IMI Norgren Powers Up Classic Racing Revival with Precision Pneumatic Solutions

Littleton, CO – October 26, 2023 – For racing enthusiasts, the roar of a vintage engine isn't just a sound, it's a time machine. It’s a connection to a golden age of motorsport. And behind the beautifully restored bodies and painstakingly rebuilt engines of these classic race cars, you’ll often find a surprisingly modern component: pneumatic systems from IMI Norgren. IMI Norgren LLC, based right here in Littleton, Colorado, isn’t necessarily a name that springs to mind when you think of vintage racing. We're not building the cars themselves. But for a growing number of restoration teams and competitive vintage racers, our pneumatic cylinders, valves, and air preparation equipment are proving essential for maximizing performance, improving reliability, and crucially, keeping these historic machines competitive. “People think of classic cars as all about mechanical things – carburetors, gears, and a whole lot of elbow grease,” explains Mark Johnson, a lead engineer at IMI Norgren specializing in custom solutions. “But modern racing technology, particularly pneumatics, is creeping in, and it's making a real difference. We're talking about things like automated clutch operation, sequential gear shifting, and even adjustable ride height, all powered by air.” Beyond the Restoration: A Performance Boost While many restorations prioritize originality, a pragmatic approach to performance is becoming increasingly common. Racers are realizing they can preserve the spirit of the car while leveraging modern advancements to improve its handling and speed. “We've got customers working on everything from 1930s Grand Prix cars to 1970s Formula Ford,” says Sarah Miller, IMI Norgren’s sales manager for the specialty motorsports sector. “They're not necessarily trying to win against modern race cars – that's usually unrealistic. But within their vintage classes, they want every edge they can get. And that's where we come in.” So, what specifically are these vintage racing teams using IMI Norgren’s products for? It’s surprisingly versatile. Sequential Gearboxes: Replacing traditional mechanical linkages with pneumatic actuators for faster, more precise gear changes. This is especially crucial for cars that originally had clumsy, slow shifting mechanisms. “A quick shift can save valuable tenths of a second per lap,” Mark explains. "With our compact cylinders and proportional valves, we can tailor the shifting speed and force to the specific gearbox and driver preference." Clutchless Shifting: Similar to sequential gearboxes, pneumatics can be used to disengage the clutch automatically, allowing for incredibly fast and smooth gear changes. This removes a significant skill barrier for some drivers and allows them to focus on other aspects of racing. Adjustable Ride Height: Using pneumatic cylinders to dynamically adjust the car's ride height at different points on the track. This allows drivers to optimize the car's handling for corners, straights, and different track conditions. It’s a sophisticated system that demands precision and reliability – precisely what IMI Norgren delivers. Launch Control Systems: Helping drivers achieve consistent, optimal launches by precisely controlling wheel slip using pneumatic actuators. “Getting off the line right is critical in racing,” Sarah points out. “A well-designed launch control system can be the difference between a good start and being swallowed up by the pack.” Air Jacks: Lightweight, fast-acting pneumatic jacks for quick pit stops. While classic cars didn’t have these back in the day, modern race teams are always looking for ways to shave seconds off their stop times. Why IMI Norgren? Beyond Just Parts. It’s not just about having the right products. Many companies make pneumatic cylinders and valves. What sets IMI Norgren apart is the company’s ability to provide custom solutions and engineering support specifically tailored to the unique challenges of vintage racing. “These aren't production car applications,” Mark emphasizes. “We're often dealing with extremely tight spaces, unusual mounting requirements, and the need to integrate our components with decades-old mechanical systems. We work closely with the restoration teams to understand their specific needs and develop solutions that fit perfectly.” The team at IMI Norgren provides: Custom Cylinder Design: Modifying standard cylinders or designing entirely new ones to fit within the constraints of classic car chassis. Valve Proportionality Control: Tuning valve parameters to deliver precise air flow and actuation speed. Lightweight Materials: Using aluminum and other lightweight materials to minimize added weight. Reliability & Durability: Ensuring components can withstand the stresses of racing. Rapid Prototyping: Quickly creating prototypes to test and refine designs. “We’re problem solvers,” Sarah says with a smile. “We love a good engineering challenge, and the vintage racing community presents plenty of those!” A Growing Trend The use of pneumatics in vintage racing is no longer a niche trend. It’s becoming increasingly common, as more and more teams recognize the performance benefits. IMI Norgren is at the forefront of this movement, providing the technology and expertise needed to help these historic machines compete at the highest level. “We’re proud to be a part of preserving the legacy of motorsport,” Mark concludes. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our components helping these beautiful cars achieve their full potential on the track.” About IMI Norgren LLC: IMI Norgren is a global leader in fluid and motion control technologies. With a history spanning over 80 years, the company provides innovative solutions to a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation. IMI Norgren's Littleton, Colorado facility focuses on providing customized pneumatic solutions for specialty applications, including motorsports. Learn more at [Insert Website Here – Not Provided].