EMCO On Track For Daytona Prototype October Delivery

EMCO On Track For October Delivery

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 28, 2002) -- Dave Watson, Grand American's Director of Competition, returned from a trip to Chicago last week where he toured the manufacturing facility of EMCO Gears and declared that everything is going according to schedule regarding production of the transaxles for Daytona Prototypes. EMCO Gears has the only gearbox that has been approved for competition in the Daytona Prototypes class which will debut at the 2003 Rolex 24 At Daytona next February.

"I went up to get a look at the parts being manufactured by EMCO and things are going according to plan," Watson said. "The first gearboxes should be delivered in October with plenty of time before the first organized Daytona Prototypes test in November."

While a number of companies have submitted plans to Grand American to produce transaxles for the new racing division, EMCO is the only company that has been given approval so far with its EMCO GA 46-P and EMCO GA 46-C units. 

"EMCO is producing sufficient quantities to handle demand for the cars we expect to compete next year," Watson added. "We do intend to approve two additional manufacturers, however at this time no other manufacturer has completed the requirements."

Rules for the transaxle state "The transaxle will have a maximum of six forward speeds (mechanical sequential gear change is allowed) and one reverse gear; using straight cut gear dog ring style design. The approved manufacturer must have units available for the approved engine configurations either as an invertible model or as separate models. The transaxle must be cast aluminum, of the longitudinal design, with the gear stack rearward of the output centerline, using two shafts, input to layshaft and mainshaft to the ring and pinion. Only one non-adjustable, non-ramp type, limited-slip clutch plated type differential is allowed. There is no limit on change gear ratios. No suspension mounting points are allowed on the cast case."

Builders that have not ordered transaxles yet for their Daytona Prototypes should call Dan Cota at EMCO at (317) 243-3836. Renderings, rules and more information about the Daytona Prototypes can be found on the Grand American Road Racing Association website at www.grand-am.com. 

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EDITORS NOTE: Additional information may be requested from Grand American Road Racing Association 
Christie Hyde (386) 681-4182; email: CHyde@grand-am.com