ARPRO® improves impact resistance in motorsport

Safety improved with ARPRO for NASCAR and IRL

At almost half the weight of traditional materials, ARPRO absorbs 30 percent more energy on the first impact and 60 percent more during the second impact. Bald Spot Sports (BSS) has selected ARPRO for impact-resistance and energy absorption in its NASCAR and IRL crash pads. The ARPRO head and side impact protection measures deliver increased crash protection and a 45 percent weight reduction.

“Some collisions happen at 200mph, and Bald Spot is working to provide the driver with the ultimate in protection when it comes to force reduction technology,” explains Cameron Cobb, Manager of Construction & Specialty Products, Createc Corporation. “ARPRO helps support this objective. For head and lateral impacts, it is one of the most efficient safety materials available, providing more energy management than other materials.”

The technology has successfully been adopted by top NASCAR teams: “We’re wheel to wheel and bumper to bumper every weekend, and the team’s success depends on protecting our driver,” comments Dave Kenny, Engineer on the NASCAR Cup Series at Penske Racing. “Team drivers like Kurt Busch are reassured that safety is taken care of.”

For more than five years, BSS and Createc have been using ARPRO on the track to increase strength and reduce weight. “ARPRO has proven itself in seating, helmets and nose cones,” explains Paul Compton, JSP’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Europe. “The design flexibility of ARPRO allows JSP to develop variants for all applications.”

ARPRO is used extensively in motorsport and automotive applications, and is resistant to high temperatures making it ideal for use in a wide range of other motorsports such as the World Rally Championship (WRC). “ARPRO’s extremely high strength-to-weight ratio is particularly beneficial in motorsport safety; withstanding multiple impacts without significant deformation and returning to its original shape following dynamic stress,” concludes Compton.

	Createc uses ARPRO® for its impact resistance, lightweight and durable properties in NASCAR and IRL applications.
	At almost half the weight, ARPRO absorbs 30 percent more energy on the first impact and 60 percent more during the second impact than traditional materials.
	We’re wheel to wheel and bumper to bumper every weekend, and the team’s success depends on protecting our driver: Dave Kenny, Engineer, Penske Racing.
	ARPRO® allows 45 to 50 percent weight reduction and enhanced energy management during a crash.
	ARPRO is also used as for side impact protection in the World Rally Championship (WRC).

About ARPRO An essential product for the automotive, packaging and consumer product industries, ARPRO Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) is very light weight, absorbs energy repeatedly, and is highly durable. Products made from ARPRO are custom moulded into shape. ARPRO components are incorporated into over 22,700,000 cars and light trucks produced annually on a global basis, as well as in a range of consumer products.

About JSP JSP is the world leader in the production and development of Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) and its many applications. As global provider, JSP engineers and design specialists help their customers gain a competitive edge through the innovative use of ARPRO EPP. The company's stock is quoted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

For more information on JSP, please contact Gary Carr - Marketing & Communications Manager gary.carr@jsp.com

Back to News Articles