June 11th 2025
Nanodiamond Technology Promises to Reduce Friction, Lower Costs, and Improve Performance in Motorsports Engines
EPARTRADE Webinar Series, Episode #544 — In a compelling new installment of EPARTRADE’s weekly “Race Industry Now” webinar series, Marshall Weingarden, President of Nano Materials and Processes, unveiled groundbreaking insights into the power of nanodiamond technology and its transformative potential for racing engines. Hosted by Brad Gillie of SiriusXM’s Late Shift, the session was titled:
“Reducing the Cost of Friction: How Nanodiamond Technology Extends Component Life, Reduces Costs, and Improves Performance.”
“Reducing the Cost of Friction: How Nanodiamond Technology Extends Component Life, Reduces Costs, and Improves Performance.”
Weingarden, a lifelong technologist with decades of engineering experience, explained how detonation-synthesized nanodiamonds—tiny synthetic diamonds formed by TNT explosions in a vacuum—are revolutionizing industrial lubrication. Originally a byproduct of nuclear weapons research, these microscopic diamonds are now being tailored for high-performance motorsports applications, including engines, transmissions, and differentials.
“We’re not changing what you’re doing—we’re just adding something that makes it all work better,” said Weingarden. “The results are transparent, maintenance-free, and proven in independent testing.”
Key Highlights from the Webinar:
- Friction Reduction = Performance Gain
Nanodiamond additives have shown measurable horsepower increases. One user reported a 1% power gain on a dyno by simply adding the additive to their engine oil—translating to 6-8 extra horsepower in high-output engines. - Microscopic Precision
Friction points in engines, such as crankshafts, bearings, and piston rings, often operate at micron-level gaps. Nanodiamond particles, operating at the nanometer scale (1,000 times smaller), effectively fill those spaces, reducing wear and heat. - Real Cost Savings
With top-tier NASCAR engines costing upwards of $250,000 to $300,000, and rebuilds adding thousands more, Weingarden stressed the value of any solution that extends component life and reliability. - Thermal Management and Wear Resistance
In addition to lowering friction, nanodiamonds help remove heat and create wear-resistant surfaces, addressing two critical concerns in racing environments. - Broad Application Potential
Beyond motorsports, Nano Materials and Processes is also applying this technology to mining, coatings, epoxies, and even electroplating—demonstrating the versatile power of nanodiamonds across industries.
A Technological Turning Point
Weingarden closed the presentation with a simple message: Innovation at the molecular level is now making its way to the race track. The nanodiamond solution, developed for extreme environments, is now readily accessible to engine builders, teams, and manufacturers looking for a competitive edge.
“If you're looking to get more life, better performance, and less wear from your components—this is something to look into,” said Gillie.
For more information, watch the full webinar here.
