By AMANDA VINCENT
After Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series qualifying on Oct. 14, reigning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter tested a Truck Series spec engine at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.
The engine, designed by Ilmor, tested is expected to be an option for Truck Series teams next season, and NASCAR is expected to make the engine mandatory in 2019. Sauter and GMS Racing teammate Spencer Gallagher tested the engine at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway earlier this year. Sunday’s test was a confirmation test.
The engine is expected to be able to race approximately 1,500 miles before needing servicing or needing to be rebuilt. According to a Catchfence.com report, teams estimate use of the engine could reduce a team’s yearly costs by at least $500,000.
Follow Auto Racing Daily on Twitter @AutoRacingDaily or like Auto Racing Daily on Facebook (facebook.com/autorcngdaily). Amanda’s also on Twitter @NASCARexaminer and has a fan/like page on Facebook (facebook.com/nascarexaminer).