clutch cover

I pulled the engine and tranny from my newly acquired Bugeye to replace the 
clutch release bearing and noisy pilot bushing.  I found the clutch cover 
(pressure plate) had 6 spacers between the flywheel and cover, one for each 
bolt.  They are 0.120" thick.  What purpose do they serve?  The car was raced 
most of its life and has a heavy duty clutch, these spacers would reduce the 
clamping force of the clutch cover on the clutch disc.  Gary 61' Bugeye