GM/Michigan State University Field Vortec Engine Development

GM/Michigan State University Field Vortec Engine Development

Vehicle To Test Innovative Technologies In 2001 ASA ACDelco Series

PONTIAC, Mich. –General Motors has assembled a team of Michigan State University engineering students to field a GM Vortec Engines development car to evaluate innovative technologies in the 2001 ASA ACDelco Series. Evansville, Indiana’s Brandon Fagin will pilot the Vortec ASA 5700-powered 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in up to seven races during the latter half of the 2001 racing season. The effort is part of a program designed to test proprietary engine technologies under the extreme conditions unique to short track stock car racing. The car will be modified to include additional data retrieval equipment.

“This is a great opportunity to test and promote advanced technology, technology that will make our vehicles even more powerful and efficient, through our involvement in ASA stock car racing,” said Al Alvarez, Vortec Engines Brand Manager. “For General Motors, the ASA ACDelco Series is one of the fastest laboratories on wheels. We are very proud to be working with this exciting team of young engineers in such a dynamic venue.”

The race team are all Formula SAE veterans, where they showcased their engineering skills against other teams from top universities across the country.

Fagin and the Michigan State University team will make their debut at Toledo Speedway on July 1 in the Glass City 300. Plans call for the team to practice and qualify alongside ASA ACDelco Series regulars.

In a format similar to the 1999 testing of the Vortec ASA 5700 engine that debuted in the 2000 ASA season, the Vortec/MSU entry will begin each event from the back of the field regardless of their qualifying time and will make several pit stops during the event to retrieve data on powertrain performance.

The team is scheduled to run in selected events throughout the remainder of the 2001 ASA ACDelco Series season, including the season-finale at Indianapolis Raceway Park on September 29. All of the 2001 ASA ACDelco Series events are telecast live on TNN Sports.