Saw today in the Richmond paper that Martinsville has ok'd crate engines for its big Late Model Stock Car race hoping to increase car count. Two questions from me:
1) What is a Crate Engine? Is this leased from an engine builder, sealed and not tampered with by the team or what?
2) Is allowing the use of crate engines a good thing?
Crate engines allowed for first time in Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300
By: GoDanRiver Staff
Published: September 02, 2011
Crate engines will be permitted to be used for the first time in one of the most prestigious Late Model races in the country, the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300, at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 9.
In addition to the approved Late Model Stock built engines, the GM 88958604 will be permitted. This will be the only crate-type engine allowed for the race.
In the past few years, car count has declined and this move could help bolster the field for the event and lower costs for teams operating on a shoe-string budget. Last year, there were about 80 cars attempting to make the 36-car field.
Obviously the crate engine is an affordable engine package for teams that want to compete at this level and we think it will allow more teams to participate in the most prestigious Late Model Stock Car race of the year, Martinsville Speedway president Clay Campbell said in a written release. Many of the weekly tracks already have a crate rule in place and we felt it was time we made the move.
Campbell said recently at the Goodyear tire test that Martinsville considered making the move because tracks like South Boston Speedway allowed crate engines to be used in the Late Model fields.
According to NASCAR officials, the crate engines must remain as supplied by the manufacturer. Engine components must not be altered.
Campbell said the crate engines will be policed closely to make sure all rules are followed.
We will make sure the crate motors are legal. NASCAR will have tight inspection processes in place, said Campbell. Violations found in the inspection process for either built engines or crate engines will be handled with the same implications.
NASCAR officials said extensive pre-race inspections will be performed on all engines. All engines will be subject to complete disassembly during post-race inspection, including cars chosen randomly. Penalties for any engine violations may consist of confiscation of parts and/or complete engines and/or disqualification from the event and/or fines and/or suspension.
All engine parts and components, such as, but not limited to, camshaft, rocker arms, valve springs and shims, etc., must remain OEM and conform to the latest General Motors specifications manual for the GM88958604 crate engine.
The complete list of specifications will be attached to the official entry blank for the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300.
--
"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"
updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM