The pinto origins of the Esslinger aren't being denied but 161 cubic inches is a long way from the 140 of the OEM motor.So is the 174 inches of the Chevy II "based" Fontanas.

Design or where it came from isn't the cost driver on midget motors. Being able to go to the pick-n-pull and get the major pieces of your motor has been the basis of Class B {for blue collar} midget racing since the begining of the sport.

The opportunity exists today to have great, reliable OEM based motors at extremely low costs. You just can't race them in most clubs. We'll show how at the Circle Track Expo in St. Charles Illinois Feb. 22-24. The SET Racing gang will be converting a pick-n-pull Ecotec while the TAS [Teer-Allen-Schultz] group will be doing the same to an Ohio made Honda K24.
Both motors will be "restricted" to 215 reliable horsepower to compete in the Illini Racing Series. Projected costs is less than $5000 per motor including EFI, headers, and other mods.

Chuck Schultz
Winfield, Illinois