Badger approves new engine rules package for 2011 season

From Bryan Gapinski

Sun Prairie, Wis., Nov. 28—In efforts to increase car count and decrease engine costs, the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association (BMARA) have implemented several cost-savings rules for the 2011 season and beyond. These rules were approved by Badger Car Owners who participated in over fifty percent of the previous race season events at the November general meeting.

These rules are aimed at helping reduce the cost of engines and increasing time between maintenance cycles. The following RPM limitations are in effect for the 2011 season: 8500 RPM for Push Rod Engines, 9500 PRM for Single Overhead Cam, 7800 RPM for Fontana Rino, and 9400 RPM for Esslinger EST Engine. Additionally, the Esslinger EST has been approved as a sealed engine platform eligible for competition, at 9400 RPM. Badger will monitor and evaluate RPM limits throughout the season, they may adjusted by the technical director to insure fairness to all competitors.

The use of Traction Control (TC) and/or on the Fly Variable Timing Control (OTF-VTC) is strictly prohibited. In the case of MSD and EFI type engines, the timing curve must be set before the event. Secondary timing curves must be disabled before the start of any event. Any devise that can automatically change an ignition timing curve or cause an intentional miss-fire in the engine while the engine is running is strictly prohibited.

Badger reserves the right to impound or confiscate any ignition system that is suspect of containing any type of prohibited function previously mentioned. The ignition in question will be returned to the original manufacturer for testing. If found legal it will be returned to the car owner. If found illegal, the illegal components will be destroyed, along with the car owner forfeiting all points awarded for the season, and prize money earned during the race in which the illegal parts were confiscated.The car owner will also receive a one-year suspension from Badger from the date of the event and must pay a $1,000 fine before competing in future Badger sanctioned events. Failure to turn-over an ignition system for inspection will deem the car owner guilty and be subject to the posted fines.

The 2011 season schedule will be released in late-December/early-January, highlighted by the return of Badger sanctioned racing at Angell Park Speedway.