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"The 2011 USSA Engine Rules, including the new Engine Initiative engines, are now available. To receive your copy please contact Eric Bunn at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will get them out to you."
Esslinger Engineering Commits Esslinger EST Engine to USSA Midget Racing Engine Initiative August 12, 2010 ( With the USSA Midget Racing Engine Initiative, USSA introduces electronically managed fuel injection on Dual Overhead Cam 4 valve engines based on stock blocks and cylinder heads as well as the all new Esslinger Engineering EST engine. The electronically managed engines will feature 320 to 340 horsepower, self-starters and a USSA mandated maximum price of $22,000 USD. The maximum displacement for the DOHC engines is 2.5 liters and the Esslinger EST is 2.65 liters. Racing engines based on stock blocks and cylinder heads have long been a cost effective substitute for purpose built short run racing engines. All the stock blocks and cylinder heads used in USSA must retain their un-modified OEM casting ID numbers and be readily available though each manufacturer’s parts distribution system. There are numerous racing parts available for the engines either through the manufacturer’s racing parts divisions or the aftermarket that are suitable for use in USSA Midgets. This will reduce the cost of purchasing a Midget Racing Engine by 20 to 60% over the current engine investment with a negligible reduction in performance on the short tracks USSA competes on. In addition to making midget racing more accessible to competitors by drastically reducing the cost of engines, the USSA Midget Racing Engine Initiative opens up the field with 16 new base twin cam engines plus the Esslinger EST. Engine blocks and cylinder heads approved for competition include parts from traditional midget engine providers Chrysler, Ford, GM and “We’re going down the road with Engine Initiative because it’s a solution to the question of how to bring more new people into our sport,” said Don Kenyon, President of USSA. “Too many people have been scared away from midget racing by the $40,000 engine and this is a way to bring them to midget racing. As part of our efforts to get the cost of midget racing down, the current midget engines will continue to be allowed in USSA because getting rid of something that works to buy new only raises the cost,” Kenyon continued. Esslinger Engineering is the first builder to commit an engine to the USSA Midget Racing Initiative for 2011. The Esslinger EST is an electronically fuel injected SOHC 2 valve engine featuring steel rods, crankshaft and valve train. “We are very excited about the new engine format,” said Dan Esslinger, President of Esslinger Engineering. “It dramatically reduces the initial cost of the engine as well as the race to race expenses by lowering fuel usage and allowing more running between oil changes due to less methanol pollution in the crankcase. The rebuild interval will also increase to further cut costs to racers. Initial track testing has gone very well on the dirt and we expect similar results on pavement. We are confident that the same power that won 4 out of 5 nights at the 2010 Chili Bowl will be the right fit for a sealed engine package for Midget Racing in the future.” The two types of engines eligible to compete under the USSA Midget Racing Engine Initiative beginning in 2011 have several things in common. As a cost saving measure, neither the Esslinger EST nor the stock block based engines will be allowed to use any Titanium components. USSA will also require each engine to be sealed to keep the connecting rods, crankshaft and valve train parts from being replaced with Titanium or other expensive alloys. Each engine produced for the USSA Midget Racing Engine Initiative will also be required to feature an on board self-starter. “The business is evolving and more and more promoters and fans want the show to move along and be done by 10 or 10:30. The cars with self-starters are much more attractive to the people who promote and attend our races, especially if we’re running with other divisions,” explains Eric Bunn, USSA VP and Competition Director. “By using an on board battery and modern high powered gear reduction starters we will be able to avoid the pitfalls midget racing encountered during it’s last experiment with starters. While the traditionalist may bemoan the lack of push trucks, they will be sure to enjoy the Offy like sound of our new engines,” continued Bunn. To further control costs, cars using the grandfathered engines will not be required to add starters to their cars. Engines built to the specifications of the USSA Midget Racing Engine Initiative will allow USSA Midget competitors to race competitively with a durable, high-performance engine for about 20 to 60% of the cost of the previous purpose built niche midget racing engine. By substantially reducing the buy-in cost of midget racing, USSA expects to see a renewed growth in the sport. For further information or a full copy of the USSA Midget Racing Initiative Contact: Eric Bunn, VP, Competition Director
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317-413-9763 For further information regarding the Esslinger EST Engine Contact: Esslinger Engineering 626-444-4919
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