THE TRAXXAS TORC SERIES USAC TECH ALERT

THE TRAXXAS TORC SERIES PRESENTED BY AMSOIL
USAC TECH ALERT: 2010 PRO Light V-8 Engine Package
TORC Series Race Operations, USAC Officials, engine builders and race truck drivers converged to finalize and move forward on the new PRO Light V-8 engine rules package. Discussions also included PRO Light class growth, promotion and the passion for this class fueled by the financial support of Traxxas.

Kevin Miller, President / CEO United States Auto Club spoke after the call; he noted that the move to a crate engine has brought the major auto manufacturers back into off-road racing. “The goal of bringing this new PRO Light package is to allow racing to be more affordable, I believe that the TORC V8 package will take racing in this class to the next level. As an added bonus, the new engine program will give teams support at the track by providing on site assistance with “re-build” stations.”

TORC Drivers had these comments regarding the new engine package:

Casey Currie, PRO Light Driver- “This is what this class has needed for a long time. I’m excited for something new, I think this is what we need to elevate the class and motivate both new and existing drivers to step up to the plate and get into a PRO truck. I feel like it will take a year to get the bugs worked out- but once they are I think we will see a tremendous growth in the level of PRO Light competition.”

Randy Eller, PRO Light Driver- “I think this move is good for the long term aspects of the sport and the PRO Light class. If it brings in new blood- it’s always a good thing. I think drivers will save money in the long run.”

Marty Hart, PRO Light Driver- “I think it’s a great idea- will we have some growing pains in the first year- but overall I think it will be a good thing once everyone switches to the V8 package.”

Ross Hoek, PRO 2WD Driver- “I would have never considered a PRO Light with a 4 cylinder engine, and now I’m building one with a V-8. I wouldn’t be doing it if it didn’t feel like it gave us a good direction for the future. I believe this changes the viability and scope of the PRO Light class and I am excited to be a part of it.”

Manufacturers and engineers also chimed in with their thoughts:

Mike Kasch, Roush/Yates Engines- “This new engine package will bring an affordable race package that will not only bring new talent to TORC, but also allow some of the veteran racers and more traditional racing families to return to short course off road racing. With the cost cuts that this new package offers, it allows more money for travel and other aspects of running a team. In the state of our nation’s economy, this is a great opportunity for all racers”

Gary Stanton, Stanton Engines- “First of all- it is crucial to have all of the manufacturers involved in any form of motorsports to make it successful. With this new V8 class in particular, we hope to see Chevy, Ford, Toyota, and Dodge all make an effort to support this new class. From an engine builder’s standpoint, we are offering a proven motor that has run the ASA series successfully, lasts a long time, and is very competitive and a great fit for the TORC PRO Light class. We hope the drivability and affordability is a great fit for all racers”

When the meeting came to a close the group discussed and agreed upon the following items:

1. Oil Pump
The dry sump system was discussed vs. the wet sump system. Wet sump has been shown to evacuate oil from the motor and since this is a durable engine, keeping the cost down and not creating a lot of work, the dry sump system has been proven in other forms of truck racing. The dry sump also offers more room for transmission placement. Dry sump systems cost more and will it open up the opportunity to cheat? Oil pump systems do not produce hp gain and dry sump will produce a big improvement in oil temp.
Conclusion, four stage dry sump system is optional; however the remote filter, pump, pan and tank will be spec’d by the engine mfg. Seals will not be required on the oil pan so teams can change the pan and service the bearings.

2. Off-Set
The transmission and engine oil pan must fit within the frame rails without cutting or modification of the transmission pan or engine oil pan.

3. Alternator and Power Steering
Mounting of alternator and power steering is open, any location possible is acceptable.

4. Carburetor
A 650 Holly 80541-1 carburetor is recommended. Performance adjusting with tools such as a screwdriver is acceptable, no other modification is allowed. Tech will utilize a bore scope or go/no go gauge. A 1″ spacer is allowed, 4 hole, tapered and not spec’d.

5. Tire Rule
The tire and wheel rule for this class stands. However the Series will be conducting research and testing on a 17″ size tire and wheel.

6. Headers and Exhaust
The Series is working directly with a manufacturer to create a spec’d header utilizing 1 ¾” tube size, 4-1 collector, with a straight and down no merge 3″ tube exhaust with muffler.

7. Ignition
An MSD ignition box and wiring with a max. 6,000 RPM chip will be required. The chip could be adjusted if necessary.

8. Motor Set-Back
After a long discussion regarding driveshaft length and cab space, the motor set back will be 42″ +/- 2″ measured from the right back of the block at the engine alignment dowel location.

9. Transmission
Any manufacturer’s turbo 400 transmission with standard gearing will be spec’d. An aftermarket short extension housing is allowed for placement.

10. Truck Weight
A minimum truck weight of 2,900 pounds with 45% front distribution is allowed.

11. Radiator Placement
The existing PRO Light truck with 4 cylinder motor radiator placement is in the front. The V-8 PRO Light truck will place radiator in the rear.

12. Fresh Truck Penalty
All TORC Series race classes will have a rule regarding a fresh or second truck. Any team that pulls a fresh truck will start in the back regardless of starting order and receive a 5 point penalty.

Please contact Jason Smith at Jason@usacracing.com with any questions.

V8 Engine Manufacturer Contacts:
Mike Kasch of Roush/Yates mkasch@roushyates.com 704-658-1540
Lanny Barnes of Earnhardt/Childress lbarnes@ecrengines.com 336-853-4943 x3140
Gary Stanton of Stanton Engines stantonracing@aol.com 859-885-7354
Rick Mann of Earnhardt/Childress rmann@ecrengines.com 336-853-4943 ext 3241

The Traxxas TORC Series- The Off Road Championship, presented by AMSOIL is the world’s premier short course off road series. TORC drivers push the limits with 900 horsepower, action-packed fender pounding on challenging natural terrain racetracks. For more information on TORC please visit www.torcseries.com.