NASCAR officials announced Wednesday a change in the way the series conducts post-race engine tear-downs in an effort to reduce costs and make the process more efficient.

“Along with cost savings, this will provide our officials and teams with the means to analyze the engines in a more controlled setting,” Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition explained. “We have been moving towards doing this in the past, and as the stakes continue to rise in our sport, we believe it’s the most effective way of doing things.”

During the tear-down procedure, NASCAR officials take measurements of the engine’s height and weight, along with shock and gear inspections.  The shock and gear inspections will remain at the track following the event.  The engine tear-down at the NASCAR R&D Center will still be open for observation by crew members, just like at the track. If violations are discovered during the tear down, penalties will be handed out just as they have in the past.