WISSOTA plans program to test sealed engine
compatibility in Super Stocks, Midwest Modifieds

ST. CLOUD, MN - WISSOTA will conduct a test program in 2007 in the Super Stock and Midwest Modified divisions to analyze the potential for allowing sealed engines, or crate engines, in the two classes in the future.

WISSOTA board members Terry Voeltz and Randy Queensland met with Bill Martens, the head of the GM Performance Parts sealed engine program, while at the recent RPM Speedweeks Workshops in Lake Mary, FL. Martens agreed to provide the organization with a pair of its “crate” engines for the testing program in the two WISSOTA divisions.

WISSOTA’s promoters had met with Martens in November at the 2006 WISSOTA annual meeting and were interested in learning more about the General Motors program. Those promoters asked the board of directors to continue research into sealed engine programs.

“Our goal is to find out if we can blend these types of engines into our current rules package,” said WISSOTA head technical adviser Bill Engelstad. “We do not plan to wipe out our existing engine rules for any division; we just want to know if this might be a sensible option for our drivers to have at some point in the future.

“We’re hoping to discuss this concept with all of the local engine builders who can come to our March 17 tech meeting in St. Cloud,” Engelstad added.

The WISSOTA board of directors recently announced news regarding the special tech meeting, now less than a month away, and sent invitations to approximately 75 engine and chassis builders/dealers. Promoters, board members and WISSOTA drivers committee reps were also invited to attend the meeting, which will be held at the Kelly Inn in St. Cloud. Builders who wish to participate can contact Scott Hughes at (715) 225-4919 to register.

“There’s been a lot of buzz in the racing world about these kinds of crate engines,” Engelstad said. “We want to do some testing and see if there’s any potential for them in our region. Our plan is to find two drivers who would like to run these engines and let them use them for the 2007 season. Along the way, we’ll see if they’re competitive as is, or if adjustments like weight need to be made to balance them with our existing engine packages.”

WISSOTA’s test objectives include the following:

•Establish participating drivers;

•Test performance and determine weight adjustments needed, if any;

•Test reliability;

•Examine tamperproof elements;

•Examine cost.

WISSOTA is asking drivers in the Super Stock and Midwest Modified divisions to apply if they would like to be considered for the crate engine testing. A variety of criteria will be used to choose the test pilots. For a driver to be considered, he or she must meet the following:

•Complete an application form;

•Have a minimum of two years driving experience in the division;

•Must be willing to run a minimum of two nights per week throughout the season without receiving any national points;

•Must keep detailed records in competition form provided by WISSOTA;

•Must abide by any and all engine operating rules deemed necessary by General Motors or WISSOTA.

If you have questions regarding this testing program, you can contact Engelstad for more information at (218) 262-5823.

To receive an application form, contact Callie Sullivan at the WISSOTA office. The phone number is (320) 275-9922 or you can e-mail callie@wissota.org.