A disc brake system for a disc brake having a pair of brake pad backing plates adapted to be movably positioned on opposite sides of a brake disc. A brake pad is attached to each of the backing plates so that the brake pads face the brake disc on opposite sides of the brake disc. At least one of the brake pad backing plates is constructed of a thermally conductive material and includes a portion which extends outwardly from its attached brake pad and includes at least one elongated slot to improve brake cooling.