Öhlins Racing’s Shock Design Engineer, Henrik Schiölde from Sweden, and Joe Benton, Senior Engineer from QA1 Precision Products teamed with Mike Naake in giving hands-on training to two sold-out classes on January 26th and 27th, in Roseville, CA.  Workshop participants were treated to Schiölde’s and Benton’s knowledge of shock design and Naake’s practical application and knowledge of suspension and chassis dynamics in a classroom and lab setting. 

Students from as far away as England came to learn shock absorber design and theory.  Hands-on labs allowed them to rebuild shock absorbers with different shim and valve combinations and analyze the shocks on a state-of-the-art Roehrig shock dynamometer. Participants learned how to analyze performance curves and how the curves relate to different racing conditions. 

“Racing is much more competitive these days,” says Naake.  “There are many good drivers and fully funded teams.   Racers need to have a good understanding of how different components work in order to gain a competitive advantage.” 

“I learned a lot,” said Late Model driver Ron Strmiska.  “Shocks are the next hot topic.  In the class I race, with strict motor rules, there is a lot to be gained in the shocks.” 

 Naake is a much-sought-after consultant with many teams, including teams in NASCAR Winston Cup, NASCAR Craftsman Truck, NASCAR Winston West, NASCAR SW Tour, NASCAR NW Tour, sprint car teams, vintage racing, and motorcycle racing teams. For over five years, Naake Motorsports has been building, servicing and selling many types of shocks, including Penske, Öhlins, QA1, and others.   He is also a speaker at the Racer’s Workshops, with Larry McReynolds.  Naake and Schiölde have also presented similar workshops in Hendersonville, North Carolina.  Naake works closely with Schiölde and Ohlins in their research and development.  Having this direct connection with Ohlins keeps Naake in the forefront of shock technology and gives his clients a competitive advantage. 

Öhlins has been building shocks for over 25 years. They began building shocks for Indy cars in 1990, and more recently, road rally cars and stock cars.  Many world racing championship have been won on Ohlins shocks.  A research and development plant in Hendersonville, NC, includes a $1 million dollar “shake” rig that simulates racing conditions, including aerodynamic forces and track banking.

QA1 has a new line of affordable racing shocks that can easily be re-valved and repaired.  They offer aluminum and steel body shocks with either bearing or stock mounts.  Naake will be working with Joe Benton of QA1 on the testing and development of new products. 

Naake Motorsports Suspension Specialties offers a wealth of information in their website, www.naake.com.  Racers can download instructions for re-valving different types of shocks, a Shock Adjustment Guide, and much more. 

Story by: Cindy Clark