My Indy DQ

[Evan Smith]

As most of you know, my engine did not pass the teardown inspection at the US Nationals due to an intake valve that was too big. A few months ago I had a problem with a broken valvespring, which resulted in a bent valve.

Rather than sending the heads to my normal engine builder, Jim Kuntz, I had a repair done closer to home and all new valves installed. The spec for my engine calls for 1.840-inch intake valves, but the aftermarket valves from Manley, SI, Ferrea and the other companies all come in at 1.85 inches so the valves must be cut down. As you can guess, the valves in my engine were not cut down, despite the fact that I paid for a valve job and to have them cut. The valve job was simply done and the valves were reinstalled. Because I paid a quality shop to do the work, I assumed the spec would be looked up and the valves cut down—I was dead wrong. I reinstalled the heads on the engine without checking them (my mistake). The NHRA rule allows for +.005 inch (or -.015-inch) and since my valve measured 1.851 the valve was out of spec by .006-inch. Every other part of the car passed teardown, but at that point it didn't matter. It was not my intent for the valve to be too big, but I accept that it was and I am held responsible. This was my third time to the barn and this is the first problem I have ever had.

Needless to say, I was embarrassed beyond belief. The emotions during the ordeal were hard to describe and I wouldn't wish that anyone have to go though this. I work hard on my car in order to go fast and to earn the respect of my racing peers. It was not my intent to have a car that was illegal and you can bet that I will be checking the little things in the future. This was one of the worst experiences I have ever gone through as a racer, but there is a lesson to be learned. Ultimately, it was my fault because I own the engine and I should have been aware of what was inside.

As a side note, the NHRA tech department treated me fairly and checked the valve over and over, but it was too big. I was not treated poorly or unfairly. I was treated with respect the whole time by the NHRA (Bruce, Danny and Ryck Campbell) and by the other racers in teardown. I would like to thank Jim Conte and his dad, as welll as my crew, Frank, JB, Russ and Jeff for helping with the car. Also thanks to Bruce Noland, John Gray, Ed Bednaz, Jason Line, John Shaul, Steve Wann, Lincoln and Ron Morehead and a host of others who kept me from wanting to lay on the tracks.

Thanks,

Evan