Dayco, a leading engine products and drive systems specialist for the automotive, industrial and aftermarket industries, has announced four new partnerships for the 2021 drag racing season and the launch of an all-new blower belt technology from the company.
In addition to its tried and true racing products like 11mm blower belts and harmonic balancers, Dayco is currently in the final testing stage of a new 8mm blower belt technology that will be used by drivers this season. Dayco’s blower belt was developed over the past two years in Top Fuel and Funny Car racing and will be available in June in the very popular 8mm pitch 1,600mm length used by many teams in Pro-Mod and Top Alcohol classes.
In addition to debuting its 8mm blower belt, Dayco is sponsoring a number of teams and drivers, including:
Gillig Motorsports –Participating in a 16-race season between the Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA) and the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) circuits, the Gillig Wagner team is eager to make its way into the Winner’s Circle with its Dayco-sponsored Oldsmobile – which will run with Dayco HT Power Plus Timing Belts and PowerBond by Dayco Race Performance Harmonic Balancers.
Seher Shultetus Racing – Fueled by a passion for small tire racing, the Michigan-based SSR team will race 10 times this season, between Milan Raceway, 131 Motorsports Park and Virginia Motorsports Park. Driving a shiny black 1979 Big Block Chevy Camaro, SSR is ready to compete at the highest level using Dayco HT Power Plus Timing Belts to drive its oil and fuel pumps, along with PowerBond by Dayco Race Performance Harmonic Balancers to help earn some wins.
Chris Duncan Race Cars –This well-known fabrication shop and tuner of Pro-Mod and Top Alcohol cars will outfit its dragsters with Dayco’s newest 8mm blower belt to help them perform under the most extreme conditions. With a hybrid carbon cord encapsulated in custom rubber compounds and patented low friction PTFE tooth fabric, Dayco racing blower belts are designed to withstand some of the highest dynamic loads in racing.
Watson Racing –Drivers Chuck Watson Sr. and Chuck Watson Jr. plan to compete at the SAMTech Factory Stock Showdown and NMCA Holley EFI Factory Super Cars, with the team’s two 2019 Cobra Jet Mustangs featuring Dayco belt and tensioner technology.
“We are eager to spend time at the track with these amazing teams,” said Dipesh Maniar, Dayco racing manager. “Developing technology for both race cars and everyday vehicles is a passion for Dayco. Not only do we get to use the track as real-world proof of performance and durability for new technology like our 8mm blower belt, but we get personal and raw performance feedback from the drivers. It’s the best real-world testing and validation out there.”