How NASCAR's R&D Group Optimized Its Machining Processes with Next-Level Components
Innovative tools help to make NASCAR manufacturing of parts faster, more efficient, and of higher quality.
Edited by Terry Persun
Sports
Dec 1, 2025
Lead image courtesy of Depositphoto.com.
NASCAR’s Research and Development (R&D) facility relies on premium innovation to create the right solutions to manufacture next-level components ensuring speed, precision and above all, safety at all stages of development. According to Bob Duvall, Managing Director of NASCAR’s Competition Partner Program, “NASCAR teams are always looking for the best in class, and Kennametal aligns perfectly with that standard.”
Behind every racecar, there's a team of dedicated professionals ensuring that each component is machined to perfection. This involves using reliable tooling solutions in a prototyping environment where parts need to be designed, programmed, and manufactured within tight tolerances—and tight deadlines.
Increasing Material Removal Rates
Recently, NASCAR upgraded its CNC machinery to enhance its manufacturing capabilities. To fully leverage this new technology, Hank Fowler, NASCAR’s Manager of Manufacturing turned to Kennametal which has been instrumental in optimizing NASCAR’s machining processes.
“Upgrading our machines has significantly sped up my cutting processes,” said Fowler. “With the addition of flood coolant and Kennametal tools, I’ve been able to increase my material removal rates as well as improve surface finishes and reduce the need for post-processing operations like deburring.”
Fowler also mentions that once he has a part number, he speaks with his rep for additional insight as to whether or not a better option may be available. Shipping tools on time is also critical for success on timely projects. For example, when Fowler was working on a manual turning job that had a .094” groove in chromoly steel, he made a simple phone call and was able to get the tool holder and inserts on time to deliver parts. This reliability is essential for NASCAR’s fast-paced manufacturing needs, where even a slight delay can impact testing and development schedules.
As part of NASCAR’s R&D group, Fowler and his team handle a wide variety of tasks. Their most common machining projects include creating inspection tools for their competition group and fixturing for various types of testing within the R&D team. Recently, the team worked on an inspection tool made with 303 stainless steel which featured a tight tolerance slot. In the past, they would have been nervous about this job, but after ordering a 3/16” HARVI™ I TE, they completed the task effortlessly.
Kennametal's HARVI I TE high-performance solid end mills are designed with an innovative twisted end face that allows for ultra-aggressive cutting capabilities while also promoting stability in any type of cut. It also offers a number of proprietary features such as a precision faceted eccentric relief reducing vibrations and friction for excellent cutting conditions in multiple materials, and an innovative flute design with chip gashes within the flutes to reduce cutting forces, promote tool cooling and support efficient chip evacuation.
The HARVI I TE design also features asymmetrical divided flutes and a variable helix, which enables vibration dampening even at the highest feed rates.
The partnership between NASCAR and Kennametal is a perfect example of how precision tooling can be successful in high-stakes environments. With Kennametal’s reliable and versatile tools, the R&D team can meet the demanding requirements of NASCAR’s manufacturing processes.
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