2006 MMRA East Grand National Race
Post-Race Tech Report

In post race tech, all cars in the Open and Junior PRO Divisions passed tech.  In the Future Stars and PRO Divisions, the following issues came up.

In the Future Stars Division, perennial front runners Logan Ruffin, Dylan Presnell and Kyle Baugh finished 1-2-3.  In post race tech, ride height, weight, oil, and carbs were checked and all were good.  The #66 of  Baugh had an MMRA approved sealed engine with seal #'s that matched the engine, and were not tampered with, so he was released.  The #83 and #76 teams asked to exchange motor inspection monies and have both motors thoroughly teched.  As such, $1000 was paid to the #83 team by the #76, and $150 was paid by the #83 team to the #76.

The #83 car had an MMRA approved sealed engine with seals that were not tampered with.  The engine was completely dis-assembled and teched for every item in the MMRA rulebook and tech procedures.  The engine passed tech in all respects and thereby proved two things.  First, the fastest sealed engine in the MMRA Future Stars division is legal.  Second, because the same seal numbered engine was in the #83 all year, the championship was accomplished fair and square.

During the teardown of the #76 engine, two issues were noted.  First, the engine had a valve seal on both the intake and exhaust valves.  Per rule 17.4 in the MMRA rulebook, seals may be used on the intake valve only.

Second, the crankshaft journal measured 1.336 and the minimum spec in the MMRA rulebook is 1.406 - in all other respects, the engine was legal.  This issue resulted from the crank being welded and re-ground to accept a bearing.  The 2006 MMRA rulebook specifically allows for this process in rule 14.9 which says "Crankshaft may be ground .010 and the use of a Honda .010 replacement rod is permissible.  Machining of a stock rod to allow for a .010 insert is also permissible." 

In addition, point #10 under the engine tech procedures includes the following: "Weld and regrind for rod inserts O.K."

The single error in the process however was also in point #10 of the tech procedures which states the minimum crank journal size is 1.406 and the crank in question measured 1.336 or .07 under the minimum.  The MMRA Tech committee determined that both of these errors were minor technical infractions and per the penalties/fines section of the MMRA rulebook on page 4, the #76 team was fined the maximum of $250.

The MMRA Competition Committee will be reviewing the rules relating to this welding/regrinding process and will likely update the rules for 2007 to avoid any confusion in the future.

In the PRO Division, the #23 car which crossed the finish line in second place failed to meet minimum ride height in post race tech.  At the drivers meeting which all drivers attended, specific mention was made of ride height, and the fact that two cars were DQ'ed for failing to meet minimum ride height the prior week.  The pre-tech area was open for ride height checks all day on Saturday, and many cars chose to come through one final time before the race to be sure they would be okay.  The #23 car did not ever come to check ride height. 

The #23 was DQ'ed from the event, moving all cars from third on back up one position.