But on to an update on the engine protest by the second place finisher in the season points race, Brian Bourquin.  Following the last feature race, Skyler drove our No. 16 up to the trailer where lights were set up and tools laid out.  Under the watchful eyes of WISSOTA race technicians, crew chief Bill Smith, along with helper Rick Karns, took the engine apart.  The protesting driver had to be present as well, and he and a couple of hillbilly companions lurked in the shadows, watching.  Each engine part was weighed, measure and inspected, and but for some minor grinding on one small part (a rod cap, if you're a true motor head) we have passed the test.  However, that part and one piston were tagged, and will be sent to headquarters where the chief technician will rule.  We are quite confident that we'll be in clear within 24 hours.  The idea of such an inspection is to see if/where an engine has been altered to increase horsepower.  In our case, nothing was, and the "grinding" issue appears to be mainly cosmetic.

Too much information, perhaps, but the scene around the "tear-down" was quite dramatic.  A circle of bystanders stayed late, and pressed in toward No. 16  to see what they could see.  The engine came apart piece by piece under harsh spotlights, with Bill and Rick underneath the car working for the most part cheerfully.  It was a great opportunity for the novice to see how an engine works.  (I'll be posting pictures tomorrow.)

The whole protest procedure seems skewed in favor of the protester, however.  Two hundred dollars is all we'll get when the issue is resolved in our favor--not much for the time and inconvenience of having to take our engine apart.  But the racing Gods are sly and clever.  This will give us a chance to work on the engine, and get it ready for next season.

Final report on this matter ASAP when we know for sure.