Strip Grip Application
Procedures
As you begin your Racing Season….
Step-1: Clean Track
Surface
Step-2: Seal the Track
Step-3:
Apply STC Traction Compound
Step-4-6: Maintain and Enjoy!
While every track has different performance
characteristics, or personality, below is a suggested starting point
for track preparation and traction compound application that has delivered
terrific performance in testing, developmental trials, and the beginning of
this 2006 race season!
Step 1: Strip the race surface of old rubber, dirt,
oils, and other contaminants that could interfere with the application of
STC. If you do not have your own method
for this cleaning process, we suggest a product such as those from Saric Solutions.
Their contact information is included.
A clean racing surface at this step will reward you with greater grip
when the track preparation process is completed. You will want to be sure and clean the track
from ”wall-to-wall”, as there can be significant build-up of debris outside the
groove.
Step 2: Seal the track’s newly
cleaned surface for the season. Done
properly, a single sealing can last an entire season. To seal a track, we suggest mixing five parts
(80%) STC with one part (20%) Methanol, then apply an even coat across the
surface of the track with application device of choice. We suggest an agricultural type sprayer for
even distribution. If pulling spray
equipment, pull speeds approximately 12-18 mph will allow for adequate
coverage.
Many factors will require you to modify your
coverage volume, such as the following:
wind speed, track density, type of track surface, size of applicator
nozzle, and distance from nozzle to track.
(Note: A #7 brass nozzle held approximately 18” from
track surface work well.)
Application should begin between the water-box
and starting line, and extend through the final point of acceleration. Remember to take STC from “wall-to-wall” as
having STC on the track will not ensure a safe pass, but could assist a car out
of the groove, regain directional stability.
This treatment should cure in 2-3 days, and will
provide a sealed track on both concrete and asphalt surfaces alike.
Step 3: Apply STC traction
compound.
Note: Because all tracks performance
characteristics are different, we suggest you apply STC gradually, to find the
optimal level of adhesion your desire.
In addition to track physical characteristics, there are also climate,
humidity, altitude, and other non-track related factors that will have to be
adjusted to achieve the optimal level of adhesion and grip.
A baseline to begin your application process with
is a ratio of 50% STC diluted with 50% Methanol.
“Top-Fuel’ers” and
“Pro-Mods” may prefer a ratio nearer 70% STC and 30%
Methanol. Do not exceed 80% STC-20%
Methanol due to enhanced adhesive strength of STC.
Pro-Stocks may perform better at a ratio of 60%
STC and 40% Methanol.
While you certainly can “dial-in” your track for
a particular application, you will certainly notice an increased level of
adhesiveness at each level of concentration.
Experimenting with different ratios will enable
you to find the optimal mix of STC for your track. You will certainly want to keep in mind this
increased level of adhesion, and how this will affect your event.
Step 4: Track maintenance
Once operational, your facility will be the
ultimate dictator of the frequency of track maintenance. Some tips for this include:
1.
Remove
loose rubber, dirt, sand or other foreign objects from the race surface
2.
You
can reapply STC on starting lines, or after oil-downs
Note: A 50% STC and 50% M.E.K (METHYL ETHYL KETONE) works well for spot
repairs and starting line prep, although, Methanol can be used as well.
3.
“Bald-Spots”
Some tracks may be prone to the development of bald spots. In this case, “misting” or “fogging” the
problem area with a 50%-50% mixture of STC and MEK or Methanol and a light
cover of Gold Dust or similar product.
Lightly rub-in the Gold Dust or substitute with a broom, and reapply STC
in a light. Track surface should be
ready to race on within 5-15 minutes, depending on track temperature.