KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Jan. 11, 2022) – As Kevin Harvick embarks on his 22nd year in the NASCAR Cup Series, a familiar brand rejoins the driver of the No. 4 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) in 2022.

Rheem, America’s No. 1 water heating brand and major air conditioning and heating manufacturer, is commemorating its 15th anniversary in racing, and as a part of the celebration, Rheem will partner with Harvick and the No. 4 team for three NASCAR Cup Series races. Harvick will drive the No. 4 Rheem Ford Mustang March 6 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, May 8 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway and Sept. 11 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City.

The pairing reunites Rheem with Harvick, a relationship that began in 2007 when Harvick won the Daytona 500 in dramatic fashion, beating NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin for the victory by .02 of a second in a frantic green-white-checkered finish. It led to Rheem serving as a primary partner for Harvick’s NASCAR Xfinity Series team, Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI), in 2008.

“Kevin Harvick helped launch Rheem Racing and through KHI, Kevin played a prominent role in Rheem realizing value in the sport and progressively moving up to the NASCAR Cup Series,” said Ed Raniszeski, executive director, Rheem motorsports. “Kevin’s long history with Rheem and his great rapport with Rheem customers makes this a very welcome homecoming. NASCAR has been an increasingly valuable platform for Rheem and we hope this reunion serves as our way of thanking racing fans for supporting Rheem and all sponsors who showcase their brands and believe in the power and future of NASCAR.”

Rheem’s debut with KHI came on May 2, 2008 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway where Harvick finished second in the Lipton Tea 250. Harvick delivered Rheem its first victory as a primary sponsor on Feb. 27, 2010 when he won the Sam’s Town 300 at Las Vegas. Rheem aligned as a primary partner with Harvick in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2011 and stayed with him through the 2013 season before Harvick joined SHR in 2014.

“It’s been 15 years since we first started working with Rheem and it’s great to be back with them,” Harvick said. “The NASCAR fan is their customer, and we’ve worked really hard to understand that relationship to ensure Rheem gets a good return on its investment. This year kind of throws it back to how it all began with Rheem being a primary sponsor on one of my racecars. I’m proud to carry their colors again in 2022.”

Harvick is the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion and he is also a two-time Xfinity Series champion (2001 and 2006). He has 119 points-paying victories across NASCAR’s top-three national touring series – Cup (58 wins), Xfinity (47 wins) and Camping World Truck (14 wins).

Harvick’s season kicks off with the non-points Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum Feb. 5-6 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum before the official start of the 2022 campaign with the 64th annual Daytona 500 Feb. 20 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

About Rheem:
Founded in 1925, Rheem® innovates new ways to deliver precise temperatures while saving energy, water and supporting a more sustainable future. Rheem is America’s No. 1 water heating brand with products available in more than 80 countries. Paloma Co., Ltd.® of Nagoya, Japan, acquired the iconic Rheem brand in 1988. Today the company’s portfolio of premium brands include Rheem®, Raypak®, Ruud®, Eemax®, Richmond®, Splendid®, Solahart® and EverHot™ as well as commercial refrigeration brands Russell®, Witt®, ColdZone® and Kramer®, which are part of the Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG®) division and, most recently, Friedrich, an industry leader in high-end air conditioning solutions.

About Stewart-Haas Racing:
Stewart-Haas Racing is the title-winning NASCAR team co-owned by three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America. The Kannapolis, North Carolina-based organization has won two NASCAR Cup Series titles, one NASCAR Xfinity Series championship and more than 90 NASCAR races, including such crown-jewel events as the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and Southern 500. For more information, please visit us online at StewartHaasRacing.com and on social at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn.

The L.S. Starrett Company manufactures more than 5,000 variations of Precision Tools, Gages, Measuring Instruments and Saw Blades worldwide. At Roush Yates Engines and Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions, Starrett tools play a pivotal role in ensuring precision and quality control throughout production.

Here is a list of the various types of precision tools offered by Starrett and utilized at Roush Yates:

Micrometers:

The precision micrometer stands out as the most accurate handheld tool when operated by a skilled professional and is suitable for close measurements down to 0.0001 of an inch. While various types of micrometers cater to specific applications, outside micrometers are most common. Mechanical, electronic, and wireless micrometers are also available, with electronic models featuring IP67 protection for harsh shop environments where exposure to machine coolant, water, oils, dirt, dust, and mist is common.

Slide Calipers:

Slide calipers offer a substantial measurement range, flexibility, and accuracy up to 0.001″. Capable of measuring outside, inside, depth, and step dimensions, these tools come in various forms, including full-featured electronic versions with IP67 output.

