NASCAR Debuts Air Titan 2.0

NASCAR introduced the Toyota-hauled next generation of Air Titan today at Martinsville Speedway.

Air Titan 2.0 is a more compact, more nimble and more environmentally friendly version of its predecessor; one that since its introduction in February 2013 has rescued multiple races, including this year’s Daytona 500.

Air Titan 2.0 replaces the bulky support vehicles required by Air Titan 1.0 with a single, self-contained unit  perched on the bed of a Toyota Tundra pickup. By addressing the size of the power source, NASCAR now has the ability to deploy up to 21 units simultaneously at larger venues and operate more efficiently on smaller tracks.

The Air Titan 2.0 more than triples the blade capacity of the original version, delivers 2.6 times more air volume at a speed of 568 mph and raises the air temperature by 70 degrees over ambient. With the combination of water removal and accelerated evaporation, the ultimate goal is to reduce track-drying time by 80 percent.

Air Titan 2.0 will consume nearly 80 percent less fuel and emit 80 percent less carbon dioxide. It will work in conjunction with the Eco-Infused Elgin Track Vacuum/Sweeper and existing jet dryers. In coordination with the roll out of the Air Titan 2.0, Elgin has now become the Official Sweeper of NASCAR Green.  

“Developed by our engineers at the NASCAR R&D Center, Air Titan 2.0 will help us more quickly return to racing, which serves our most important mission – the enjoyment of our fans,” said Brian France, NASCAR chairman and CEO. “It’s faster, more agile and eco-friendly. The new Air Titan creates the ultimate win-win-win for our sport, our fans and our environment.”

In 2012, France challenged the NASCAR R&D Center to develop a system to significantly reduce track-drying time to enhance the fan experience. The initial Air Titan configuration debuted during Daytona Speedweeks in 2013.

“The first phase of the Air Titan system has been an overwhelming success,” said Gene Stefanyshyn, NASCAR vice president, innovation and racing development. “Based on our experience and learning, the staff at the NASCAR R&D Center has worked tirelessly to develop Air Titan 2.0. We will continue to innovate and develop the technology to further increase its efficiency and sustainability.”

“The Air Titan 2.0 is the latest example of NASCAR making substantive changes to our operations and business practices to help reduce the environmental impact of our sport,” said Dr. Mike Lynch, NASCAR vice president of green innovation. “We welcome Elgin to the consortium of more than 20 Official NASCAR Green Partners that utilize the platform as a proving ground to validate its green technologies.”