At present time, the Sealed Engine Alliance Leaders is effectively only Tim Bryant and Nicholas Rogers of the Southern Super Series/Five Flags Speedway and Track Enterprises president Bob Sargent following the mass exodus of MDM Promotions affiliated members.
Everyone associated with the newly merged ASA and CARS Tour West entity left the Straight Rail Late Model rules oversight committee last week over several procedural and policy impasses.
With that said, the remaining SEAL members intend to continue forward with a new leadership group, stating as such in a Tuesday morning press release.
“A recent announcement shared that one newly combined sanctioning body resigned on behalf of all those involved with them, and in the process, took multiple leaders from the S.E.A.L. leadership roster. This untimely departure has forced remaining committee members to expedite a search for experienced replacements, so the program can avoid any further delays. The committee remains committed to the overall health of the industry and will work with any other organizations on rules that share that same goal.
In the aftermath, remaining officials want the industry to know that their committee will continue in its previous role, with new track, series and industry leaders from across the country to step in and assume new leadership roles. Announcements on the additions to the committee will come in the very near future.
“Remaining officials have also been overwhelmed with the outreach from industry leaders recognizing the efforts being made to improve the current engine climate.”
MDM Promotions founder Marty Melo, and new series co-owner Kevin Harvick, have pulled all of their leadership out of the Alliance. And while there was a degree of inevitability over the separation, the disqualification of a Clark’s Automotive Machine Shop engine used by Bryson Lopez Racing and driver Luke Baldwin in the Heart of Dixie 200 at Mobile International Speedway expedited it.
The combined CARS Tour divisions will craft its own rules oversight committee and procedures.
The remaining SEAL members also addressed that disqualification, and overtures from the team and engine builder, that they have no authority to overturn the decided results of a race.
“There is no precedent for their committee to serve as an appeal board for the decision of an independent Technical Inspector. Additionally, rules for this and many other events clearly state the following (per ULRA rules):
OFFICIAL DECISIONS
Any situation not specifically covered in these rules will be acted upon by the official or officials in charge at the time, whose decision will be final and binding.
Any disagreement over technical questions or operations will be resolved by series (track) officials. When the decision is rendered, the decision is final and binding
Matt Weaver is the owner and founder of Short Track Scene. Weaver grew up in the sport, having raced himself before becoming a reporter in college at the University of South Alabama. He also has extensive experience covering NASCAR, IndyCar and Dirt Sprint Cars.
