Abstract: A linear support system for translating rotary motion into linear motion that reduces backlash and stretch in a belt driven by a drive motor by providing at least two pressure pads on either side of a drive carriage. The toothed belt is press-fitted onto a toothed rack by the pressure pads. The rack is machined to match the grooves and teeth of the belt. A tensioning roller within the drive carriage is used to tension the belt. The multiple teeth of the belt are tensioned against the multiple teeth of the rack as the belt passes between the pressure pad and the rack resulting in even tensile load distribution thereby reducing belt stress and strain. The section of the belt under tension is confined to the area between two pressure pads. In robotics applications the linear drive system is provided with support members to perform payload displacement functions.