New Product: AP Racing by Essex Competition Brake Kits for 2026 Chevrolet Corvette C8 ZR1 ZTK

AP Racing by Essex Competition Brake Kits for Chevrolet Corvette C8 ZR1 ZTK

With 1064 horsepower on tap in a highly optimized mid-engine layout, the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is one wicked machine, and the track-focused ZTK variant even more so. As with any car, however, logging serious time on a road course requires careful consideration of your brake system. Heat management during extended lapping, pad change requirements, and replacement disc costs all become crucial factors when your calendar fills up with track days.

Our new AP Racing by Essex Radi-CAL ENP Competition Brake Kits provide 2026 ZR1 ZTK owners with a competition proven iron disc alternative to the factory carbon ceramic braking system. With six-piston Radi-CAL calipers, substantial pad capacity, and fully-floating AP Racing J Hook discs, these front and rear kits bring competition hardware and lower consumables costs to GM's wild new flagship. Both kits weigh roughly the same as their respective factory brake systems, clear the OE ZR1 ZTK 20-spoke wheels without spacers, and include professional-grade disc burnishing from Essex, so you can hit the track with minimum break-in. Note: these kits are available exclusively in our Electroless Nickel Plated (ENP) finish.

Product listings can be found here:

Front: AP Racing by Essex Competition Front Brake Kit for Corvette C8 ZR1 ZTK

Rear: AP Racing by Essex Competition Rear Brake Kit for Corvette C8 ZR1 ZTK

A Practical Approach to Tracking Your ZR1

For drivers who regularly use their cars on a circuit, replacement brake components are part of the operating budget. Moving to AP Racing iron discs substantially reduces replacement disc costs compared with the original carbon ceramics, making it easier to plan for a season of hard driving. The new kits also pair those replaceable iron rings with lightweight Radi-CAL calipers. That combination keeps overall system weight approximately on par with the factory equipment while delivering hardware designed around extended track use.

Front: CP9668 Calipers with Heavy-Duty D62 Discs and Pads

The new front Competition Brake Kit combines AP Racing CP9668 Radi-CAL Pro5000R six-piston calipers with 390 × 36mm, 72-vane J Hook discs. A key feature is the front kit’s heavy-duty D62 configuration. Its pads have a 62mm radial depth and 25mm thickness, giving drivers substantial pad volume for this demanding application. The matching D62 discs provide the swept area required for the deeper pads. Together, they offer greater heat capacity, durability, and fade resistance than our standard D54 configuration with the same 390mm disc diameter. The calipers’ asymmetric Radi-CAL architecture distributes material according to the loads generated during braking, combining high stiffness with a compact, lightweight body. Ventilated stainless steel pistons help limit heat transfer into the brake fluid, while high-temperature seals suit the demands of repeated track sessions and eliminate the OE dust boots, which tend to deteriorate under hard use.

Rear: CP9669 Calipers with Parking Brake Retention

The matching rear Competition Brake Kit features AP Racing CP9669 Radi-CAL Pro5000R six-piston calipers, 25mm-thick pads, and 390 × 36mm, 72-vane J Hook D54 discs. Designed to work with the new CP9668 front system, the rear kit also retains the factory electronic parking brake functionality. Both systems use fully floating, two-piece disc assemblies with hard-anodized aluminum hats. The floating attachment allows the iron rings to expand as temperatures rise, helping control distortion and maintain consistent pad contact. Directional internal vanes move cooling air through the discs, while AP Racing’s J Hook slot pattern supports pad bite and an even friction-material transfer layer. The calipers’ Electroless Nickel Plated finish brings practical benefits, too. ENP provides a hard, corrosion-resistant surface that stands up to frequent servicing and cleans easily after a weekend of brake dust and heat. Included quick-change spring clips simplify pad swaps, and anti-knockback springs behind the pistons help reduce the extra pedal travel that can follow pad knockback during cornering.

Prepared by Essex

Each axle kit includes a pair of AP Racing Pro5000R calipers, 390mm 2-piece J Hook disc assemblies, Essex-designed disc hats and caliper mounting brackets, Spiegler stainless steel brake lines, hardware and detailed installation instructions. For this application, disc burnishing is also included at no additional cost. This professional-grade service gives the discs a computer-controlled pad transfer layer on the friction surface before they ever reach your car, so you don't waste time at the track. Brake pads are selected separately, allowing you to choose the compound appropriate for your use. Discounted Ferodo pad options are available with each kit; pad burnishing and pad tension kits are optional extras.