Am I glad we did not bring a SM to Mazda Raceway!!!!!!!!
I am not an engine builder, all of my engines are purchased from one of several engine builders. When I see a piston, it is almost always a bad thing.
A couple things I am sure of;
None of the engine builders involved, would have knowingly sent an illegal motor to The Runoffs.
Since all the engines seemed to have the same issue, we have consistency amongst all the builders. This tells me we have a rules interpritation problem and/or a poorly written rule
The Runoffs is the only time each year, that engines will get this type of inspection. The members of the SOM and COA are not experts in engine building. they are supposed to be experts in reading and interpriting what the rule book says. Not what it was meant to say, should have said or implied.
There are no winners in this situation
I have never meet Will. He may be a parts customer, but I am not going to look him up in my accounting system. What he, and the others behind him did, took some guts. It appears to have been done properly and per the rule book. I give him/them tons of credit. My personal opinion is that he should have put himself under the same microscope for public relations aspects. But I will not consider that a problem, just a minor speed bump. But I do not think he considers himself a winner.
Mark Drennan will never be able to enjoy the victory he worked so hard to earn.
Erik Stearns will never enjoy the victory he was awarded. Erik, remember the smiles as you chased the kids around the paddock (or they chased you) and not the bitterness of the man drama.
Every SM engine builder, directly involved or not, will loose credibility. Some will loose financially.
SM as a class and all of the competitors are now branded cheaters. We all loose.
It is my hope that sometime in the near future, a joint release from SCCA, the protested drivers, the engine builders and the protestor. Stating what really happened along with all the whys and hows of the entire event. Until that time, we should all take a deep breathe, stop calling each other names, and relax. The sky is not falling, i's just a little rainey
OH YEAH, We won the Runoffs in the T-4 class with an MX5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dave
Dave Wheeler
Advanced Autosports, the nations most complete Spec Miata shop
Author, Spec Miata Constructors Guide, version 1 and 2.0
Building Championship winning cars since 1995
4 time Central Division Spec Miata Champion car builder 2012-2013-2014-2017
Back to Back June Sprints Spec Miata 1-2 finishes 2016 and 2017
5 time June Sprints winner in Mazda's
6 Time Northern Conference Champion Car Builder
2014 SCCA Majors National point Champion car builder
2014 SCCA Runoffs winner, T4 (Bender)
2014 Central Division Champion, ITS (Wheeler)
2013 Thunderhill 25 hour winning crew chief
2007 June Sprints winner, (GT1, Mohrhauser)
Over 200 race wins and counting.
www.advanced-autosports.com
dave@advanced-autosports.com
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