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Q: Is Briggs & Stratton going to produce the prototype engine displayed at last year’s KMI show?

A: If you weren’t at the show, (also the topic of our first reader submitted question) this concept was an entry-level Animal engine with electric start and a seal on the side cover to help control costs. The thought was to simplify the steps for someone to get started in racing (drop it on and go), reduce the costs, and utilize an engine that a racer can ’grow’ with as they advance in the sport.

This concept has changed since the initial prototype engine but it IS alive and kicking. Since the first question was raised on our website we have been inundated from customers, dealers, and track owners who want to purchase THIS engine.

Over the past year, our customers have asked us to focus and address what other programs don’t:

- Designed and BUILT in the United States from a leader in the industry (with 100 years in engine manufacturing). Someone that you know and trust.

- Durability/reliability that can be repeatable (consistency from one engine to the next).

- It grows as you grow in racing. No one likes throwing away money.

- Defined rules and level playing field.

- Claimer classes don’t work. People are willing to lose money to gain the advantage and claimer classes create controversy, not a level playing field.

- Racing right from the box. Why have to remove parts on a product that was never intended nor designed for racing? Is it durable, reliable, and does it meet today’s industry safety standards?

- Controlling costs and ’creative’ thinking

- Simplifying the tech process. We all LOVE to race but we don’t like to spend all night in the ’tech barn’.

- INSTANT integration into your local program. This is a plug and race program that feeds into you current and future class structures.

- A package to help our industry build towards the future given the economic times we now face.

- Accessibility at over 150 dealers within the United States.

Well, we have listened. If your track has a need for a new, entry-level class, something ’wicked’ and new will be coming in NOVEMBER. ;)