Height Gages:

Height gages are used to accurately measure the distance from a reference surface, such as a surface plate, to a part feature.

Depth Gages:

Available in various forms, from the most accurate electronic, dial, and Vernier depth micrometers to basic rule gages and combination rule gages, depth gages offer varying levels of complexity and accuracy.

Bore Gages:

Used for checking inside diameters of holes, cylinders, and pipes, bore gages play a crucial role in measuring holes, especially when dealing with a large quantity. Wireless bore gages facilitate efficient data collection, allowing users to measure and collect error-free data.

Indicators and Gages:

Several classes of gages, including mechanical dial, electronic display, lever style test, and back plunger, are available. Test indicators, dial indicators, and electronic or wireless indicators cater to diverse applications, from checking run-out to measuring tolerances in go/no-go situations.

Hardness and Surface Testers:

Hardness testers, critical for determining a material’s ability to resist form change, bending, scratching, or abrasion, come in analog and digital bench solutions, as well as compact, portable versions.

Data Collection Systems:

With the implementation of Industry 4.0, enhancing the speed, volume, and accuracy of data generation is imperative. Wireless data collection systems can seamlessly integrate into automated manufacturing operations, offering benefits such as increased productivity, error reduction, comprehensive documentation, and automated acquisition processes. 

Squares and Precision Rules, Straight Edges, and Parallel:

Offering various functions, including measuring angles, square, 45° miter, depth or height measurement, and acting as a scribe, Starrett Combination Squares feature high-quality workmanship. Accurate, steel precision rules, straight edges, and parallels are essential tools excelling in drawing, scribing, and checking surfaces for straightness.

Protractors and Angle Measurements:

A variety of tools, including those with sharply graduated 180° scales intersected by a movable blade, bevel protractors, protractor/depth gages, and special drill point gages, cater to angle measurements.

Machinist Precision Levels:

The efficiency of high-speed machinery relies heavily on the levelness of the machine set-up, and a machinist’s level is specially designed to set up, check, and test machinery of all types.

Fixed Gage Standards:

Fixed Gage Standards play a crucial role in in-process and final inspection, offering a comprehensive choice of standard gages to quickly check dimensions on various workpieces. Products include pin gages, drill gages, sheet and wire gages, center gages, screw pitch gages, radius gages, ball and diameter gages, angle gages, thickness gages, and feeler stock.

Dividers, Calipers, Trammels:

Dividers, essential for measuring, transferring, or marking off distances, and trammel heads, useful for laying out and scribing circles beyond the capacity of ordinary dividers, contribute to layout, scribing, and measuring distances and circles.

Other Precision Tools:

Other non-measurement tools such as work positioning tools, scribers, punches, vises, and layout die lubricant form an integral part of any shop.

Vision Systems:

Starrett Video-based measurement systems combine high-resolution images, intuitive software, and precision mechanical platforms to deliver accuracy and repeatable measurement results for a wide range of precision measurement applications.

Daido Metal is the largest manufacturer in the world for several types of bearings including automobile engine bearings, large ship engine bearings and polymer bearings used in automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, construction machinery, aerospace / aircraft, agricultural machinery and general industry. As the exclusive bearing partner of Roush Yates Engines, Daido Metal assists in the design and development of purpose-built racing engines that maximize horsepower and durability under extreme conditions including Ford’s FR9 NASCAR Cup and Xfinity racing engines and the RY45, a purpose-built racing engine utilized in dirt late model and off-road truck racing.

At the heart of every powerful engine is a set of bearings that ensure smooth and efficient operation. In the demanding world of racing, where engines undergo extreme conditions, the choice of bearings becomes paramount. Roush Yates Engines recognizes the significance of this component and has partnered with Daido Metal to provide the precision and durability required for their high-performance engines.

Daido Metal doesn’t just supply off-the-shelf solutions; they collaborate closely with Roush Yates Engines to develop bearings that are tailor-made for the specific demands of competitive racing. This collaborative approach involves a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced on the track and results in bearing solutions that enhance the overall performance of the engine.

Daido Metal bearings are engineered to minimize friction, enabling engines to achieve optimal power output. The reduction in friction not only contributes to enhanced performance but also plays a crucial role in extending the lifespan of engine components, a critical factor in motorsports. Daido Metal achieves this by utilizing a fully integrated production process including the production and processing of proprietary materials, surface treatment/coating technology, numerical simulation, engineering support, and precise manufacturing for all products – resulting in unmatched performance, repeatability, accuracy, and quality at all levels.

