3M announces a collaborative effort with Racing Electronics that has resulted in a newly designed, two-way communications headset. Roush Fenway Racing and the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion driven by Greg Biffle were the first to use the new communications headset in NASCAR racing action at the Daytona International Speedway Feb. 15-23. Ideally suited for the racetrack, the headset will help improve sound clarity between racecar drivers and their crews.

The headset combines 3M’s proven Peltor hearing protection technology with Racing Electronics’ popular two-way radio technology. The new product offers clear delivery of the radio communication at extremely noisy racetrack environments with its noise-cancelling microphone, mini-flex boom microphone, deep ear-cups, and soft ear cushions. The newly designed product also offers new comfort features that will enhance the experience for racing team members and spotters, while sporting a fun, cool design.

“Racecar drivers rely on their communication headsets to get important information from the crew chief, spotter and other team members throughout the race,” said Doug Moses, Marketing Manager, 3M Personal Safety Division. “But with noise levels often exceeding 100 dB, communication isn’t always easy. 3M’s experience in protecting hearing of military personnel enabled us to apply that technology to help racecar drivers overcome the noise challenge for crucial communication they need during races.”

The sound level of a single a racecar traveling at approximately 190 mph was recently recorded at 127.2 dB.

“This noise level can significantly impact the ability for crew chiefs to communicate with their drivers and make decisions about a vehicle's handling and operation,” Kevin Hughes, Director of Motorsports Communication Services, Racing Electronics. “As a leading supplier of racing communications, we’re excited to work with 3M to offer the community a lighter weight, more comfortable headset with improved clarity. It expands our portfolio of options for teams looking to maximize their competitive edge.”

About 3M

3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $31 billion in sales, 3M employs 88,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com. You can also follow @3MNews on Twitter.

About 3M Personal Safety Division

3M offers a comprehensive, diverse portfolio of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) solutions providing respiratory protection, hearing protection, fall protection, reflective materials for high-visibility apparel, protective clothing, protective eyewear, head and face protection, welding helmets, and other adjacent products and solutions, such as tactical safety equipment, detection, monitoring equipment, protective communications equipment and compliance management. Visit www.3M.com/PPESafetyor http://m.3m.com/PPESafety. You can also follow 3M’s Personal Safety Division on Twitter at https://twitter.com/3MSafetyUS.

About Racing Electronics

Racing Electronics is a manufacturer and supplier of a complete line of race communication products and accessories servicing professional drivers and pit crews as well as racing fans. Racing Electronics has been in the racing business for over 25 years and has now grown to be the #1 company in Race Communications worldwide. Look around at any major racing event and you will see Racing Electronics everywhere, helping their loyal customers, whether its professional or amateur racers, race fans or series race officials. Racing Electronics, see us at the Track!

For more information on Racing Electronics, please call the showroom toll-free at 1-800-272-7111 and visit them on the web at www.racingelectronics.com