NASCAR Crew Chief Helps Develop Goodyear Belts

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 20, 2005 -- NASCAR Nextel Cup racing series is so competitive, finding an advantage this season is like trying to train an alligator to eat with manners.

Yet, Steve Boyer, crew chief for driver Sterling Marlin, has found comfort in Goodyear Gatorback Poly-V belts used to help power his racecar engine.

He should. He helped develop the product.

Before Boyer joined Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates in 2001, he was an engineer for Goodyear's automotive belt and hose program, working on a team that developed Gatorback belts.

Now, Boyer has selected the belt to help power Marlin's racecar engine, according to Mike Gregg, chief engineer at Goodyear's Lincoln, Neb., belt plant. "Every weekend, the No. 40 car is equipped with Gatorback belts under the hood," he said.

Boyer worked in Lincoln until 1995, when he shifted gears and moved to the company's Akron, Ohio, headquarters as an engineer for the race tire division. It was there that Boyer's passion for racing revved into high gear.

"I started supporting NASCAR teams on weekends and saw first hand how Goodyear race products performed under extreme conditions," said Boyer. "Whether under the hood or in the wheel well, I trust Goodyear rubber products to help keep the Coors Light team competitive and in the chase."

Boyer said Gatorback belts perform extremely well under a wide range of race conditions, including a variety of engine configurations designed to meet specific track demands.

"I may be biased," said Boyer, "but my team relies exclusively on Gatorback to eliminate problems before they start."

The belt's helicog tooth design, resembling the back of an alligator, provides greater flexibility and more exposed surface, allowing the belt to run cooler and last longer. It also helps clear sand and other track debris that could damage or destroy a belt during races.

In addition, Gatorback, which is wider and thinner, yet lighter and stronger than a traditional v-belt, is more stable and reduces the risk of belt rollover.

The belts help drive the oil and water pump, alternator, and power steering on Marlin's car. "Regardless of the engine setup, at every track, I want Goodyear belts on our racecar," said Boyer.

Goodyear Engineered Products has supplied belts to NASCAR for 24 years and is the exclusive NASCAR licensee of automotive aftermarket Poly-V and v-belts, timing belts and curved radiator hose. For more information, visit www.goodyearbeltsandhose.com.