AP Racing will be tackling the problem of poor-quality, counterfeit brake components with an innovative data tag, helping customers distinguish genuine parts from frauds.

The new initiative from AP Racing will allow customers to scan a unique code on a component (via a smart phone) in order to confirm its authenticity via a web-based cloud system.

Recognised as a significant problem, it’s been estimated that as many as one in ten car-accident fatalities are caused by defective parts. Often produced in inadequate and unregulated facilities, such components may look identical to the real parts – but are unable to function to the same high standards. These components not only put lives in danger, but also cost the global automotive industry in excess of $12bn every year.

Launching in the first quarter of 2016 the scheme will also help form part of AP Racing’s manufacturing and quality control process. Fixed to the component at an initial stage of manufacturing, and before any high-temperature treatments, the part can then be traced as it passes through production to final sign off.   Over the operational life of that product customers can use the web-based portal to confirm its identity and specification.

“Our clients rely on our quality and excellence, especially in the high-performance motorsport sectors,” explains Charles Bolton, AP Racing Managing Director. “It’s vital that we not only protect our customers, but also our intellectual property. The threat of mass-produced, inferior components undermines our UK design and manufacturing operation.”
AP Racing is the leading manufacturer of performance brake and clutch systems for road and race cars, and has reputation for innovation and relativity that stretches back over 50 years.

It has an unrivalled record at all levels of international motorsport, including over 750 Formula 1 victories as a supplier of racing brake and clutch components.

AP Racing’s pioneering Radi-CAL™ technology, a revolutionary design process that has been continually refined by the company since its introduction in 2007. The design can be applied to a wide variety of calipers, from F1 race cars through to production road cars, showing how AP Racing offers race-derived technology to the widest range of applications possible.