I think maybe the most cost effective method would be to give the other manufacturers some more cubic inches. This would be no different than what usac did for esslinger and fontana back when they were struggling. Since most usac teams not utilizing esslinger power are factory supported, there would be far fewer engines to reconfigure. I was told that it would cost between 6-10k to make the esslinger competitive at the rpm level that is being discused. I am certain a lot of the smaller teams cannot afford to make the necessary modifications. If the cubic inches are increased, then the engine manufacturers who support these factory teams would most likely absorb the cost. [/U][/I][/I][/I]

This is the most educated answer to the whole issue. This would be the way to make it the most cost effective answer to make Toyota and Mopar equal (even though I am not so sure they are at any disadvantage). I was told by a high ranking official at USAC that they wanted to allow the push rods to be more competative with the Esslingers. As Kevin stated they can absorb the costs a hell of a lot easier than the guys that made this sport what it is.... Toyota for example is all factory supported motor programs, thus no added costs to the team....I agree with Kevin and hope USAC will take a look at this before they make a huge mistake and run every Esslinger owner over to Powri, ARDC or BCRA.