Most liked posts in thread: AST @ Werkin Mini

Data collected through on-going race developments in the series has already been incorporated in plans for the new MINI shock. However, time constraints have put hardware development on hold for the race season.

Here are AST technical videos explaining shock dyno data:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3us26FHJFc&feature=player_detailpage]YouTube - Dyno 102 Part 1 of 4[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QrSkucWsiM&feature=player_detailpage]YouTube - Dyno 102 Part 2 of 4[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuiJR1MvkEk&feature=player_detailpage]YouTube - Dyno 102 Part 3 of 4[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcffYohRe-g&feature=player_detailpage]YouTube - Dyno 102 Part 4 of 4[/ame]


A typical track ready kit for the R53, with just a change of camber plates and lower rear mounts, it's ready for duty on an R56 as well.

 

AST Suspension Takes 8 of Top 9 Finishing Positions at Barber 200

Teams running AST suspension finish in 8 of the top 9 positions in the GS class for the 3rd round of the GRAND AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

The GS class, packed full of AST vehicles, took finishing spots 2 through 9 at the Barber 200 on April 9. The #96 Turner Motorsports BMW led the most laps, but relinquished the lead with 4 laps remaining. Manufacturers represented in the mix were BMW, Ford, Chevrolet and Porsche. The AST-USA Suspension teams have had great success with several teams and cars finishing at the top in the first three races of the season.

Doran Racing has been using AST-USA shocks throughout the 2011 GRAND AM season. The Doran Racing BMW 128i finished in second place in the ST class for its first podium of the season.

AST-USA’s general manager, Brian Hanchey said, “We are very excited to see the continued success of our product in one of the most grueling professional race series in America. We have provided a package that is fast and consistent throughout the race. The results really speak for themselves with 9 of the 12 cars running our shocks finishing in the top 11.â€

GRAND-AM Continental Challenge Series teams utilizing AST-USA shocks include: Turner Motorsports, Roush Performance, Stevenson Motorsports, Fall-Line Motorsports, Bimmerworld, Rum Bum Racing, Trade Manage Motorsports, BGB Motorsports, Doran Racing and Compass 360 Racing.

The next race in the series is the Bosch Engineering 200 at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, VA on May 14th.

AST-USA is the exclusive importer of AST Suspension products in North America. AST Suspension sells high performance adjustable shocks for street cars, autocross cars and road racing cars in North America. For more information, visit ast-usa.com, 972.424.3700, or Werkin Mini, 210-797-9848.

The MINI race team in Grand Am, RSR Racing, is experimenting with AST suspension on the rear this season. It's probable RSR and the entire field will make the move to AST suspension next year.

 

New AST 4150 Series Damper



AST 4150 Damper - Motoring Alliance Gallery

A new shock has been added to the AST line for the MINI. Positioned between the 4100 and 5100 series on the price scale, the 4150 is $2,200 MSRP.

Here's what AST-USA has to say about the new shock:
AST Suspension - USA is proud to announce the new AST 4150 Series Damper. The new design builds on the success with the AST 4100 series damper and the recent wins in GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, including new technology developed specifically for GRAND-AM racing teams.

DDP Technology Piston
Our latest digressive piston developed for GRAND-AM gives drivers and race engineers the best of both worlds. Drivers love the low speed damping response and body control, while race engineers love the “blow off†at high shaft velocities. When the rebound adjustment is soft, the damper curve looks similar to an OEM street shock profile. When the rebound adjustment is hard, the damper curve looks like a race shock!

This “Jekyll and Hyde†personality is exactly what AST 4000 Series customers want: soft street ride and race car track performance in ONE shock - all with the turn of a knob!

Lower Drag Seals
High performance seals are a challenge for any damper. They must balance friction and sealing ability while not impacting shock performance and not leaking; a difficult balancing act! While the seal was originally developed for GRAND-AM road racing, AST is taking our knowledge from the track to the street again. Newly redesigned seals decrease hysteresis in the damper and decrease seal drag over 50%
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Upgradeability
4150s will be upgradeable to 4250s! Using a modular build system, customers can send their shocks to AST at a later date and upgrade from a 1 Way shock to a 2 Way internal reservoir or remote reservoir system.

 

AST–USA 2012 Motorsports Contingency

AST–USA has announced its 2012 Motorsports Contingency programs. Details can be seen here.