FASTRAK super late model “spec engine” wins first time out!
It all started over 18 months ago when the FASTRAK Corporate office continued to receive calls from not only race teams but even chassis builders wanting to know if there was anything FASTRAK could do to help the super late model class to reduce cost.
"I never had plans to do anything with super late models said FASTRAK Founder Stan Lester. "We just kept getting calls. First off let me say I sincerely appreciate people entrusting us to look at this. Thats as nice a compliment as a sanctioning body could receive. Not sure why they called us, I'm just glad they did. I began to look into things we "might" could do that would not shake the entire world like the crate engines did, but more or less keep everyone involved. The thing I was most surprised of is when the chassis builders started calling and then afterwards super late model engine builders as well. Again them entrusting us to do something was quite an honor".
"That lead me to Dick Boyer and Paula Flowers of PBM racing products. After working with engine builders Bill Hendren and Darrell Gabriel along with significant input from people like HVH and Brodix, we put the package together. No it was not an easy task and it had its hiccups along the way. However the results have been incredible"!
The engine was dyno tested in 2009 and has been in the shop of FASTRAK waiting for the right opportunity to come along and this past weekend was that time! Driven by Benji Cole and set up by Kenny Harris, Little Rick and Terry, the engine won its first outing at Toccoa Speedway. RESULTS: IT WON!!!!!!!!!!!
"As I have discussed with super late model series directors, engine builders and teams we have no intention of interferring with series, teams or builders in relation to things like Woo or Lucas or any professional series out there. They all agree that local super late model racing might could use some help in relation to local and regional super late model racing. Thats our goal. If we can help, we will. As everyone has stated the local car counts with Super Late Models continues to decline across the country. Maybe, just maybe if a team can buy a super engine for $18,000 versus the $30,000-$50,000 plus it cost now, super late model racing at weekly tracks can once again become a success".
The engine is an all aluminum piece, 415 Cu In with 750 HP and 650 ft lbs of torque. The price is estimated at $18,000 complete. It is built of all aftermarket parts from vendors participating in the testing. Complete announcements will be forthcoming with all details. Engines should be available for purchase around December 1st. The engines will come in "kit form" from aftermarket parts companies participating in the program.
In what is probably the most 'amazing' part of this entire process has been the sponsor calls about doing a new Super late model Regional series using the spec engine. "The strange thing is" said Lester, "that we have never even said much about it period. Then I start getting calls from sponsors wanting to be involved. Will we do a new Regional Super Late Model Series? Well lets just say two companies have already committed $30,000 to a point fund if we decide to do so. I will say this much, the new logo has already been created".
Any aftermarket parts companies wishing to become involved in the super late model program can call the FASTRAK Corporate Office and speak directly to Stan Lester at (678) 935-7304.
