Machining gets the green light

Modern Machine Shop, Jan, 2006 by Derek Korn

As part of an exclusive, multi-year agreement with the National Hot Rod-Association (NHRA), Okuma America Corporation (Charlotte, North Carolina) has been named the "Official Machine Tool of the NHRA." The manufacturer of machining centers, lathes and grinders for a variety of industries will have a prominent presence at NHRA drag racing events across the United States and permission to use NHRA's official logo in its promotional efforts. To expand the knowledge of machine tool technology throughout this racing segment, NHRA members, teams and sponsors will have access to Okuma's engineering, sales and service team, as well as its factory, user's conference and distributor engineering consulting services. This partnership stems from Okuma's High Performance Motorsports industry (HPMI) program, which the company created in early 2005 to focus on supporting the motorsports industry.

The agreement extends Okuma's presence in the NHRA, as the company is also the prime sponsor of the Bill Miller Engineering top fuel racing team. Okuma has recently completed its first full season as the primary sponsor for BME. As part of the sponsorship, Okuma works closely with BME to refine machining techniques and processes in the production of high performance lacing engine components. BME is a long-time manufacturer of connecting rods, pistons and wrist pins that are used by many top NHRA and NASCAR racing teams.

"Our relationship with Okuma shows how the racing fraternity and industry can work together to improve competitiveness on the track while providing a dynamic test bed for advancements in production technology," said Bill Miller, president of Bill Miller Engineering.

The Okuma/NHRA agreement was announced during a recent NHRA event at "The Strip" at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. At the same event, it was also announced that Midaco Corporation (Elk Grove Village, Illinois), manufacturer of pallet systems and related equipment, and Infinity Rebuild (Charlotte, North Carolina) will be co-sponsoring the BME racing team during the 2006 racing season.

For more information, contact Okuma at 704-588-7000 or visit www.okuma.com.