Structural Strength

Guitar Jones said
You should consult the rulebook of the sanctioning body that you plan to compete in. For instance if you plan on drag racing your car get an NHRA rulebook. They have specific specifications which must be followed if you want to pass tech and race your car.

Alternatively I would suggest consulting a chassis builders website for ideas on how their cars are constructed. For drag racing you can look at

www.appliedracing.com
www.chassisworks.com
www.competitionengineering.com
www.quartermax.com
www.chassisengineering.com

among many others.

Hey Guitar its www.cachassisworks.com BTW.