StopTech, a leading innovator of world-class brake components and systems for production-based racing cars and high performance vehicles, has begun providing brakes for a handful of professional off-road racing teams. The StopTech program has already attracted the attention of motocross and racing legend Jeff Ward, who competes off-road on StopTech brakes.
The concept of an off-road program from StopTech, the ultra-performance division of Centric Parts, was first conceived by company CEO Dino Crescentini in 2008. This was the year the seasoned and successful racecar driver took his skills off road and, with his co-drivers, won the Baja Challenge at the Baja 1000, which is a grueling race across the unforgiving terrain of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico.
StopTech’s off-road brake kits have been custom designed for each specific team application but are based on StopTech’s winning Trophy Big Brake Kit technology, with additional features added for off-road use. The lightweight, yet very stiff, Trophy-style racing calipers have an internal crossover to move brake fluid from the inboard to the outboard side of the caliper, rather than the external tube used in the street and on-road racing calipers. The internal crossover is not vulnerable to damage in off-road racing environments. In addition, extra material around the brake line inlet protects the hose and fittings.
StopTech’s patented AeroRotors are paired with AeroHats where applicable for better cooling, plus the kits include StopTech stainless steel brake lines. The result is improved brake modulation, firmer pedal feel and less brake fade resulting in stronger, more reliable and stable performance in the unique conditions experienced by both vehicle and driver in off-road racing situations. StopTech’s Street Performance Brake Pads have proven their worth when combined with the StopTech brake system in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing series.
The Speed Technologies off road racing team has been the first to jump on board the StopTech off road program. The team has fielded several trucks in the 2010 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Unlimited classes. All three team drivers in the Unlimited 2 class have competed with a StopTech off road brake system, and the parts have recently been installed on the team’s latest addition, an Unlimited 4 truck driven by team principal John Harrah.
The team’s finishing results in Unlimited 2 are led by Jeff Ward, well-known as a multi-talented racing legend. Ward was the first rider in history to win every major AMA motocross national championship. During his motocross career he scored seven national titles, 56 national race wins and represented the USA seven times on winning national teams. Ward moved to racing cars in the Indy Racing League and established a solid reputation at the prestigious Indianapolis500, where he was 1997 Rookie of the Year and garnered four top five finishes in just seven starts. He moved into off-road racing in the 2009 season, joining the Speed Technologies team with an auspicious start. Ward won the 2009 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Rookie of the Year, 2009 Dirt Sports Rookie of the Year and 2nd Place in Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Championship, behind by 1 point.
"In the insane off-road driving conditions found during a Lucas Oil Off Road Racing event, slowing down at the right time can be as important a factor as going fast, and StopTech brakes give me the stopping power I need when I need it most," states Ward.
StopTech, the ultra-performance division of Centric Parts, is a leading innovator of world-class brake components and systems for production-based racing cars and high performance vehicles on the street and track. StopTech was the first to offer balanced brake upgrades for production cars and remains the worldwide leader with more than 700 platform offerings to dramatically improve overall braking performance.
For additional information on products offered by StopTech, visit www.stoptech.com.
