A Race Against Time: KELTEC’s Air Dryer Rescue at Watkins Glen

When the rubber meets the road in motorsports, every second counts. But what happens when a critical piece of equipment fails before a big race? That's exactly the situation Jackson Motor Sports (the official Michelin® and BFGoodrich® race tire distributor for the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Series Road Course Sports Car Racing) found itself in at the iconic Watkins Glen International circuit in Watkins Glen, New York.

KELTEC KRAD-500: The Unsung Hero of Performance

As the Jackson Motor Sports team was preparing to provide tire support for some of the biggest names in racing, disaster struck. A KELTEC KRAD-500 Refrigerated Air Dryer—crucial for keeping moisture out of tires—went down. These air dryers are essential in motorsports, removing moisture from compressed air to ensure optimal tire performance and safety. Without it, the entire week's racing was in jeopardy.

Rapid Response: KELTEC’s Customer Service in Action

That's when a member of the Jackson Motor Sports team reached out to KELTEC Sales and Technical Support Manager Kevin Curle. The clock was ticking and Kevin knew he had to act fast. Despite the fact that KELTEC doesn't sell directly to end-users, Kevin leveraged his network, coordinating with a Colorado-based distributor to get a replacement controller overnighted to Watkins Glen.

Overcoming Obstacles: Troubleshooting in Challenging Conditions

KELTEC prides itself on its responsive customer service and technical support, offering remote troubleshooting, rapid response times, and a vast network of distributors to ensure quick part replacements when needed.

Poor internet connectivity at the track made communication a challenge. Yet Kevin maintained contact with Jackson Motor Sports and provided regular updates on controller shipping and arrival status. When that controller finally arrived and was successfully installed, you could almost hear the collective sigh of relief echoing across the circuit.

Beyond the Quick Fix: KELTEC’s Commitment to Long-Term Solutions

But KELTEC's service doesn't stop at fixing the immediate problem. After confirming the successful installation of the controller, Kevin explained potential causes for controller failure and stressed the importance of proper generator shutdown procedures. This extra step paid off—as it was later revealed that improper generator operation had been causing power surges, leading to the controller damage.

Armed with this knowledge, Jackson Motor Sports conducted a team-wide meeting to educate staff and make sure everyone understood correct procedures. The result? Not only did KELTEC get Jackson Motor Sports back up and running, they also helped identify and solve a bigger problem.

The KELTEC Difference: Why After-Sales Support Matters

This incident reinforces why KELTEC prioritizes ongoing and after-sales support for our refrigerated air dryers. Our ability to troubleshoot remotely, leverage our distributor network, and educate our customers can make the difference between a successful race weekend and a costly failure.

Partnering for Performance: KELTEC’s Role in Industry Success

Whether you're running a race team or a manufacturing plant, having a reliable partner like KELTEC who understands your equipment and is ready to help at a moment's notice is invaluable. It's not just about selling a product; it's about building relationships and ensuring customers can perform at their best, no matter the circumstances. KELTEC's commitment to comprehensive service for their refrigerated air dryers exemplifies this philosophy, providing peace of mind to users across various industries, from motorsports to manufacturing.