Racing tape, adhesives, and tire traction products are indispensable tools for any race car driver, whether you’re a professional racer or a weekend hobbyist. Racing tape can be used for a variety of purposes, such as securing race car body panels and protecting electrical components. With a multitude of tape options available, choosing the right one for your race car can be challenging. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of racer tape and adhesives and provide you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.

Multi-Purpose Racing Tape

Multi-purpose racing tape is a go-to solution for just about anything in your pit, shop, or garage  that needs protection, support, or adherence. Racing tape comes in a variety of colors, materials, widths, and strengths, making it suitable for diverse applications:

• Reflective tape excels at marking off pit areas and enhancing equipment visibility.
• Electrical tape with UL approval protects and seals connections and wires in the engine or ignition system.
• Air box tape, with its metalized design, secures and seals panels and high-heat areas in a race car.

Multi-purpose racing tape is robust, durable, waterproof, and relatively cost-effective. It is a versatile tool capable of solving a wide range of problems, making it a valuable asset for race teams.

Surface Guard Tape

Surface guard racers tape is transparent and virtually undetectable when applied. This durable polyurethane film creates a clear barrier on any exterior to prevent chips, scratches, and weather damage. High resistance to ultraviolet light and extreme heat makes surface guard tape ideal for preserving painted surfaces, high-color graphics, and decals on race cars.

• 8 mil thickness surface guard tape is easy to remove and can be trimmed to fit.
• 14 mil thickness surface guard tape is puncture resistant and highly durable.

Best uses: Surface guard racing tape can be used for exterior protection and interior roll cage repair.

Non-Skid Racing Tape

Designed to prevent slips and falls in the pit, garage, or shop, non-skid racing tape is an anti-skid, self-adhesive safety product. Crafted from heavy-duty material with strong adhesives, non-skid racer tape is impervious to weather damage and continues to hold tight at temperatures as high as 220°F (104°C) and as low as -40°F/C.

Best uses: Use non-skid tape to add grip to brake pedals, stairs, walkways, and trailer ramps.

Gaffers Tape

Gaffer tape is a vinyl-coated cloth known for its easy, residue-free removal that won’t take any paint with it when peeled off. Gaffers tape comes in a wide variety of colors so you can match your race car’s paint scheme whether it’s black, white, checkerboard, or neon. Gaffer tape is versatile, making it a game-changer in various racing applications.

Best uses: Gaffer tape is the perfect racer tape for pit marking, on-track body and fender repair, seat or upholstery fixes, or racing suits quick repairs.

Tips For Using Multi-Purpose Racing Tape

Follow these basic tips for using multi-purpose racing tape:

• Make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying the tape.
• Apply the tape with firm pressure for a strong bond.
• For repairs, overlap the edges of the tape by at least one inch.
• Slowly peel tape away from the surface to remove; use a mild solvent to remove any adhesive residue left behind.

PTFE Thread Sealant Tapes

PTFE tape, also known as Teflon™ tape, is a powerful sealant used to eliminate leaks in threaded joints and act as a barrier in ducting. It offers strength, durability, and resistance to heat, water, and pressure, making it suitable for racing and plumbing applications. Keep a roll of PTFE thread sealant tape in the garage or your tool kit to protect joints as needed or seal up leaks as they occur.

Best uses: PTFE tape works best on pipe threads, compression joints, radiator valves, and fuel injection systems.

How do you use PTFE tape to seal a thread?

The secret to getting a tight seal is to wrap PTFE tape clockwise around the thread of a joint to ensure it will not unravel when you tighten the nut.

Is PTFE tape gasoline resistant?

Yes. PTFE racer tape remains stable and will not react to gasoline, oil, acids, and solvents.

Is PTFE the same as Teflon™ tape?

Yes. Teflon™ is a proprietary brand name of PTFE tape. Any thread sealant racers tape marked Teflon™ is simply PTFE tape.

Spray Adhesives & Coatings

Spray adhesives are ideal when you need a fast-drying, quick-bonding, long-lasting substance that can handle the heat. A hi-heat spray coating protects the exhaust insulating wrap on your race car against abrasion and corrosive liquids. High-heat spray coating can be used on its own as paint when applied directly to any metal surface on your race car.

Best uses: Use spray adhesives for quick bonds and spray coating as a protectant on paint or metal surfaces.

Note: Spray adhesives and heat coatings from Behrent’s Performance Warehouse must be shipped ground.

Racing Epoxy

Epoxy is a durable adhesive that creates a permanent, waterproof, long-lasting bond on a race car. Epoxy hardens like steel and can withstand extreme temperatures and racing rigors, making it an excellent choice for sealing, repairing, and reinforcing various race car components. A/B epoxy is easy to use; mix to form a putty, mold it into shape, let it cure, and sand the area smooth.

Best uses: Use epoxy to seal gaps in the intake manifold or cylinder head, or repair holes and prevent rust on race car bodies.

Tire Traction Treatments

Tire traction treatments condition and moisturize old and new race tires without making them greasy. Apply a traction treatment to make race car tires:

• Softer and more flexible
• Run cooler for longer
• Grip the track better
• Generate more friction to prevent slipping
• Improve lap times

These treatments are undetectable and penetrate tires without leaving a gummy appearance.

By understanding the diverse range of racing tape and adhesive options available, you can optimize your race car's performance and durability. Whether it's multi-purpose racing tape, surface guard tape, or tire traction treatments, the right choice can make a significant difference in your racing experience.