NSRA Autocross 2025 Sponsor Spotlight
By Kevin Webb NSRA Autocross Director
R idetech manufactures exciting suspension systems that improve the handling and ride quality of your muscle car, truck, Corvette or street rod. From restorations and show cars, to high-speed autocross and track-day cars, Ridetech offers a wide range of premium products includ- ing air suspension systems (air ride), coilovers, shock absorbers, coil and leaf springs, tubular con- trol arms, roll bars, sway bars and much more. This month in our Sponsor Spotlight we are talking to Blane Burnett, Marketing Manager of Ridetech.
NSRA: Why do you think street rods in particular have ride quality issues?
Blane: Shock quality, plus suspension travel, are factors that greatly affect ride quality. Most people don’t realize how important a set of correctly adjusted shocks can affect the overall suspension experience. Many street rods are still using original springs and suspension components that can suf- fer from metal fatigue or wear. Some street rods are limited by space constraints while others may suffer ride quality to achieve the ‘right stance’ if the chassis was not designed for it. NSRA: How important is weighing the vehicle? Blane: We’ve been weighing all sorts of vehicles over the years at events, and we currently have over 1,800 different models that have been on our scales. Side-to-side weight is also important to determine proper spring rate. We do this to help you pick the right suspension package for your car or truck. NSRA: There is a misconception that air ride systems can’t be used in autocross, is this true? Blane: Absolutely not, they can be used, and all our air ride systems are designed to provide both great ride quality and superb handling abilities. NSRA: Air ride systems seem to get a bad rap at times, why is that? Blane: Honestly, it all comes down to the instal- lation. Following all the directions and not getting in a hurry when performing air-line routing and wiring will eliminate more issues than the actual air bag installation. NSRA: Your website shows three different suspension options; Air Suspension, Coilover, and Streetgrip, what are the major differences? Blane: Air Suspension allows for the maximum in
NSRA: Blane, when did Ridetech get started? Blane: The company was started in 1996 by Bret Voelkel and was known as “Air Ride Technologies” and his #1 goal was to build a bet- ter handling lowered car. NSRA: Where is Ridetech located? Blane: Our facilities are in Jasper, Indiana, with 68,000 square feet dedicated to research, manu- facturing and inventory. We are proud that our manufacturing processes are ISO 9001 certified, the industry’s highest standard. NSRA: How much of your manufacturing is done in-house? Blane: I’d say at least 90-percent of our prod- ucts are done at our Jasper facility. The only com- ponent we don’t make is our ball joints. NSRA: What would you say is your customers #1 concern? Blane: Ride quality and handling are always impor- tant and our most common questions from street rodders concern how to make their car ride better.
16 JULY 2025
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