In the racing industry, the difference between first and second place can be a matter of milliseconds. One of the crucial indicators for a winning season for NASCAR racing is how to get the most power out of an engine. However, these engines can produce an enormous amount of heat during a race. While beneficial up to a point, brakes and fluids suffer under excessive heat which can create a variety of issues that are not only detrimental to racing outcomes but outright dangerous. Team OCTI has been working closely with the racing industry for many years, and we know that the right heat insulation on key components of a race car makes all the difference.
Protecting the Driver
The inside of a NASCAR race car is typically 30 to 40 degrees hotter than it is on the outside. Combined with summer heat and a vehicle can reach more than 100 degrees, and did we mention race cars don’t have AC systems because of the additional weight it adds to the vehicle. Even though drivers wear specially made suits to avoid heatstroke, extremely high cockpit temperatures create driver fatigue and heat exhaustion, which can lead to slower driver reactions and accidents. Custom, high-quality heat shields will reduce dangerous heat transfer to the driver by dissipating or absorbing the heat. This allows the driver to remain better hydrated and perform safely.
Protect Engine and Parts from Damage
Heat shields and thermal wraps are designed to protect objects from overheating. In race cars, they are used to isolate the engine block and prevent heat damage to heat-sensitive internal components and bodywork of the vehicle. Custom heat shields combine the extreme heat resistance of ceramic with the sculpting ability of thin metal sheeting, creating the optimal lightweight solution for racecars.
Increase Performance
While a fixed heat shield can be fabricated from solid steel, in the case of the racing industry, it would add unwanted weight. Another benefit of OCTI custom-fabricated heat shields made with more flexible material is greater fuel efficiency and faster acceleration due to a lower weight addition to the vehicle. Lower heat also makes specific components like the air intake system perform more efficiently.
From custom turbo covers made from carbon steel to complete exhaust system coverings to ensure your race team workers’ safety, we have done it all. We have worked with professional racing teams over the years and our products have taken them over the finish line time and time again. Need better heat management for your racing team? Contact Team OCTI today to design the coverings that give you the competitive advantage to win—and keep your team safe.
