GASTONIA, NC — WIX Filters has teamed up with the engineers and staff at Joe Gibbs Racing to create a new cabin air filtration system designed to protects drivers’ respiratory systems from particulate matter, like dust, soot and rubber; noxious fumes, gas and oil vapors, and most importantly, carbon monoxide.
WIX Filters currently holds the U.S. patent application for the filtration system on file with the U.S. Patent Office. WIX has entered an agreement with Joe Gibbs Racing to manufacture and sell these U.S. Patent Pending air filtration system units to other race teams, making this technology and protection available to the entire racing community.
Carbon monoxide exposure is serious problem within the racing industry, having received much attention in the racing press recently, including driver Rick Mast’s announcement that long-term exposure to carbon monoxide was a factor in his decision to retire from racing.
Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless gas that binds with hemoglobin in the blood. It reduces the amount of oxygen transported to body tissues and other vital organs such as the brain and heart.
Development of the new cabin air filtration system began when Joe Gibbs racing approached WIX Filters with the idea in the spring of 2003.
“Joe Gibbs Racing came to us with a carbon monoxide filtration box concept that they were working with and asked us to help them develop a complete filtration system, including a WIX cabin air filter, that would provide the best results,” said Bill Stamey, heavy duty product engineering manager for WIX Filters. “We were excited to get the call from Joe Gibbs Racing to help, and feel that teamwork has lead to the development of a system that will be beneficial to all drivers and teams.”
Essentially, the new filtration system, designed and tested by WIX Filters and Joe Gibbs Racing, cleans the air that comes through to the driver by way of his or her helmet. The air is taken in through an air intake in the passenger side window and passed through an air inlet hose into the filtration system. The incoming air is then “scrubbed” of carbon monoxide by small catalyst beads, which are accepted by NASCAR for Joe Gibbs Racing. The “scrubbed” air then passes through a WIX cabin air filter where soot, debris and fumes are captured. The clean air then passes through an air conditioning system where it is cooled and finally sent to the driver.
“The development of this system isn’t about money, pride or beating out the competition, rather, it has everything to do with the health and well being of the drivers in this competitive sport,” said Bruce Johnston, brand manager for WIX Filters. “We think that the benefits that are brought to the drivers and teams will be translated into more exciting racing for the fans.”
For more information, visit the company’s Web site: www.wixfilters.com.
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