Motorsport To Watersport: Xtrac Makes The Move

Demonstrating the diverse roles into which motorsport engineering businesses can move, transmission technology experts Xtrac recently unveiled the new, revolutionary Axis Drive marine propulsion system, constructed for Caudwell Marine, a South African marine engineering firm.

The Axis Drive uses a completely different design to other marine outdrives, with zero power loss from engine to propeller. This is the first full-scale marine project that Xtrac has participated in, although more work is planned, as well as expansion into other markets such as aerospace.

Although Xtrac is well-renowned for its racing transmissions, used in motorsport disciplines as diverse as Formula One, Sports Cars, IRL, Touring Cars and the Dakar Rally, the
Berkshire-based firm only recently expanded into the marine market. Xtrac’s range of products will be on-show at Europe’s largest dedicated motorsport trade exhibition, Autosport International, held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, on 14-17 June 2009.

“We took a fresh look at the outdrive market, and created a very different design to the Axis Drive’s rivals,” said Xtrac Development Director, Cliff Hawkins. “We hope to display the Axis Drive at the show, alongside other products that have won events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indy 500 and British Touring Car Championship.

“Autosport International is clearly a good place to meet clients and other constructors; we see a lot of European customers at the show who we can then introduce to the rest of the business. It’s our main event of the year.”

“Xtrac is one of Autosport International’s most established exhibitors, and we’re pleased to be welcoming them back in 2010,” said Ian France, Haymarket Exhibitions Show Director. “Many of our other stand-holders have also diversified into other sectors, proving that Autosport International is more relevant than ever to a wide range of industries alongside motorsport.”

Xtrac won’t be the only powertrain manufacturer attending January’s show. A wealth of international transmission suppliers bringing new products and applications, including Sadev, Tran-X and Wavetrac Differentials, will be appearing at Autosport International.

Xtrac's Caudwell Marine engine