Brembo’s approach to designing braking systems for NASCAR is centered around the unique demands of each type of circuit and the specific needs of the teams and drivers. Given the variety of tracks, from superspeedways to short tracks, Brembo customizes braking solutions to optimize performance.
For larger ovals, where braking is minimal, smaller calipers are used, while for short tracks, where drivers rely heavily on braking to navigate tighter corners, larger calipers and more robust systems are employed. Brembo also tailors the brake disc specifications, adjusting the diameter, thickness, and ventilation channels to manage the extreme conditions and temperature variations across different circuits.
Moreover, each team can request further customization based on their car's aerodynamic needs and the driving styles of individual drivers, ensuring maximum performance and reliability under diverse race conditions.
The Brembo brake calipers used in the three NASCAR series (Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series) are divided into two main categories: those used on speedways, which are lighter and less powerful, and those used on road courses and short tracks, which are more complex because they are intended for more demanding use.
On speedways, that is, oval tracks, brakes are used much differently than on road courses: On certain circuits drivers use them only in emergencies, while on others they are used to adjust handling balance and vehicle attitude in the corner. At these very high speeds, driver feel and control are paramount. Brembo speedway front and rear calipers are made from a single aluminum monoblock and follow load optimizing design language: this solution ensures maximum performance through high rigidity and extremely low weight.
Each of these speedway calipers employs four titanium pistons with different diameters, a pair of 38 mm and another pair of 44 mm. Titanium is a material that boasts rigidity, low density, high heat and corrosion resistance, and is particularly lightweight.
Choices for discs also differ depending on the type of track.
For Super Speedways and Intermediate Speedways, that is, large and medium-sized ovals, 305 mm diameter and 38 mm thick cast iron discs are used at the front. Cooling is aided by 84 cooling vanes.
For Short Tracks and Road Courses, that is, small ovals and road circuits, requiring greater braking force, 328 mm diameter and 42 mm thick cast iron discs are used at the front.
To minimize wear of friction material in these events, ventilation is limited to 72 slots in order to strike a balance between cooling surface area and maximum airflow characteristics between the friction surfaces of the disc.
At the rear, for Super Speedways and Intermediate Speedways, 330 mm diameter and 25 mm thick cast iron discs with 48 ventilation holes are used. For Short Tracks and Road Courses, the cast iron discs increase in thickness to 32 mm but decrease in diameter to 328 mm.
Brake pads are characterized by different compounds to work best with the various calipers, depending on the specifics of the circuit. Each option is designed and tested to offer the best not only in terms of performance but also in terms of wear and stability throughout the competition.
For Short Tracks and Road Courses, a high coefficient of friction is required because brakes are often used to their maximum capabilities on these tracks. For Super Speedways and Intermediate Speedways, a pad that operates best even at lower temperatures is needed because the system cools down more quickly.
The only common element among the braking systems of the three NASCAR categories, even with varying tracks, is its vital fluid, the brake fluid.
All cars use Brembo HTC 64T brake fluid, which boasts a dry boiling point of 335°C, about 25°C higher than competitor brake fluids. Developed exclusively for racing use, it offers maximum performance in all racing conditions.
Every race is a heart-pounding battle, with drivers pushing their cars to the limit on high-speed ovals, all while battling for supremacy. In this high-stakes environment, every second counts, and the brakes are as crucial as the accelerator.
The Brembo brake systems, engineered for ultimate performance, ensure that drivers can maintain control when they slam on the brakes, slowing down from incredible speeds to take sharp corners.
In NASCAR, the balance of power, control, and stopping precision defines the difference between victory and defeat, making the role of advanced braking technology more vital than ever.