Choosing the Right Racing Brake Pad - Raybestos ST47
Choosing the Right Racing Brakes - ST47 Formulation
Choosing the right braking formulation is a critical decision for any racecar driver. There are several factors you must consider when choosing your formulation. A few of these factors include application and track type.
Even then, a lot of it comes down to personal preference and driving style. For example, a road racer who likes to plunge deep into the APEX with late braking may need a more aggressive pad versus another driver on the same track.
In this article, we discuss our ST47 brake pad formulation. We will walk you through its properties along with its ideal application and usage.
We will also provide a real-world example to help you get a feel for the tracks where using our ST47 formulation would be a wise decision.
Track Day Pads at Watkins Glen
Let's say you are going to take your modified Corvette for a weekend track day at Watkins Glen. This iconic Central New York location is a challenging track. Even the most seasoned drivers can have a rough day at The Glen.
There are plenty of opportunities for error on this track. Most notably, it is difficult for drivers because of the amount and variation of corners. In order to maintain a good line and brake late into the APEX, a more aggressive pad is in order.
ST47 Racing Brake Pads
The Raybestos ST47 formulation is a fan favorite. With a broad operating range of overall torque, this braking compound is ideal for higher-powered vehicles.
It is a low wear rate compound, meaning it is often the pad of choice on road courses with high and hard braking demands. After all, stopping a 700HP, 3500LB car that gets well over 100mph on the front straight requires some aggressive braking.
Our ST47 formulation offers a nearly flat Mu value from 300F to 1100F degrees. This means that regardless of rotor temperature in this range, you can expect consistent and reliable braking.
Other Factors to Consider
You must consider suspension dynamics, differential dynamics, ABS and even tires when choosing a racing brake pad.
For example, if our ST47 formula locks up the wheels in the Outer Loop or Key Hole, you may have to change compounds. A less aggressive compound like ST41 or ST43 may prevent this issue.
The moral of the story is that one size doesn't fit all! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our team. We would be more than happy to help you pick the right formula for your setup and driving style.
