STEEL FOR AUTOMOTIVE RACING & MOTORSPORTS MANUFACTURING
Performance racing demands more than just standard components; it requires high-performance materials that can withstand extreme conditions while delivering unparalleled strength and reliability.
At Sullivan Steel, we understand the unique challenges of motorsports manufacturing and are dedicated to providing grades that meet these demanding requirements. Our focus is on quality and fast fulfillment to help you stay competitive and compliant with race regulations.
Our Featured Steels for performance racing
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NC310YW |
4340 |
GKH®W |
Key Steel Challenges for Motorsports Manufacturers
Motorsports manufacturing pushes the boundaries of steel performance and the steel supply chain like few other industries. The steel you use must be capable of withstanding steep performance demands, available at a moment’s notice, and compliant with racing regulations.
Performance Demands
Performance racing demands a lot of its materials. The right steel grade for racing components is one that:
- Reduces vehicle weight
- Can withstand force or absorb energy (strength/toughness)
- Has high hardness
- Resists high torque, wear, and fatigue
- Has high cleanliness
In order to survive the harsh conditions of a race, motorsports grades must meet a very high standard. Few grades meet these criteria, but it’s absolutely essential to source them to remain competitive and comply with regulations.
Supply Chain Speed
Few manufacturing industries move as fast as motorsports, and the supply chain can struggle to keep up. Due to decisions from racing associations’ governing bodies and a steep competition that breeds secrecy, manufacturers often must move with only days' notice to order materials, manufacture parts, and ship everything to the assembler.
Most steel mills can’t keep up with this pace, and the complexity of forecasting in motorsports makes it nearly impossible for manufacturers to order ample materials in advance. When you need to find the right steel in the right form factor that is available right now and capable of shipping in 1–2 days, it's essential to have a good supplier on your side.
Compliance with Rules and Regulations
Governing bodies set stringent standards for materials and components, making adherence to race rules and regulations as crucial as steel performance. These rules, including homologation requirements and balance of power regulations, ensure fairness and safety but can also introduce complexities in steel selection and production.
Navigating these regulations requires a thorough understanding of both the technical requirements and the regulatory landscape. It’s essential to stay informed about rule changes and ensure you’re sourcing your steel from a distributor who can meet your needs.
Auto Racing and Motorsports Steel at Sullivan
With our focus on stocking specialty grades to fill supply chain gaps and the constant demand in motorsports manufacturing for fast fulfillment, Sullivan Steel has become a natural partner for the performance racing industry. Our longtime focus on bearings has given our team a particular edge in providing guidance for these components in motorsports. We also support every grade we carry; you’ll have a trusted advisor on your side throughout the purchase process and beyond.
Additionally, we’re proud to be the sole North American distributor of Aubert & Duval steel. Several of these grades (NC310YW, for example) are developed especially for motorsports excellence. We maintain a close relationship with the mill that helps us keep our stock stable and our team well-informed on supporting these grades.
Performance Racing Applications
Motorsports manufacturers choose Sullivan Steel to craft a variety of automotive components that require high hardness and high wear and fatigue resistance properties, including:
- Bearings
- Drive, crank, transmission, and axle shafts
- Motorsport gears
- Motion transfer parts
- U-joints
- Sockets
- Wheel nuts
- Shocks
- And more!
Racing Standards We Support
We work with manufacturers for all major racing organizations, including:
- Formula 1
- Other FIA categories (F2, F4, etc.)
- MotoGP
- LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h)
- IndyCar
- GT3
- NASCAR
We also work with various aftermarket manufacturers to bring high-quality steel grades to motorsports enthusiasts at all levels.
Our Automotive Racing Steel Grades
Virtually every grade we carry at Sullivan Steel has some applicability in motorsports manufacturing, but for critical performance racing components, the following grades are what we recommend:
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| NC310YW | Transmission shafts, driveshafts, gears, and axle shafts; when you need an edge over 4340 and 300M but don’t need a full upgrade to AerMet® or Maraging. |
| M50 | High-speed bearings and components needing high strength and fatigue resistance |
| 9310 | Gear teeth and heavy-duty components. |
| 52100 VAR and VIM-VAR | High-performance and precision bearings, including ball and roller bearings. |
| 4340 | Chassis components, structural parts where high impact resistance is needed, axles, and shafts. |
| GKH®W | Crankshafts, high load bearings, and components subject to high stress and rotational forces |
| GKP®YW | High-stress gear applications and motion transfer parts |
Want to consult with an expert before choosing your steel? We can help you pick the right grade for your motorsports project. Just drop us a message using our Live Chat feature or visit our contact page to get in touch.
Motorsports Resources
- Equivalent Steels Chart (Bearings)
- See how the grades discussed above compare to one another on temperature range, stainless status, and hardening method to explore your options for motorsports bearings and more.
