The crowds are filled with people soaking up all the displays of new racing technology at PRI. There is just so much to see.
The Cars
Amidst all the equipment and accessories to support racing are the many cars on display.
Both Ford and Chevy had their sideways cars on display to show off many of the optional components motorsports enthusiasts can modify their cars with.
On the left is Ford’s underbody air scoop to keep the transmission cool. You just have to take it off to do oil changes, but what a great solution to keeping your transmission temperatures down.
The Technology
With over 750,000 square feet of display floor space and the crowds of enthusiasts at PRI it takes diligence and persistence to discover all the new supporting technology on display.
With the advent of computer control in motor vehicles a huge industry has sprung up to take advantage of OBD II as well as stand-a-lone tuning and engine management.
DSC has computerized the control of suspensions with their shock absorber system.
Randy Pobst was at their booth as well…
In depth suspension testing and analysis is critical for finding the edge in racing and this company has the tools to get you there.
Above is a scale model of their test machine.
How about new engine technology? This prototype V-16 engine puts out over 4,500 horse power.
Going fast with lots of power also means being able to count on the best technology in brake performance. No brand epitomizes that than Brembo.
On the edge of these rotor are spots of paint that indicate when different temperature thresholds have been reached. Key information for understanding the parameters a braking system must work under.
Pistons go up and down thousands of times a minute and must be reliably connected to the crankshaft. Here are some interesting examples of connecting rods on display.
Spark plugs ignite all that power in gasoline engines and the Champion spark plug company has been providing solutions since the beginning.
Here is a great example of one of their solutions for those pesky 3-valve Ford V8 engines:
The design is of a single piece that won’t break apart upon removal like the original plugs tend to do.
Part of getting the most out of your suspension is corner balancing. That is where you use precision scales to ensure your road racing car handles the same regardless of whether you are taking a left or right hand turn.
Filtration is of paramount importance if you wish to keep your hard working engine alive. Fram has been providing oil filtration products for decades.
Fuel filtration has often been overlooked in its importance, but not by FST Performance. Their fuel filters go above and beyond what has ever been available to ensure fuel is clean and free from water and other contaminants.
The filter above is approved for use in NASCAR.
There was so much to see at PRI this year that this blog can never give you a complete view, but let me close with some shots of the racing personalities that make motorsports great.
I want the Honda. I hope you put that filter in my car on my last checkup. For us car idiots, next time please put people’s names under their pics. 🙂