Teaming up for 2021 season
The print industry came together to help one 15-year-old racing driver compete in style for the 2021 season.
Friday, 11 Jun 2021 11:53 GMT
Max Dodds with his AERO-wrapped car, ready to race in the Ginetta Junior Championship
Max Dodds is a racing driver competing in his first season in the Ginetta Junior Championship, which is dubbed as a feeder series for GT, Touring Cars and even Formula One.
Nettl Crewe & Nantwich prepared the wrap for Dodd’s car using AERO Sustainable Paint Technology – which is an American-manufactured substrate that incorporates both paint and self-adhesive film. It is a film-based paint and was originally developed for the aerospace industry – making it 50% lighter than traditional sprayed paint and easy to apply.
Using a Mimaki UCJV300 LED UV printer, Nettl Crewe & Nantwich added printed elements – namely sponsor logos and branding directly to the material.
I like to be involved with the team and have an input, and the new AERO film has made a difference not just to how the car looks, but in how it drives”
Despite being a racing driver, Dodds still has to complete his schoolwork – but this does not stop him from getting involved with the preparation of the car. “Being able to let my engineers know the improvements to the handling and feel of the car is important for them in how they set it up.
“I like to be involved with the team and have an input, and the new AERO film has made a difference not just to how the car looks, but in how it drives.”
The UCJV300 uses LED UV cured ink to print on various materials with bright white ink, printing onto coloured materials such as the black AERO product. This means that the sponsor logos and branding are easily visible while racing.
Combine this with the excellent rub resistance of the Mimaki ink and we hope to not have to make too many changes to the wrap during the season”
Mark Jones, managing director of Nettl Crewe & Nantwich, explains: “AERO is finding real traction in the motorsport sector. From local motocross outfits, to Max as an up-and-coming racing driver, right through to Le Mans and F1 teams, we’re seeing multiple advantages of choosing AERO as the means of applying colour, branding and livery.
“With its strong eco-credentials, we’re also experiencing good take-up from environment-first businesses with large fleets of liveried vehicles who want a long-lasting, PVC-free wrapping solution.”
Jones adds: “AERO is an incredible 17,000 times tougher than regular paint. Combine this with the excellent rub resistance of the Mimaki ink and we hope to not have to make too many changes to the wrap during the season.”
Dodds concludes: “I’m excited about the 2021 season, racing across the UK and getting behind the wheel of the new car. I’ve learned over the years to take it one race at a time, and having such a great looking car that’s already performing so well is a big confidence boost to the whole time.”
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