Yes, Modifieds could run crate motors  

I don't know what the speed, or lap times of the the mid 60s into the 70s (my favorite racing period) were as compared to today.  But I think one's perception of watching a bunch of modifieds as compared to watching crates. Its relative.  I researched Fonda Speedway lap times from the 1970s since Fonda is still in operation today.  I found that the modifeds were doing laps of 22 sec. back in the 70s, while the crates are currently touring Fonda at about 20.5 sec. a lap.  The modifieds are currently averaging laps of 18 sec.  If crate motors were used for the modifieds, I think the only difference (modifeds vs. crate) you could physically see was the level of driving talent.  The lap times being a tad slower would not deter the level of competition.  Maybe with "actual" crate modifieds as the top division, the sport wouldn't have to depend so much on sponsorship.  It still gets me how modifed features are paying about $ 3000 to win and you need a $ 25,000 (probably more) motor to compete. Just my opinion.  Scott Ely