An overheated racing engine can mean, among other things, an increased rate of failure. When you fail at racing, it means you dont make money. The same holds true for the brake system on your racing car. When the brakes are applied to slow your car, friction is created. One of the by-products of friction is heat, and excessive heat can and will destroy your brakes.
Overheated brakes are hot enough to boil the brake fluid, increasing the chances for brake failure. As a function of their use, brakes are one of the most stressed parts on the car and they need constant attention, both from the driver on the track and the crew in the shop, to keep them cool.
With an eye toward reducing your heat-related brake problems, Circle Track went to Butch Stevens at BSR Products; Jeff Smallwood at US Brake; Mel Kluhsman at Kluhsman Racing Components; Bill Swiderski of Outlaw Racing Disc Brakes and Herb Bellmore at Dan Press Industries for some tips to help you keep your cars brakes in their coolest form. Check out their comments in the sidebars below.