Ford’s New NASCAR Engine to Debut in ’09

Ford Racing has announced that its new FR9 engine will likely be ready for NASCAR racing in the second half of 2009.  Ford, which partners with Jack Roush and Doug Yates to develop the engines for NASCAR's top series, says the engine was designed from a "clean sheet of paper", with no carryover parts from previous models.

“With the exception of a few cylinder head changes through the years, we’ve had the same engine since 1991 and have been able to squeeze out every ounce of power and speed possible,” [said] Yates. “What’s got me so excited is we’ve won races and championships with an engine many consider old, and this new piece is definitely a notch above, so we’ve got a lot to look forward to for years to come.”

There are three key differences between FR9 and the current engine. First, the cooling system has been re-worked and will allow teams to optimize the amount of tape they can put on the front grille and improve downforce. Second, the valve train has been improved, and, third, the production and assembly of FR9 will be much easier than today’s model.

Just when FR9 is ready for competition remains to be seen, but a tentative target date is the second-half of the 2009 season.

“We’re not going to rush this engine into competition until we’re 100 percent sure it’s going to meet our strict standards,” said Yates. “We don’t feel a need to rush because our current engine is still strong and that gives us the luxury to take our time and make sure we do FR9 right. I know we’ve got a winner here, and I can’t wait to see it on the track.”

See the full press release at FordRacing.com.