Post-race inspections found that the engine in the #43 car had non-approved parts in the bottom end. Although they have no performance advantage, the engine must be deemed unapproved. The parts in question are the same weight and configuration of the short track engine but not approved for competition in the ASA Midwest Tour.

We feel that the #43 team was informed by the seller that it was the same (with a few minor changes) as is approved in our series. In belief of the seller, the #43 ran the engine in our series. We believe that the #43 team in good faith changed what they believed were the differences in the engines before they arrived to participate. Unfortunately that was not all that had to be changed.

This brings us to the next issue. When purchasing a used engine, you as the buyer are held responsible to verify that it is a legal option in whatever series you participate in by calling their tech department for approval. At the end of the day, it is the responsibility of the teams in terms of what is used in their racing programs. In this case, we don’t believe it was an advantage, but to keep the integrity of the sealed/spec engine program, this is the route we as a series have to go with our ruling.

Effective today October 18th, 2011, Johnny Sauter will be docked a loss of points and fined a “to be determined” amount for the above infractions levied by the series owners Tim Olson and Steve Einhaus. Please review the full tech report below that was submitted by series Tech Director Mike Lemke.

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The #43 ASA Midwest Tour car was presented in the tech area immediately following the running of the Oktoberfest 100 on October 9th, 2011. The ASA Midwest Tour tech staff began a thorough post-race inspection. The post-race inspection found a few areas of concern that have resulted in the following findings.

Two specific areas fell within the car not conforming to the ABC Body Specifications and engine parts that were not approved for use in the ASAMT. The engine parts in question are the same weight and configuration but are not approved for competition in the ASAMT. The ASAMT rules are designed to help keep costs of competition affordable for teams to participate in our events. Because of the findings notated above, the ASAMT Tech Staff has determined that the body infractions along with the un-approved engine components, are cause for penalties to be assessed. Thank you for supporting the ASA Midwest Tour as we continue to provide all of you with a level playing field at all times.

Mike Lemke
ASAMT Tech Director