcel Chassis can determine the best course forward. For example, straighten a bent area using the jig, or replacing a clip. If the frame is beyond repair maybe recommending replacement or another course of action.
Over the years improvements in frame design have added to safety. Some frames may require updates to reach current safety standards.
Contact Xcel Chassis for an assessment on your frame.
ALL frames can accommodate either motor choice.
Suspension
Suspension in an Xcel feature adjustments for ride height, weight transfer and spring rates.
Bilstein has partnered with Xcel Chassis and designed a spec shot specifically calibrated to the car size and track requirements.
The same shock is on all four corners, and each is stamped by Bilstein so they cannot be tampered with. Spec shocks is one of the key methods Xcel keeps cost in check.
Rear Suspension
- Wishbone Link
- Aluminum Birdcages
- Adjustable Panhard Bar
- 6″ Coil Over Bilstien Shocks*
Front Suspension
- 3-Link Aluminum Spindles and Hubs
- 6″ Coil Over Bilstien Shocks*
*Penske shocks coming in 2023
Motor Choices
Suzuki GSXR 600
- 2000-2010 Motors Permitted
- 4 Cylinder | Electric Start
- Exhaust System Included
- Runs on Standard 87 Oct. Pump Gasoline
- Xcel Chassis Spec Sealed Wiring Harness
Yamaha FZ-09
- 2014-2020 Motors Permitted
- 3 Cylinder | Electric Start
- Exhaust System Include
- Runs on Standard 87 Oct. Pump Gasoline
- Xcel Chassis Spec Sealed Wiring Harness
Xcel purchased used motors are compression checked and gone over to ensure they are viable. Motors are factory stock and sealed with a purpose-built wiring harness suited for racing
The Xcel motor program is designed to keep cost down. For example, each motor has a rev limit in order to prolong longevity, keep parity in power and speed between the two options.
In the case of the Suzuki motors the rev limiter also prevents the motor from running too hot.
Cockpit
Drivers enter and Xcel Modified via the roof.
There is a rear facing hinge.
With different seats and adjustments drivers of all sizes from youth to large adults are regularly competing.
Adjustments in the car include seat size, pedal lengths and steering column angle.
Electrical switches are kept to a minimum and mounted in the dash along with a temp gauge.
Shifting is not required in Xcel as the car is set in racing gear prior to pit exit. A standard clutch handle is placed on the right of the driver at waist height.
Safety
Racing is inherently dangerous. Xcel Modifieds are built with safety as a foremost concern. The welded 095 tubular steel is created in a way to absorb impacts prior to getting to the cockpit.
Xcel has been upgrading and improving safety features as long as there have been cars on the track. Learning from incidents new procedures and upgraded chassis improvements do what can be done to lessen the chance of injury.
In addition to the car design, systems like fuel cells designed not to leak in the event of a roll over, task specific fuel connections and emergency fuel shut offs are part of the safety program.
Not just the car:
Drivers are required to certify belts and safety equipment annually. Head & neck restraints are mandatory at all tracks.
In addition to the car on the racing surface, all teams must have fire extinguishers and jack stands in their trailers when they get to the track.
Many of the track Xcel Modifieds compete at use technology to track scoring.
Transponders are used to track a cars position and when it crosses a pre-defined section of the race track.
Xcel Chassis offers transponders as an optional add-on. You can elect to have a transponder installed in the car at the time of purchase and it is mounted and wiring is included.
Transponders are not included in a new car purchase. Transponders may be required at most track and if one is not installed, often tracks will allow a race team to rent one from them for the event at a nominal cost.
All cars are required to run a specific (residential mower size) battery.
Xcel Chassis has partnered with XYZ Systems and each car will have a battery installed.
Teams can save money by purchasing a battery using our program. If the battery is of the same type you can purchase a battery from a local retailer.
Batteries are covered in the Xcel Chassis rule book on size requirements.
In addition, switches and gauges are also limited to what is specified in the Xcel Rules. Only approved electronics and wiring are allowed subject to inspection.
Ordering your new Xcel
Often cars are built when ordered, but there are times when it is possible that there is one ‘ready to go’ in the shop. When you order a car, a deposit is secured, and Xcel Chassis will discuss options and timing.
Most orders are fulfilled during the off season.
Used Xcel for purchase
Used Xcel cars are sold by Xcel Chassis and via private sales by race teams.
Xcel Chassis can restore your car to like new specs and look by fixing/updating your frame and new powder coating. In addition, many teams bring their cars in, and order new bodies over the off season.
The advantage of having Xcel Chassis go over your new car is that it will be brought up to current standards and any modifications (legal or otherwise) can be corrected. If you are new to the class, Xcel Chassis can help you get your set up back to a base setup so you can make the changes you need to be competitive as you start out. No guessing on what someone before you were trying to do that is far outside of normal.
You can have peace of mind knowing that your car will pass technical inspection when racing starts.
Xcel required seals can be check over and frame updates can be put in place.
Customizing your Xcel Modified
There is no better way to put your style or brand forward. Xcel offers a variety of options for color when it comes to building a car. Options include frame, body and bumper choices as well. We also can offer advice on lettering and design partners.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is a process in which paint is applied to metal and baked on for a more durable finish.
Xcel Chassis has a long-term partnership with a local powder coating shop and a powder coat finish is included* for each Xcel frame and various color choices are offered.
Body Options
Xcel bodies are hand formed in-shop from aluminum sheets. The color can be a mix and match as long as it is available* at the time the car is being built.
Teams will have to provide specific details on which panel colors are to be used.
Some elements can be simpler and implemented to save money. An example is the front hood can be configured as a simple no-frills option.
Front Wing
There is also an option for heavier material* on the body panels. Finally, there is an option for a heavier front wing material.
*Subject to availability | May incur additional costs