Does your car have wheels? Likely yes.
And are those wheels suitable for motorsports? Are they up for hopping curbs, clearing big brakes and aiding fast pit stops?
Maybe?
So what exactly makes a wheel track ready? Follow along for some features to consider when shopping.
I always love this information because I've run the same two sets of wheels on the Datsun for decades. Read I'm not up on the latest technology.
Thanks for including the Tobu in the list, although the flow formed FM Kogeki is more popular as it's priced more in line with Miata budgets. Available in 15x7 to 17x9 in Miata-specific fitments and exclusive to FM.
https://flyinmiata.com/collections/wheels
Keep in mind that motorsport wheels may be built with less strength margin than street wheels - they should be considered a consumable. Be especially wary of wheels that are significantly lighter than others in the same size with the same construction. One of the popular Miata wheels had a problem with that a few years back, they were particularly light in the 17x9 size but they cracked quite quickly and a number of them came apart on track.
Also, not noted in the guide - forged wheels have a superior grain structure to cast or flow formed wheels. They're more likely to bend than crack, which is a better failure mode. Also, flow formed wheels only have the improved grain structure from flow forming on the barrel, the center of the wheel has the same properties as a cast wheel.
One last note - the Advanti Storm pictured above (available from a variety of sources) is a good illustration of point 7. The spokes protrude from the wheel face around the lip. This makes them a hassle when mounting tires but also makes them prone to damage in wheel to wheel racing.
Just curious if you've ever come across ForgeStar brand flow-formed wheels and what your thoughts were on that particular brand? MW Company, LLC, purchased this brand some time ago, and also holds Weld Wheels under their corporate hat.
" 4. A modern technique to save weight while adding strength? Milled or I-beam spokes. Again, though, this adds cost."
That is at best, a slightly misleading comment.
Yes, track specific wheels have many features not found on street wheels which add to the specific job they are intended to perform.
PTSRaceTire&Wheel has the largest assortment of Spec Miata, Spec E30 and BSpec wheels in the country.
The NEW KE Motorsport PRO K10 wheel has the necessary features that make it perform flawlessly, inner reinforced lip, paint less knurled beads, 10 spoke design (slightly concave).
Also, the NEW Team Dynamics PRO RACE 1.2FF brings back the iconic design that has been associated with Motorsport performance wheels for 30 years. Same design but Flow Formed, knurled beads, and reinforced inner lip with the C-channel design.
Enjoy
- https://philstireservice.com/product/spec-miata-wheels/
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