[Bob Tanner]

Here is an article CTS fans might want to read. Really interesting. Here's part of it:
But sort of tucked in near the bottom of the PR memo was a note that starting next year teams will have the “option” of running a spec engine at all events held on tracks a mile and a quarter or less in length. A quick review of the 2010 truck schedule in its current form indicates that tracks of that length encompass 10 of 25 races. If, down the road, the rule were changed to allow spec engines at tracks of a mile and a half or less in length, that would swell the number to 19 of 25 races — or a clear majority of the schedule. That’s the thing about these trial balloons. While they seem to swell slowly, once they’ve got a foot in the door, they use the other to kick it in.

here's the link: The Frontstretch: Matt McLaughlin Mouths Off: A Trojan Horse? by Matt McLaughlin -- Thursday November 5, 2009

[kkfan91]

ok I don't get why its a big deal of course I don't fully understand the term spec engine so can someone fill me in?

[jks812]

Maybe I don't understand it completely either. But if it's an option and a team chooses to do it, I don't see a problem.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by jks812

Maybe I don't understand it completely either. But if it's an option and a team chooses to do it, I don't see a problem.

A number of reasons, some Matt discusses and one he doesn't.

(1) This will be a "Toyota-based" engine. No more individuality.

(2) It's a sealed engine, thus limiting the amount of work which can be done on it by the mechanics.

(3) My complaint - It "dumbs down" the sport itself.

I have seen spec engine programs work in local racing and very minor touring divisions. Rex Robbins allowed them in ASA, along with kit fiberglass bodies, and the series never regained the level it previously had. It can be a good thing for home-based racing hobbists. But, NA__AR is supposed to be the major league of American stock car auto racing! It's where the best and brightest come for competition. I just don't see handcuffing the mechanics with a spec engine doing the sport, at the highest level, any good.

Matt pointed out the cookie-cutter "McTracks." Do the fans love them, or do they clamor to keep a track with individual personality, like Martinsville, on the schedule? How about the universal love for the current "McCar?" Not so much, eh? Now, just visualize in your mind what a "McEngine" will do to the sport? Consider the possibilities.

"McCars" with "McEngines" driven by the current crop of vanilla personalitied "McDrivers," racing on "McTracks."

NA__AR tried the front splitters on the trucks and look where they ended up. They tried the inane "Either fuel or tires on a pit stop rule." Thankfully it flopped completely or that would have found its way into Cup, eventually. Do you believe that if they allow optional spec engines in CTS it won't soon become mandatory and then weasel its way up the food change.

Just consider the people who are making this potential rule. Yeah, it might not go the way I fear. But, again it might. Do you want to take that chance? I don't.

I haven't spoken to Charlie (Racer Duck) about spec engines. I suggest we ask him. He's closer to the matter than I. From a car owner's perspective he might like the idea, but from a competitor's point of view my bet is that he'll think along my lines.

[Quality88]

My previous job was a re-man outfit. We started doing spec 350's for a track in Indiana. It fell through because the racers wouldn't go with it. The track threatened them, they didn't show up the next 3 weekends. The track caved to save itself.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Quality88

My previous job was a re-man outfit. We started doing spec 350's for a track in Indiana. It fell through because the racers wouldn't go with it. The track threatened them, they didn't show up the next 3 weekends. The track caved to save itself.

Interesting, Justin. Do you remember any of the arguments the drivers/owners had against the spec engine proposal? I've never had any direct involvement with this and would be interested in knowing if my assumptions are close to being correct.

Martin (Motorsports One) might remember, when we were both on RaceNet, that I was solidly against the trucks when they first came out because I thought that they'd draw attention from the Cup Series. (Back when the truck series began I thought Cup was a pretty good series. Boy. How times have changed!)

[jks812]

Thanks Bob for explaining it for me. I'll admit that I don't know alot about all the technical part of it. After your explanation I can understand where it would be bad for the sport. So I guess we can hope that the owners don't go for it and it'll go away.

[kkfan91]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Interesting, Justin. Do you remember any of the arguments the drivers/owners had against the spec engine proposal? I've never had any direct involvement with this and would be interested in knowing if my assumptions are close to being correct.

Martin (Motorsports One) might remember, when we were both on RaceNet, that I was solidly against the trucks when they first came out because I thought that they'd draw attention from the Cup Series. (Back when the truck series began I thought Cup was a pretty good series. Boy. How times have changed!)

nice way to date yourself on the internet

[Stewart Fan]

Is a spec engine the same thing as a crate Engine? Only the dirt race fans might know what I'm talking about. lol

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Interesting, Dustin. Do you remember any of the arguments the drivers/owners had against the spec engine proposal? I've never had any direct involvement with this and would be interested in knowing if my assumptions are close to being correct.

Martin (Motorsports One) might remember, when we were both on RaceNet, that I was solidly against the trucks when they first came out because I thought that they'd draw attention from the Cup Series. (Back when the truck series began I thought Cup was a pretty good series. Boy. How times have changed!)

If the info I was given is correct, ( and I'm 99.9% certain it was) it was because the drivers didn't like having an engine they themselves couldn't tune and dial in, and it took away from the racing.They took pride in their equipment as much as they did their racing. Guys may have wrecked out, but if they were blowin the pack out because of the piece under the hood, credit was given where it was do.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Stewart Fan

Is a spec engine the same thing as a crate Engine? Only the dirt race fans might know what I'm talking about. lol

Six of one, half a dozen of the other.... yes

[OregonSHRFan]

One word........ IROC

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by OregonSHRFan

One word........ IROC

And a zinger it is.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by OregonSHRFan

One word........ IROC

You took the words right out og my mouth.

FYI, I posed this question, IRT Spec engines, over in the General NASCAR Forum under "Ask the Expert." DOF_Power gives a good response.

I am even more convinced that this will be a bad deal and could end up completely killing the truck series.

Hey, NA__AR!!! JUST LEAVE THE DAMN SERIES COMPLETELY ALONE AND LET THEM DO WHAT THEY KNOW HOW TO DO BEST -R-A-C-E!!!!!!! Quit trying to fix something that ain't broke!