[F500] ATTN: Competition Board

[MMauneyJr at aol.com]

To the SCCA Competition Board:

Please accept this letter as formal request that the F500 rules be amended to 
allow the use of the RAVE-equipped Rotax 494 engine.  The reasons for my 
request are as follows:

*  This would give the class access to a ready supply of engines that are 
functionally equivalent to the non-RAVE 494
*  The RAVE 494 is already legal in for competition in many other sanctioning 
bodies, and there are cars available that are currently not legal to run in 
SCCA.
*  The RAVE 494 is a newer engine, and has been in more recent production 
than the non-RAVE design.
*  The RAVE valve has little or no impact on the performance of an F500.  The 
aditional components act to restrict exhaust flow at low RPMs, with the 
effect of improved low-end torque.  Once the engine has passed the RPM level at 
which the RAVE valve has been removed from the exhaust path, the engine functions 
identically to a non-RAVE 494.  F500s run a CVT with initial engagement 
points that are above the RPM range where the RAVE is intended to operate, so the 
presence or absence of the RAVE valve is not a determining factor for the car's 
total performance.
*  Since these engines are identical to the non-RAVE 494 except for the 
cylinders, sleeve assemblies and RAVE valves, this is a much more natural and 
cost-effective step forward than the proposed legalization of the 493 Rotax.

Additionally, I currently own a 2002 Red Devil that is fitted with a RAVE 
494.  As it stands, I cannot legally enter it in an SCCA race without replacing 
the engine, which would entail significant expense with no other quantifiable 
benefits.  Since I hold a SCCA national competition license, I would much 
prefer to enter this car in local SCCA events, rather than seeking out and 
supporting other sanctioning bodies.

Thank you for your time and attention to this issue,

Marshall Mauney
Nat'l Comp. License #255530
Steel Cities Region
MMauneyJr at aol.com