PROJECT BLUE OVAL

During the recently completed 20th Annual Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando Florida this innovative project came together. We first made contact with Ford Racing in regards to their M-6007-D347SR Sealed Oval Track Crate Engine approval for competition in the Late Model Stock Class at Tucson Raceway Park. It was determined that to further the development of our Crate Engine option program it was imperative that all the available oval track sealed engine kits produced in North America be properly evaluated to ensure parity in the program. Tucson Raceway Park had many competitors competing in 2007 with the GM Crate Engine but not one Ford or Dodge powerplant. After further research it was determined that the Dodge program has been shelved but the Ford program is alive and well with not one, but three engine options to choose from. With Ford Racing’s support we decided to construct a new car built to standards set forth in the Tucson Raceway Park 2008 Competition Guidelines. We are setting out to prove that anyone could assemble a car with over the counter cost conscious parts and be competitive with today's $40,000.00 Super Late Model or $60,000.00 Tour Car.

When this concept unfolded uncharted territory was sure to be crossed. First off, a track owner, promoter and innovative rules maker gathering the industries finest manufacturers and distributors to assemble this kind of project is truly got to be a first!

The concept is as follows:

1. Create a build sheet with details of parts required based on the 2008 TRP rulebook.

2. Meet with the industries finest to plan and acquire the best parts for the project.

3. Set about creating a budget to fund and complete this project

4. Assemble the car ready for competition in 6 weeks time

5. Win on opening night February 23, 2008! Just by chance two Loyal supporters of Tucson Raceway Park were at PRI looking at all the new widgets the Industry had to offer and we got together on this project. With nothing more than a hand shake and a man’s word the project took shape. Scott Rueschenberg will fund the project and drive the car while Paul Banghart of GAT Racing in Tucson Arizona will build the project from start to finish. Scott has in his resume many years of North American Late Model Stock experience. He ran during the 07 season at TRP both an open motor powered Late Model and the same car powered by a GM Crate Engine to one # 1 qualifier, multiple Heat race and Dash wins and one second place feature finish. Banghart’s fabrication and tuning skills are just what is needed for the project as the GAT Racing House car became Arizona’s first 2007 Whelen All-American Series State Champion at the hands of Hereford Arizona’s Joe Paladenic.

As of this writing the following company's have come on board to unselfishly support the project. Ford Racing, Lefthander Chassis Company, AFCO, Five Star Bodies, Fire Bottle, Fuel Safe, RCI, Longacre Racing, Red Line Synthetic Oil and Larry’s Engine and Marine.

As of today the Chassis has arrived at GAT Racing and the Engine kit at Jim Click Ford in Tucson. During the first week of the New Year the engine will arrive at Larry’s Engine and Marine for a complete dissection and dyno analysis to insure it will meet the quality standards needed to perform under the rigors of short track racing and insure it does not have a performance advantage over the GM alternative. Keeping the playing field even amongst all the possible engine formulas is what has allowed TRP’s rules package to succeed!

Stay tuned for the evaluation and Race Results!

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