Oswego’s Small Block Supers Pick Up Crate Option For 2018; Rules Changes Announced

Story By: CAMDEN PROUD / OSWEGO SPEEDWAY – OSWEGO, NY – The long anticipated list of rules changes for Oswego Speedway’s Small Block Supermodified division was revealed to race teams on Friday night with one big change included; which is the addition of a voluntary 602 crate engine program for 2018 which will be mandatory for the 2019 season.

The set crate engine will be a GM Performance #19258602 engine with a 7″ 604 style circle track pan, pickup and oil filter adapter installed. All QR coded secondary seals can be purchased through the speedway from Pace Performance and those interested in purchasing an engine can contact Steve Gioia Jr. with speedway tech.

As part of the 2018 voluntary program, speedway management will be offering a $100 purse bonus each week for those running the crate engine. Current engines remain under the same rules for 2018.

Although in the early stages of this program, Oswego Speedway feels this is a necessary step in not only maintaining, but growing the Small Block division in the future.

“Moving forward it is important that we make key changes such as adding a voluntary crate engine program to reduce costs and improve the racing at Oswego Speedway,” said track owner John Torrese. “We believe the great working relationship we’ve developed with GM Performance, Morrison Performance, as well as having a dedicated tech crew, will lead to much success with this endeavor and continue the long term success of the SBS class.”

Included as part of weekly racing action at Oswego since 1992, the 2018 season will mark the first time the Small Block Supers have picked up the crate option, which will certainly make racing much more cost effective. Retail cost for the crate engine to be made mandatory in 2019 will be just $4,562.35 plus sales tax. Should the speedway be able to buy a minimum of 5 engines, the cost will be reduced to $4,160.48 for over a $400 savings.

All #88956802/19258602 engines from any source must be dyno tested and sealed by the Oswego Speedway certified repair shop which will be Morrison Performance in Fulton, NY.

If a car is suspected of a rules violation, that owner will be told to remove the engine from the car (with speedway supervision) and the engine will be sent to Morrison Performance to be checked referring to original engine specs and dyno numbers.

The penalties for modifying your sealed engine will be severe; disqualification, loss of prize money, $3500 fine and 1 year suspension.

The penalties for tampering with the seals will be, disqualification, loss of prize money and points, and a 2 week suspension.

Several other rule adjustments for 2018 were also made available Friday night, including tire changes. 1057 Hoosiers will now be on both sides, with teams only able to buy the following tires; 8 on Opening Day and 1 per week after, with two tires on June 30 and August 4.

In 2017, the cost of the 26 tire quota was $3,706.56 while the cost of the 19 tires teams will be able to purchase next season will be $2,708.04, saving racers nearly $1,000. Tire count for the Bud Light SBS Classic 75 will also be reduced from 8 to 4, saving $570.24. All rule changes have been made in an effort to make the SBS division more competitive and less expensive for the future.

The list of significant rule changes for the SBS division has been sent to all team emails, with Supermodified rule changes expected to be revealed next weekend. The full 2018 rule book will be available as a print copy as well as online following the 1st of the year.

Oswego Speedway’s 2018 schedule has been announced in full, with pricing and time schedules to be added in the near future. The speedway kicks off its 68th consecutive season of action with Open Practice on Saturday, May 19 before Opening Day takes place the following week, May 26, which will feature the Jim Shampine Memorial 75 for Supermodifieds as well as the Tony White Memorial 35 for the Small Block Supers.

Season ticket packages will be made available to fans after the new year as well, with the speedway office remaining open in the winter on Saturdays during the hours of 11am to 4pm for merchandise sales, gift certificate pick ups, and more.