Scott, I think one of the differences is that the Esslinger and Fontana were singled out a few years ago and USAC legislation ( a second party so to speak) GAVE THEM more cubic inches. I know of at least one engine builder who wanted the same perk and WAS DENIED by USAC.

So, the advantage of those two engines was helped along considerably by the United States Auto Club and adopted by all the other midget orgs in the country with the exception of ARDC, one of the few free thinking midget groups in the country. I have heard more than a few "historic facts" from the engine builder that I'm referring to, and how a high profile midget org has put the KABAMS on many of their projects. So there is more to the historic facts of R and D regarding inovative engine designs than most people know about.

This is not all about a few west coast engine companies suddenly coming up with dominate engines. There has been some major help along the way and that is one of the main issues here.