In a significant shift for the 2005 racing season, the USTCC introduced new rule changes that granted teams greater latitude in configuring their race engines and suspension systems. This newfound flexibility ignited a flurry of excitement within the team as they contemplated the possibilities for innovation and enhanced performance.
Eager to seize the opportunity to develop a cutting-edge race engine, Dennis turned to his trusted team engineer, James Walker Jr. Together, they explored various options that would give them a competitive edge. James proposed reaching out to Mark Womack, a former engineer for the Inner City Youth Racing (ICY) team, whose expertise was particularly valuable given his experience during the team’s glory days in 1997 and 1998 when they raced Saturns in the SCCA World Challenge Series.
“I had a productive conversation with Mark Womack over the phone,” Dennis recounted. “He generously walked us through the possibilities for maximizing horsepower using a Saturn engine. We were excited when he mentioned that he had an engine from one of the ICY cars still in his shop. All that was needed on our end was to send him a fresh block and pistons, and he would handle the rest, building a more powerful engine that could change the game for us.”
However, the arrival of a new, more powerful engine came with its own set of challenges. Existing OEM electronics and wiring had to be removed entirely to accommodate the advanced systems necessary for the engine’s operation. “The task of rewiring the entire car was incredibly time-consuming,” Dennis explained, the memory of it still fresh. “While the new engine came equipped with its own harness, many of the wires associated with the fuel, brake, and lighting systems were intertwined in the old engine harness. Rather than sifting through many wires to determine what was necessary and what could be discarded, we decided it would be more efficient to strip them all out completely and construct a brand-new harness for those essential systems.”
Once the engine installation is complete, the team will set their sights on scheduling a crucial test day. This day will not only serve as an opportunity to put the new engine through its paces but also allow Mark Womack the opportunity to fine-tune the setup. With his extensive experience, Mark’s expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the engine runs smoothly and functions with the current fuel system.