On the strip downs at Spedeweekend, it came to light via scrutineers that the lip on the back of an inlet valve may be removed, on Fords only. 6 out of the 8 Lightning Rods / 2.0 Hot Rods which were stripped over the weekend had this removed on patent part valves.

The scrutineers were quite within their rights to pull these up, and I have been working on this all week and having various drivers and engine builders ringing me saying that Roy Eaton gave his permission to them to do this even before I started promoting, because some patent valves have a lip as standard and some do not.

This has however never been added to the rule book. Therefore I have no option but to leave the results as they stand and put the drivers back into their places.

I am waiting on results from Quantum Shockers so we can confirm that positions will stand.

Due to the lack of clarity, I am calling for any interested engine builders to contact me, and I am having a meeting at 11am next Thursday 19th July at our Aldershot HQ to go through all engine rules where there are grey areas, including Stock Rods.

Deane Wood