Understanding how to manage your vehicle’s stopping power is essential for any motorsport enthusiast looking to improve their lap times and maintain control on the track. In this installment of the SCCA Shop Manual, presented by our partners at Hoosier, we break down the complexities of brake compounds to help you make the right choice for your specific driving discipline. Brake pads are a critical component, and selecting the correct material allows you to dial in your car’s performance, ensuring you can carry maximum speed through corners and decelerate exactly when needed.
We start by examining pads designed for autocross, such as the HP Plus compound, which is engineered to provide excellent initial bite right out of the gate. While these are ideal for the short bursts of autocross, they are not designed to handle the sustained heat generated during track sessions. For those participating in time trials, we highlight the DTC 60, a versatile, long-lasting compound that resists fade throughout a full session. Finally, we explore more specialized road racing applications where high-horsepower, high-aero vehicles demand advanced pads like the DTC 70. Join our experts trackside to learn how to choose the right compound for your setup and get the most out of your time behind the wheel.