NGK Chequered Flag
From £3.25
Founded in 1936 in Nagoya, Japan, the NGK Spark Plug Co quickly became a leader in ignition technology. By the 1960s, NGK recognized motorsport as the ultimate proving ground for its products, where performance, reliability, and innovation are tested to their limits. NGK’s first major motorsport breakthrough came in 1964, when it partnered with Honda’s Formula 1 team, contributing to Honda’s first Grand Prix victory in 1965. This success marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship between NGK and the world of elite motorsport.
At Clever Graphics we pride ourselves in providing a high quality graphic and decal solution for the motorsport industry.
We have been providing graphics / decals for many years to the motorsport industry.
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These decals are produced on the latest state of the art Roland solvent printer using premium vinyl.
We only use genuine Roland solvent inks for long life and outdoor fade resistance.
Do not confuse these with cheap printed stickers.
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Low or high volume no problem. Contact us for a quote.
Please Note – The actual colours may vary slightly from how they look on screen.
| Vinyl Finish | Gloss, Matt |
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History of NGK in Motorsport
NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd., founded in 1936 in Nagoya, Japan, is one of the world’s most recognized manufacturers of spark plugs, oxygen sensors, and other ignition and sensor products. From the beginning, NGK has been driven by technological innovation, precision engineering, and a deep-rooted connection to motorsport, where performance, reliability, and efficiency are paramount.
Early Years and Entry into Motorsport (1930s - 1960s)
Soon after its establishment, NGK focused on developing high-quality spark plugs for the growing automotive and motorcycle industries in Japan. As motorsport began to flourish globally in the post-war era, NGK recognized racing as the ultimate testing ground for its products.
- Motorcycle Racing: NGK became involved in Japanese motorcycle racing events in the 1950s and 1960s. Its spark plugs were used by manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki as they entered international competitions.
- Automobile Racing: By the 1960s, NGK spark plugs were already present in domestic car racing and began to be adopted in international competitions, including Formula racing and endurance events.
Rise to Global Motorsport Prominence (1970s - 1980s)
The 1970s and 1980s marked NGK's rapid rise as a dominant player in global motorsport:
- Formula 1: NGK became a supplier for top teams in Formula 1, a relationship that would span decades. The extreme temperatures, high RPMs, and technical demands of F1 were the ideal proving ground for NGK's spark plug technology.
- MotoGP and Motorcycle Grand Prix: NGK established strong partnerships with leading motorcycle manufacturers, including Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki, as they competed at the highest level of two-wheel racing.
- Endurance Racing: NGK products were adopted by teams in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other endurance races, where reliability and consistent performance were critical.
Technological Impact: NGK's motorsport involvement led to advancements in spark plug materials and design, including the development of iridium and platinum spark plugs, which offered improved durability and ignition performance under extreme conditions.
Motorsport Success and Partnerships (1990s - 2010s)
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, NGK solidified its reputation as a global motorsport leader:
- Formula 1 Dominance: NGK spark plugs contributed to numerous F1 World Championships, being used by teams such as McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull Racing, and others.
- MotoGP and World Superbike: NGK continued to be the go-to spark plug brand for many factory and privateer teams in premier motorcycle racing.
- Rally and Off-Road Racing: NGK spark plugs became essential components in World Rally Championship (WRC) and off-road competitions, where vehicles faced varied and harsh environments.
- Touring Car and GT Racing: NGK maintained partnerships with manufacturers and teams competing in touring car championships (BTCC, WTCC) and GT racing.
Brand Visibility: The NGK logo became a common sight on race cars, motorcycles, driver suits, and pit equipment across circuits worldwide, reinforcing its association with high performance and reliability.
Conclusion
From its beginnings in Japan to becoming a global powerhouse in ignition technology, NGK has leveraged motorsport as both a laboratory for innovation and a stage to demonstrate its engineering excellence. Whether on two wheels or four, on asphalt circuits or rugged rally stages, NGK’s products continue to play a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of performance and reliability in motorsport.
