[Jon Stratis]

The limitation to any "automotive..." Motor has a historical basis. For years various window and door motors have been in the Kit of Parts, and even the common window motor everyone knows these days has had different model numbers in the past (should it be illegal just because the model number changed?). A few years ago FIRST opened it up with a deal with the Automotive Recyclers Association (I think that's what it's called... Please correct me if I got that wrong), and allowed window, Door etc motors that were provided from the ARA. This opened it up to a huge range of motors. Now, FIRST has simply removed the ARA restriction.

A long history with specific motors and types of motors tends to have its own momentum with current and future rules. That's not to say that it can't change, but FIRST will probably continue to move slowly on opening up the rules in order to ensure fairness for all and keep us from creating an "arms race" for the most powerful motors. After all, the drive train power race we've seen the past couple of years has been scary enough!