| BRIGHT HOUSE SLM CHALLENGE REQUIRES CHIP FOR THE FLORIDA SPEC MOTOR | KARNAC Staff Report
Last week FASCAR announced that the Bright House Challenge races (super late models) will require changes to the cars using the increasingly popular spec motors, the majority of which are from Progressive Engines.
Much discussion has been taking place around the country in recent months about the horsepower advantage some claim for the Florida spec motors. The new rules require a chip to limit the spec motors to 7400.
The new rules apply only to the Bright House Challenge Series at present. Don Nerone, promoter of the Sunoco Sunbelt Super Late Model Series, insists he is not changing the rules for the Sunbelt and has strongly disagreed with those calling for rev limiters 7400 or 7600 chips) in the Florida spec motors.
Promoters and sanctioning bodies across the country seem to be divided about the issue, as evidenced by the wide variety of opinions expressed by engine builders, promoters as well as drivers expressed on some recent Real Racin' USA radio shows.
Wayne Anderson has been a proponent of the chip here in Florida, along with several promoters, one of the most vocal being R.J. Scott of the CRA Super Series.
FASCAR has been looking at the issue of the Florida spec motors and the possible advantage they have for several months, and by announcing both a weight rule and the chip rule, they have taken the stance of trying to ensure a level playing field for all super late model race teams.
The full text of the FASCAR statement can be read below. If you haven't been paying attention to this debate, we suggest the following links from Real Racin' USA:
 Wayne Anderson speaks out about the spec motors after the Rattler in early March
McGunegill & Progressive Engine builders - Promoters & Drivers including Jeff Choquette are featured in lively debate on the topic
Don Nerone weighs in on the spec motor debate in early April
Dennis Nixon, promoter at South Georgia Motorsports Park takes his turn at explaining the issues
Five Flags Speedway promoter Tim Bryant answers some questions about how his track handles the differences in motors
Two weeeks ago driver Perry Brown, along with Scott Reed, head tech official for the highly successful PASS Series, and Greg Wood, Operations Director from the CRA Super Series discuss the issues surrounding current Stock Car Racing motor programs.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL (MAY 13, 2008) - Officials for the Bright House Challenge and New Smyrna Speedway announce the following rule change for the Florida Super Late Model Sealed (Spec) motor.
Effective immediately all Bright House Challenge cars with the Florida Spec (Sealed) motors based on their current engine part numbers and configuration will be required to run a 7400 rpm chip and their weight will be increased by 50lbs to 2750. Spec Motor, Steel Head Motors and 9-1 motors will all have the same race weight of 2750 lbs.
Teams using the Florida Spec Motor will be required to have a 7400 rpm chip during tech and the chip sealed to the box. Teams using dual boxes will be required to disconnect the second box from the engine wiring harness before coming thru tech.
To allow team’s time to adjust to the rule change, New Smyrna Speedway will have practice exclusively for Super Late Model competitors prior the next Bright House race on Saturday May 17th. Pit gates will open at 10:00am, with Bright House practice to follow. Bright House Challenge tech will open at 2pm with practice for all other classes beginning at 4:00 pm. Bright House Challenge Teams are invited to arrive Friday and secure there rigs for early practice Saturday.
This rule does not apply to the Sunoco Sunbelt Super Late Model Series.
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