MWS gains European Truck Race forged aluminium fitment

Motor Wheel Service has come a step closer to achieving its goal of moving European Truck Race teams onto forged aluminium wheels alone after leading outfit Team Allgäuer changed its set-up at the recent Nürburgring meeting. Having received permission by the FIA Truck Commission, two units ran with forged aluminium on the outside of the rear axle, with steel rims inside, to see if the wheels can withstand the rigours and collisions involved with the sport.

Trucks currently race with steel wheels on the outside, a decision that was made a number of years ago after the cast alloys used then shattered or cracked when involved in a collision, as they did not possess the strength to withstand an impact. However, MWS says the manufacturing process of forged aluminium wheels will now allow vehicles to continue after collisions, as forged aluminium wheels absorb the impact.  It will also decrease track debris.

The campaign to change competitors’ minds on the use of forged aluminium has been led by xlite distributor, Motor Wheel Service and Stuart Oliver, ten times winner of the British Truck Racing Championship, five of which were on xlite wheels. Oliver said: “Operating solely with quality forged aluminium wheels, such as xlite, not only increases safety but it improves the performance of the trucks by decreasing weight.  Given that this makes it more exciting for the audience and ultimately cheaper for the teams, I believe a decision is close.

“The benefits of using forged aluminium wheels on the race truck are substantial. Lighter wheels mean less unsprung weight on the axle, creating less wear and tear to surrounding parts and greater grip between the tyre and the circuit.”

Ross Garrett, technical delegate for the FIA Truck Commission, will report back to the FIA in Geneva at the end of the season when MWS believes the decision to allow forged aluminium wheels on the outside of race trucks should be ratified.

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