[Don]

Source: FordRacing.com

FR’S HERVEY REVISITS FR9 ENGINE
10/15/2009
Dearborn, Mich. — In January, Ford Racing and Roush Yates Engines announced Ford’s next generation NASCAR engine with an unveiling of the FR9. The highly anticipated new power plant has been the subject of much speculation throughout the 2009 season. Ford Racing’s Doug Hervey sat down with Fast News From Ford Racing to give an update regarding the progress of the engine and when we will see the FR9 on track.

WHY IS THERE A DELAY?
“We have the ability to use the current engine because it’s so good, but the delay is more of a case that we want to make sure we get it right and refined to the level that we’re happy with.

"Right now, we’re not quite where we want to be, so we have the luxury of carrying on with our current engine, which is outstanding. We’re not going to bring the FR9 to the race track with any doubts in our minds.

"Obviously when you come out with an all-new engine there is a development process. Through the initial development we were running very well and we continue to run well, however, there are minor things we’re seeing that we need to address and we’ve got teams working on those issues.”

WHAT’S THE PLAN AS FAR AS GETTING IT ON THE TRACK?
“Our plate version of the motor is very strong and we’re still on track to debut that at Talladega. Right now, we’re looking at the 6 and 17 as candidates for that race. It could be in just one, or it could be in both, but that’s a decision we’ll make in a few days.”

WHAT ABOUT THE NON-RESTRICTOR VERSION?
“It’s possible we could see it this year at Texas or Homestead, but, at this point, I would use the term ‘guarded optimism’ as far as that goes. We want to make sure that we’ve refined it to the point where everyone is happy. If we’re not 100 percent happy, then there’s no rush and you’ll see it next year.”