Exclusive Supplier of SPEC Engine For NASCAR
By Jason Christley, NASCAR
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 6, 2010) – NASCAR has announced that Robert Yates Racing Engines has been named the exclusive supplier of the NASCAR-Approved Spec Engine.
The engine, which was introduced in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series in 2006 as an optional means for managing costs and providing teams with additional opportunities to compete, is also available for use in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tours, and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. It is also an option for NASCAR Camping World Truck Series teams at select tracks.
“The SPEC engine program has clearly established itself as a competitive, economical alternative for many of our teams,” said Richard Buck, NASCAR director of touring series. “As the sport works to establish ways to better manage costs, the option to be able to run the SPEC engine has provided additional teams the opportunity to run in more races and be competitive.”
The program provides teams with the opportunity to buy the NASCAR-Approved SPEC engine from Robert Yates Racing Engines, a racing engine and parts company owned by Robert Yates and Chris Davy, pre-assembled or as a kit and have their own designated engine builder perform the assembly.
“We’re excited to be part of NASCAR’s on-going efforts to provide affordable alternatives for racers throughout this sport,” said Robert Yates, the former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion car owner and engine builder. “Since its debut, the SPEC engine has clearly proven its worth under the rigor of competition. We look forward continuing with the same high-level of service, engine power and quality.”
The SPEC engine achieved tremendous success with Wegner Motorsports, which served as exclusive supplier from 2007-2009. Wegner is diversifying its business and will continue to produce engines for various forms of motorsports and support RYRE through the transition period.
“I am happy to have been involved with the NASCAR SPEC engine from its inception,” said Carl Wegner. “I will still be available to Robert Yates Racing Engines to help in the transition of this great program. I wish nothing but continued success to NASCAR and the SPEC engine program.”
Matt Kobyluck recorded the first win with a SPEC engine in the 2006 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, the premier post-season event for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series. Joey Logano was the first driver to win a championship driving the SPEC engine exclusively in the 2007 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season. Over the last three years, the champions in both the East and West have used the SPEC engine and it has been the power for every race win in both series.
The SPEC motor was introduced to the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour in 2008, and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in 2009. This past year, it was available for NASCAR Camping World Truck Series teams at tracks 1.25 miles and under in length.
Teams can contact Robert Yates Racing Engines directly at (704) 660-7015 or visit www.RYR.com.