NASCAR Warns Truck Teams Not To Mess With a Sealed Engine

For the Camping World Truck Series teams, NASCAR, just in time for the season opener, has ruled that teams are not to mess with a sealed engine.

They will consider it to be a major infraction that will cost teams 100 championship driver and truck owner points. NASCAR may also confiscate race equipment, impose fines, disqualify, or suspend those breaking the rule.

Truck teams can't make alterations, do any modifications, or repair any part of the engine that NASCAR has sealed. NASCAR also added wording in the famous rule book banning altering or changing engines that have been previously certified.

The engine rule was implemented not only in the Camping World Truck Series but also the Nationwide Series to save team owners money.

The rule does not include Daytona or Talladega events, but will be in effect for all of the other 23 truck races in 2009.

Teams basically can't use new engines in four consecutive events. When a team uses an engine in multiple events, they can use new engines in three consecutive races. Then the process will start over again.

For full-time teams, the rule applies to consecutive races. For the part-time teams, it is based on consecutive events they enter based on the team's racing schedule.

NASCAR plans to use a special seal on engines to prevent any teams from refurbishing the engine between events, but teams will be able to remove the oil pan and change some bearings if need be.

According to driver Brian Scott, teams will be able to make necessary adjustments to keep the engines running after two or more races and even adjust or change valve springs.

They just have to leave the sealed parts of the engine alone.