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Who would have guessed the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series point leader is using engines that are two years old?

Saldana revealed during an appearance on Michael Knight’s Race Reporters Internet radio show last night that his team is using Mopar engines that are two years old.

Saldana said much of the reason for using the older engines, which are frequently rebuilt by Rick Long at Speedway Engines, has been the uncertainty surrounding where Kasey Kahne would continue his NASCAR career.

“We started Kasey Kahne Racing in ’06,” Saldana said. “We had Mopar sponsorship and in 2007 and 2008 we had sole Mopar sponsorship. I think of the three teams at Kasey Kahne Racing we have 15 engines, five for each team.

“Then in 2009 and 2010, Mopar leaves our series and Kasey as an owner, he has a lot invested in our series and you don’t want to invest a lot of money in Mopar or Ford or whatever if you are going to go in a different direction, which he is with Chevrolet.

“Actually for Kasey Kahne Racing, we haven’t bought a new engine for our World of Outlaws team in two years. A lot of people don’t believe that, but it is true.”

Saldana says the team will get new engines for the 2011 season.

“It is definitely going to change for next year, it is just a matter of time before we know what direction we are going to go,” he said.

The team’s performance hasn’t suffered. Saldana won 21 features last season and has already visited victory lane 10 times this year.

To hear Joey Saldana’s interview on the Sports Reporters, click here: http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=47029