MSD(R) Racing Ignition Systems Win With DuPont(TM) Rynite(R) PET

DETROIT, March 5 -- DuPont Engineering Polymers is making a commitment to automotive racing by working with MSD(R) Ignition, the world leader in high-performance ignition components and systems. At the SAE World Congress this week, an impressive display in the DuPont booth features 60 MSD(R) ignition components used in various kinds of racing vehicles -- all made with DuPont Rynite(R) thermoplastic polyester resin or other DuPont engineering plastics.

"We're proud to be working with MSD(R) Ignition and helping them strengthen their leadership with innovative applications for our engineering plastics," said Jim Hay, Global Director - Advanced Automotive Electrical/Electronics Venture for DuPont Engineering Polymers.

Russell Stephens, National Sales Manager of MSD(R) Ignition, said: "Working with DuPont has enabled us to develop higher quality products that are better suited to the demanding environment of motor sports. With DuPont's technology support in engineering plastics, we have been able to provide our customers with products that withstand the high temperatures, severe vibration and high voltages produced by the MSD(R) Ignition systems. MSD is excited about the opportunity to use DuPont polymers to develop more advanced ignition products in the future."

A recent example of the cooperative benefits to the racing community involves the MSD(R) Digital Ignition Tester. When evaluation testing showed that the operation of units with a conventional molded plastic housing would be adversely affected by electronic noise from high-powered ignition systems, DuPont specialists proposed a housing molded from DuPont(TM) Zytel(R) EMX nylon resin, a conductive resin with built-in shielding properties. Field tests have shown that units housed in Zytel(R) EMX function extremely well, according MSD.

MSD and DuPont have set ambitious goals for the future of their cooperative effort. Earlier this year, MSD supplied a high-voltage ignition tester to the DuPont Engineering Polymers business' E/E Center of Excellence at its Application Technologies Center (ATC) in Wilmington. "The tester will be a valuable scientific tool for development and evaluation of materials and designs for new high-performance ignition components," said John Ferrighetto, Manager of ATC.

MSD's corporate parent, Autotronic Controls, was founded in 1970 by several young engineers from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Their first product, a lean-burn fuel system, required more spark than a conventional breaker points ignition could provide.

To meet this challenge, they developed an ignition system based on capacitive discharge technology but with a new twist: multiple spark discharge (MSD). By firing the spark plug multiple times with a high-powered spark, the MSD system delivered faster throttle response, quicker starting and more power at high engine rpm.

MSD(R) Ignition systems can improve the performance of any internal combustion engine, but they have gained their greatest acceptance in professional racing and other competition vehicles. By working with racers, Autotronic Controls developed a wide range of other ignition components that improved performance or consistency. These include MSD(R) Soft Touch Rev Controls, RPM Selectors, timing controls, trigger devices and a wide range of accessories for both competition and highway use.

MSD(R) Ignition is based in El Paso, Texas. For more information about the company and its products, visit msdignition.com on the World Wide Web or call 915-857-5200.

DuPont is a global leader in engineering polymers, a class of thermoplastic materials distinguished by their combination of strength, toughness, high-temperature resistance, chemical resistance and other desirable properties. Ten families of DuPont engineering polymers are available to serve a wide range of needs for rugged, economical components of cars and trucks, electrical/electronic equipment, appliances, sporting goods and various other consumer and industrial products.

For more information about DuPont engineering polymers, please visit plastics.dupont.com on the World Wide Web or call DuPont at 800-441-0575.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

DuPont(TM), Zytel(R) and Rynite(R) are a trademark and registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

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