The collaboration between Roush Yates Engines and Daido Metal Bearings is not static; it’s a dynamic partnership focused on continuous improvement and innovation. Both companies share a commitment to staying at the forefront of technology, ensuring that each engine benefits from the latest advancements in bearing design and manufacturing.

For more about Daido Metal, click here.

When it comes to building engines, precision is paramount. One of the most critical steps in the engine building process is honing the engine block, which ensures that the cylinder walls are prepared for the pistons to operate efficiently. Roush Yates Engines is proud to partner with Rottler Manufacturing, who offers some of the most advanced honing machines in the industry, and recently installed two new H85AXY Xcelerate Vertical Honing Machines in its engine facility.

Honing is indispensable in engine building. This process not only refines the surface of the cylinder walls and ensures cylinders are dimensionally accurate but also ensures they have the right texture to maintain oil for lubrication and seal the piston rings effectively. Here’s why precision honing matters:

• Reduces Wear: Proper honing reduces engine wear and tear, extending the engine’s operational life.
• Improves Fuel Efficiency: Smooth and even cylinder walls can enhance compression and, consequently, improve fuel efficiency.
• Boosts Performance: A well-honed engine runs smoother and performs better, giving an edge in both everyday and performance settings.

The partnership between Roush Yates Engines and Rottler Manufacturing balances expertise and technology, setting a new standard in race engine performance.

DARLINGTON, SC – May 13, 2024 – Brad Keselowski won Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, marking his first win as RFK Racing co-owner, 36th of his career, and second at Darlington Raceway. This was Ford Performance’s first win of the 2024 season with the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

“Congratulations to Jack, Brad, Matt, and everyone at Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing on the race win at Darlington,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Brad and Matt were fast in qualifying and maintained that speed throughout the entire race. Everyone at Ford Performance, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, and Roush Yates Engines has worked hard this year to bring the Mustang Dark Horse to victory lane and winning at a difficult track like Darlington is really special.”

“It’s just so great to be here in Darlington. I love this track. I love coming here. It’s a special place to me whether you win or not, but to run up front all day and have a great car, qualify up front, it was just an awesome day for Castrol. I’m glad for Ford. Ford has been working really hard to get us up here and here we are. We got them a win, so they don’t have to hear about that anymore. I’m happy for Ford. Hopefully, there are more great things to come. It was a total team effort from the top to the bottom to get us to where we could have a fast car. We executed on pit road, led laps and were there when it counted at the end,” commented Keselowski.

Brad Keselowski started Sunday’s 400-mile race in second and led 37 laps after battling pole sitter Tyler Reddick for most of the afternoon. With 33 laps remaining in the race, Keselowski and Reddick raced side-by-side for a few laps until both were passed by Keselowski’s teammate Chris Buescher. Buescher drove down to the bottom of the track and sped past Keselowski and Reddick to assume the lead. With 10 laps remaining, Buescher and Reddick made contact causing both cars to cut a tire, allowing Keselowski to take the lead. Keselowski took the checkered flag and finished 1.214 seconds ahead of runner-up Ty Gibbs.

A total of five Ford Performance drivers finished in the top 10: Stewart-Haas Racing’s Josh Berry finished in P3 along with teammate Chase Briscoe in P5, Rick Ware Racing’s Justin Haley in P9, and Front Row Motorsports’ Michael McDowell in P10.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series also raced at Darlington on Saturday. Stewart-Haas Racing’s Cole Custer started from the pole and finished in P3 while teammate Riley Herbst finished in P7.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to North Wilkesboro Speedway this weekend for the All-Star Race while the Xfinity Series takes a one-week break and races next at Charlotte.

39 CHAMPIONSHIPS – 459 WINS – 429 POLES

*Photos courtesy of NASCAR Media & Getty Images

About Roush Yates Engines
Roush Yates Engines is a leading-edge engine development company based in Mooresville, NC consisting of two state-of-the-art facilities – Roush Yates Engines and Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions, a world class AS9100 Rev D/ISO 13485 certified CNC manufacturing facility. The company’s core business includes designing, building and testing purpose-built race engines.

Ford Performance in partnership with Roush Yates Engines is the exclusive engine builder of the NASCAR FR9 Ford V8 engine.

With an unparalleled culture of winning and steeped in rich racing history, Roush Yates Engines continues to follow the company’s vision to lead performance engine innovation and staying true to the company’s mission, provide race winning engines through demonstrated power and performance.

2 Series – 64 Races – 20 Drivers

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