Spec Miata national SCCA championship race at Laguna Seca, is a mess... all the top 6 winners, didn't pass tech after the race, they all used an illegal head

Spec Miata National Championship

Provisional results for Friday’s SCCA Spec Miata National Championship at the 51st SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, with finish position, starting position in parenthesis, driver, hometown, car and laps complete.

1, (1), Mark Drennan, San Jose, CA, Mazda Miata, 20.

2, (3), Andrew Carbonell, Miami, FL, Mazda Miata, 20.

3, (4), Brian Ghidinelli, San Rafael, CA, Mazda Miata, 20.

4, (2), Kyle Kaiser, Santa Clara, CA, Mazda Miata, 20.

5, (10), Tyler Kicera, Manheim, PA, Mazda Miata, 20.

6, (8), Craig T Berry, Tyler, TX, Mazda Miata, 20.

Giving the win to 7th place! 

7, (12), Erik Stearns, Van Buren, OH, Mazda Miata, 20.

- See more at: http://autoweek.com/article/sports-cars/complete-51st-annual-scca-runoffs-results-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca#sthash.rcVYqT6Y.dpuf

But the funny thing, is that #1, Mark Drennan, said "I'd like to thank my sponsor, No Wife No Kids Racing, because with them, none of this would have been possible"

MONTEREY, Calif. (October 12, 2014) – Erik Stearns, of Van Buren, Ohio, was named 2014 SCCA Spec Miata National Champion Sunday after the first six cars from Friday’s race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca were penalized following post-race inspection for unapproved modifications.

Seventh place is the lowest position a driver has ever crossed the finish line and been crowned champion in the 51 National Championship Runoffs events.

http://www.scca.com/news/?cid=52091

Any larger bored hole definitely removes material from the short side radius, as it is impossible not to do so. This is extremely important to state as this point alone makes EVERY cylinder head ever built for competition SM non-compliant.

http://blackflag.jalopnik.com/so-many-spec-miatas-allegedly-cheated-that-seventh-plac-1645710255

Jim Drago, 2 time natl champ, engine builder:

It is clear that this protest was specifically written against a rule which is unclear and can be interpreted in more than one manner. Based on the data from 9 cars inspected at the 2014 Runoffs, 89% of the competitors and/or engine builders constructed engines with the same interpretation of the rule which the Technical Inspected deemed non-compliant.

Even with heads on an inspection stand, and valves removed, it took 7 inspectors over 5 hours to make the subjective determination that the cuts and deburring operation did not conform to Rule “4” based solely on visual inspection. Conflicting Rule “3” was not taken into account as it was not specifically cited in the protest.

those involved feel it is very important to consider the fallout and possible damage this decision will do to the largest and most successful class in the SCCA. Many competitors are now staying away at regionals for fear of protests for compression (last month’s scandal) The class does not need another reason to stay home.

 If the decision of the first court stands, Over 90% of the engines being used in competition, built by at least four different builders will all now be non-compliant. At least 750 engines countrywide are affected (a conservative estimate) as all of the builders involved have personally seen engines built by the two other remaining engine builders not present in this protest, and confirm that their cylinder heads are built with the same interpretation.

That pushes the number to well over 95% of all SM engines in existence. It is very apparent that these rules are being interpreted differently by many who read them. Many respected competitors and builders are involved in this appeal. None would willfully violate the rules or want to run their equipment in a non compliant manner. All value our reputations above all else.

http://mazdaracers.com/topic/4768-everything-runoffs-2014/page-17