The cause of the piston ring failure is unknown. In 1914, Harry Muchnic invented a revolutionary diesel locomotive piston ring. This causes premature piston ring wear contributing to exceptionally high oil consumption. The failure of the piston ring occurred on the grades between Hermosa and Rockwood. Piston ring design has been identified as a potential problem. Floyd Roberts, driving the ill-fated Burd Piston Ring Special, dominates to win by three laps. A smooth glazed cylinder wall can cause piston ring and cylinder scuffing. The support plates fixed to the valve spindle also have a piston ring.