SKF has been working with British racing car manufacturer Ginetta to help develop and manufacture the UK’s first multiplatform road and race car.

SKF’s knowledge in automotive applications, global technical support and product range were just two of the reasons the company won the contract to provide specialised products and support services for the new Ginetta G40. As well as supplying wheel bearing units, SKF worked closely with Ginetta to provide technical support, including CAD modelling, right from the beginning of the project.

Since being established in 1958, Ginetta has grown to become a major player on the motorsport scene both in the UK and abroad. The Yorkshire-based company’s three single make championships are renowned for their entertaining and close racing, which provides opportunities from the novice through to professional level.

The new G40 completes the Ginetta ladder of motorsport for competitors from 14 years of age through to those with the experience to compete at the 24 hour Le Mans races, with progression via Ginetta G40, Ginetta G50, Ginetta G50Z, Ginetta-Zytek LMP2 and Ginetta-Zytek LMP1.

The G40 provides young drivers with the opportunity to race cars for the first time on the UK’s leading circuits. Weighing in at only 850kg, the lightweight, rear wheel drive car is powered by a restricted 1,800cc engine and teaches car control and race craft.

Ginetta selected SKF’s innovative HUB3 wheel bearing units for the G40 to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, while increasing functionality and durability. The wheel end system features two flanges – one for mounting to the wheel and brake rotor assembly, and one for fixing to the suspension – to enable significant improvements in performance, while simplifying corner design.

The fully integrated design also features the orbital rolling technique, so that the bearings can be installed in both driven and non-driven wheels on vehicles. Additionally, these units are greased and sealed for life to ensure consistent and reliable operation, while eliminating the need for maintenance.

Ginetta’s design engineer, Marcos Lameirao, expressed full satisfaction with the products and technical support offered by SKF and declared: “SKF was an obvious choice due to the quality, competitive pricing and easy access to CAD models. In times of such tight budgets and deadlines we knew we could rely on them to deliver in a timely and cost-effective fashion.”

Paolo Andolfi, manager at SKF Racing, added; “This contract strengthens further SKF’s position as a key engineering partner to the racing industry. Our strong knowledge in automotive applications, product range and quality meant we were well placed to win the order.”

SKF (UK)
www.skf.co.uk