NEW VEHICLES, NEW PARTNERS
Speeds up to 300 km/h, spectacular slipstream duels, risky overtaking manoeuvres . . . the American NASCAR fan base gets their money’s worth. On 17 February, the starting signal in Daytona was given for the NASCAR season 2008: with new drivers, new vehicles and new stickers. For instance, the Clevite logo has been replaced by the logo of the MAHLE parent group – after all, since the acquisition of the Dana engine components business, MAHLE is now also owner of the Clevite brand and takes advantage of the popularity of this racing series to demonstrate its presence and expertise in the NASCAR environment. And this is not only limited to the USA: also in Europe, the exciting motor sport races can be followed via TV transmission.
THE CROWD PULLER NASCAR
The NASCAR, especially in its premier league Sprint Cup ranks among the most popular sports in the USA. This can partly be attributed to the acceptable admission charges, a large starting field and a relatively open and therefore popular drivers group. The large races are celebrated like funfairs. However, the supposed resemblance of the racing cars to series vehicles is only vague – and their body shapes have long since only a few superficial similarities with road models. For example, the headlights of the current universal racing vehicle are only stuck-on.
CAR OF TOMORROW: THE NEW NASCAR VEHICLE
After 7 years of development work, it has its debut on the racing track this season: the “Car of tomorrow”. The impetus to this vehicle innovation with universal application was primarily the death of Dale Earnhardts in an accident. He was one of the super stars of NASCAR and had the aim to bring more safety to the NASCAR. The new car is replacing the previous vehicles, which were based on a 1966 model of the Ford Fairlane. In addition to significantly higher safety standards, the new car now also provides more power at better cost efficiency for the individual teams. The designation “CoT” is still used however, only with the adapted meaning “Car of Today”.
MOTOR SPORT BY THE TEMPLATE
Before the cars are approved for starting, their shapes have to conform to a given template and this is checked with a specially developed device. According to the old NASCAR rules, there were individual templates for each of the four manufacturers Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge and Toyota, which were adapted periodically. With the new uniform format, this time-consuming procedure has been significantly simplified.
MORE SAFETY, BETTER HANDLING, LOWER COSTS
The “CoT” offers above all better safety and lower costs compared with the older car, as development work is only allowed for a small number of parts. Safety has been improved due to an alignment of the bumper heights – now, the drivers can touch each other without running the risk of jamming the cars instantly. The handling of the cars has also been improved, combined with less dependence on aerodynamics. One of the most striking innovations: a detachable rear spoiler. It is decided by draw, who in the team is allowed to use the spoiler before each race. The intake for the cooling air for the engine is located under the bumper of the “CoT”. This is to prevent overheating of the engine due to a damaged radiator. As a result of the considerable alterations in the front section, in particular the steep windscreen, the drag force has increased and therefore the maximum speed of the car has been reduced.
ALSO ON THE RACING TRACK: TRIMETAL BEARINGS FROM THE MAHLE GROUP
TriMetal motor-sport bearings of the Clevite brand from MAHLE are used in the “CoT” engines of all teams. The bearings are especially designed for crankshafts with oversize bearing width or diameter and medium to high engine speeds (you find more about Clevite bearings from MAHLE on page 3). The MAHLE presence is demonstrated by the striking MAHLE logo at the front – unmissable for the spectators and on the TV screens.
Also motorsport forged pistons from MAHLE Motorsports in Fletcher/North Carolina are used in the NASCAR series – for instance, in all vehicles from Toyota and Ford. These examples demonstrate again the expertise that MAHLE can also offer in motorsport – with products that deliver high-performance under the most extreme conditions.