NASCAR and FDP Friction Science, a leading manufacturer and supplier of brake pads, have announced a new agreement that designates the Duralast brand as the "Official Brakes of NASCAR." FDP manufactures Duralast Brakes, which are sold exclusively at AutoZone.
According to research, NASCAR fans are more likely to be do-it-yourselfers when it comes to automotive maintenance and repairs. A study by Scarborough Research revealed that among U.S. consumers who have a vehicle, NASCAR fans are approximately 15 percent more likely than non-fans to have had a brake repair in the past year and are approximately 50 percent more likely to have either done the brake repair themselves or have someone do the brake repair for free.
“Our brand loyal fan base associates NASCAR with quality and authenticity,” said NASCAR Chief Sales Officer Jim O’Connell. “NASCAR fans are more likely to shop at automotive specialty stores, and the NASCAR bar mark will help differentiate Duralast Brakes at retail.”
Duralast also will participate in the NASCAR contingency program, with the creation of the “Brake in the Race Award” across both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series. The weekly award will be given to the highest eligible driver in the running order at the time of the first caution of each race. The year-end award winner will be the driver who wins the “Brake in the Race Award” the most times during the course of the season. In the event of a tie, the final series point standings shall serve as a tiebreaker.
"We are proud of our new alliance with NASCAR,” said Jack Carney, president of FDP Friction Science. “We have been developing brake technology since 1969 and will continue to manufacture high-quality Duralast brakes that millions of NASCAR fans can trust.”
A full-line supplier of both disc pads and brake shoes, FDP clients include OE manufacturers, retailers, program groups, warehouse distributors, exporters and other brake manufacturers. FDP is headquartered in Tappahannock, Va., with manufacturing and R&D facilities located throughout the world.
