WorldWide Drilling Resource

14 MAY 2013 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Sullair Teams Up with NASCAR to Create the Air Titan Adapted from a Press Release by Sullair NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) and leading air compressor manufacturer Sullair recently revealed a new track drying system that drastically reduces track drying time from over 2 hours to around 30 minutes. The new system called Air Titan dries much faster than conventional systems, is energy efficient, and ultimately helps NASCAR pro- vide a safer and faster competition. After dealing with rain delays during the 2012 Daytona 500, NASCAR challenged its Research and Development Team (R&D) to develop the new drying system before the 2013 race. The group chose to pursue alternative technology instead of the common jet drying sys- tems. This lead the R&D team to St. Augustine, Florida; to create the Air Titan. When using the system to dry the Daytona 500 race track, three Air Titans were enclosed side-by-side in a cart and towed behind a truck. The three Titans are connected to three Sullair 1600HAF high-pressure air compressors by a hose. Each Titan delivers high-pressure air through a thin nozzle forcing water down to the paved portion of the race track where it is vacuumed up by another truck. Special Projects Coordinator for NASCAR, Jerry Kaproth praised the work of Sullair and others stating, “Sullair provided a wonderful piece of equipment and provided professional support as well.” He continued that the Air Titan, “in some form or fashion, could be utilized at every Cup event for NASCAR.” Sullair is headquartered in Michigan City, Indiana, and has been a leading manufacturer of rotary screw air compressors since 1965. It is recognized as a global leader in stationary and portable air compressors, compressed air treatment equipment, vacuum systems, and contractors’ air tools. With the debut of the Air Titan and the rising popularity of the system, hopes are other racing series will also utilize the new technology for their track drying. Air Titan System in use. Photo courtesy of NASCAR. The Air Titan features Sullair’s 1600HAF portable air compressors.