Our partnership with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) goes beyond the Diamond on the hood of the car, and much further than the finish line. Collaboration is at Dow’s core and allows us to utilize the power of materials science to advance the mobility industry. Together, scientists and engineers from RCR and our Materials Engineering Center (MEC) develop, test, and apply innovative technology ready for the racetrack to help increase performance and safety of the No. 3 Dow Chevrolet.
In a relatively short time, Dow helped the team with a quick fix for the sticking rubber and, with RCR, found a silicone mold release gel as a long-term solution. Under significant pressure and speed, value must be added safely and competitively. This silicone mold release gel works by creating a barrier between the wheel and any rubber flung up from the tires and track during the race. Keeping the tire rubber from sticking to the wheel maintains the wheel’s light weight design and prevents undesirable imbalance effects.
No matter the need, Dow’s MEC team brings extensive engineering knowledge and expertise to every unique task.