Wharton Automotive Group Acquires PowerTrain Technology

October 25, 2022 (ANAHEIM, CA) Paul Lee, President of the Wharton Automotive Group continues to grow his portfolio with the acquisition of the small diameter racing clutch and drivetrain component line of PowerTrain Technology (PTT) of Algonquin, IL. PTT has a two-decade record of putting drivers in the winners' circle with reliable cutting edge racing clutch and drivetrain products.

PTT will be relocating to McLeod Racing’s facility in Anaheim, CA and the products will be available through McLeod Racing and their worldwide distribution network.

PTT’s line of lightweight racing clutches are available in 4.5”, 5.5” and 7.25” diameters in 1, 2, 3, or 4 disc configurations. They feature great linear engagement and friction life with a positive feel. All PTT products are designed on the latest CAD system and PTT has in-house capabilities that allow a wide range of clutch and drivetrain system development.

“PTT is a perfect addition to the McLeod clutch product line,” says Paul Lee. “We’re all excited about acquiring the technology for the small diameter clutches and driveline components including their world class 7.25” assembly. I was very impressed with the quality and high technology built into every PTT product. We plan to continue to grow PTT from what founder Steve Fox and his crew have built.”

This acquisition will expand the McLeod line to continue to grow into the one-stop-shop for all of our customers’ drivetrain needs.

PTT’s founder, Steve Fox, will join the McLeod Company as a consultant while continuing to service his hydraulic street release bearing customers under the new company name PTB-USA, Inc.

“I have a very high regard for Paul Lee and what he has accomplished with McLeod,” says Steve Fox, “I look forward to working closely with the McLeod staff to ensure a smooth transition of PTT clutch knowledge and workmanship.”

Current and future customers can find PTT products through McLeod’s catalog and distributors. For more information, visit McLeodRacing.com.

What makes a PTT clutch better than the competition?

Competitive Edge​: Highly Engineered = Extreme Levels of Performance (Strength AND Light Weight); Ease of Use; Quality; Dependability. These are the terms that have come to be associated with products from PowerTrain Technology.

Low Moment of Inertia (MOI): Critical weight is removed from the largest diameters of rotating parts, where it reduces MOI the most. Low MOI means more of your engine's horsepower gets to the drive wheels. This results in Quicker Acceleration; Increased Engine Braking under deceleration; Easier on Brakes; and (potentially) better fuel economy.

Size: Fits into a smaller work envelope due to improved design and flush mounted fasteners. Approximately .250” shorter overall than other competitors' similar clutches.

Better control: Optimized clutch cover design translates to lower pedal effort, better modulation or drivability, and better clutch control.

Cooler running: Open housing design means improved cooling and dust evacuation.

Better balance: Power-V clutch cover leg design offers a level of performance that is superior to other competitor's designs. Power-V makes the clutch components self-centering and therefore self-balancing under load.

Proprietary friction materials: State-of-the-art clutch friction materials feature smoother engagement and longer life.

Micro-finishing: PTT clutch discs are ground to an extremely fine surface finish. This eliminates the need for any bedding-in, and reduces excessive wear when new.

Alignment: All PTT Clutches positively locate with a stepped flywheel register. This results in improved actuation and improved balance.

Precision: CNC machined to very tight tolerances using state-of-the-art machines, materials, and finishes.