WHERE DID CRATE ENGINE COME FROM?
Crate engines spawned out of “spec engines” which came from some track and race series engine rules, called “claim rules”. A claim rule is most frequently used in particular circle track racing classes. Claim rules enable a competitor to buy a competitive engine out of a race car for a predetermined low price, as part of the rules. The intent is to minimize rule cheating, cost, and level the playing field. These claim rules grew in use and eventually evolved into having only one engine supplier to offer the only legal powerplant for some specific series of racing. Strangely enough cost and technology were now controlled for the purpose of making a class of racing affordable, controllable and provide close competition. By limiting ingenuity and customization, spec engine class racing in effect outlawed custom engine building.
