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 distributor of Michelin® and BFGoodrich® racing tires for the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Series Road Course Sports Car Racing) found itself in at the iconic Watkins Glen International racetrack in Watkins Glen, New York.
KELTEC KRAD-500: The unsung hero of performance
As the Jackson Motor Sports team prepared to provide tire support for some of the biggest names in racing, disaster struck. A refrigerated air dryer KELTEC KRAD-500 — crucial for keeping moisture out of tires — broke. 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 race was at risk.
Quick Response: KELTEC Customer Service in Action
That’s when a member of the Jackson Motor Sports team contacted KELTEC’s sales and technical support manager, Kevin Curle. Time was running out, and Kevin knew he needed 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 have a replacement controller shipped overnight to Watkins Glen.
Overcoming Obstacles: Problem Solving in Challenging Conditions
KELTEC prides itself on its responsive customer service and technical support, offering remote troubleshooting, fast response times and a vast network of distributors to ensure fast parts replacements when needed.
Poor internet connectivity at the track made communication a challenge. However, Kevin kept in touch with Jackson Motor Sports and provided regular updates on the shipping status and arrival of the controller. When the controller finally arrived and was successfully installed, you could almost hear the collective sigh of relief echoing around 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 controller’s successful installation, Kevin explained the potential causes for the controller failure and emphasized the importance of proper generator shutdown procedures. This extra step paid off—as it was later revealed that improper generator operation was causing power surges, leading to controller damage.
Armed with this knowledge, Jackson Motor Sports conducted an all-staff meeting to educate the team and ensure everyone understood the correct procedures. The result? Not only did KELTEC get Jackson Motor Sports back up and running, they also helped identify and solve a larger problem.
The KELTEC Difference: Why After-Sales Support Matters
This incident reinforces why KELTEC prioritizes ongoing, after-sales support for our refrigerated air dryers. Our ability to troubleshoot issues 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 racing team or a manufacturing facility, having a trusted partner like KELTEC who understands your equipment and is ready to help at any time 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 its refrigerated air dryers exemplifies this philosophy, providing peace of mind to users across a range of industries, from motorsports to manufacturing.
