FIA regulation change allows full forged aluminium truck wheel coverage

The strength of xlite forged aluminium truck wheels has long been advocated by their distributor, Motor Wheel Service, but a new change of technical regulations by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile will allow the company to prove its point in the demanding truck racing arena. The FIA confirmed that it will allow all truck racing teams to run with forged aluminium wheels on the outside of the rear axle from 2013 onwards at the end of last week, responding to the wishes of Stuart Oliver, ten times winner of the British Truck Racing Championship, who supported MWS’s campaign to allow teams to fit forged aluminium wheels in all positions.

Forged aluminium wheels gained truck racing momentum last season when the FIA Truck Commission allowed Team Allgäuer to change its set-up at European race meetings. Two units ran with xlite forged aluminium wheels on the outside of the rear axle, with steel rims inside. The result helped to convince the regulating body that the forged aluminium product can withstand the rigours and collisions involved in the sport.

MWS managing director, John Ellis told Tyrepress.com that the ability to put xlite wheels in the most impacted area in the sport would prove the technology further in the road-going truck market place. Ellis also explained that the change to allow a single wheel to be fitted across the axles would help to make pit stops easier and more dynamic in the sport.

Up until now trucks have raced with steel wheels on the outside, a move instigated a number of years ago when cast alloys were used on the exterior, but these shattered or cracked when involved in a collision as they did not possess the strength to withstand an impact. Due to the manufacturing process of xlite forged aluminium wheels they absorb the impact as compared to breaking, which ultimately allows vehicles to continue as well as decreasing potentially hazardous track debris.

Oliver said: “I’ve used xlite forged aluminium wheels for the last six years and the product is second-to-none in terms of performance and safety, a fact now verified by the FIA.

“The next step of the campaign is to allow truck race teams to operate on forged aluminium wheels alone.  This step will ultimately decrease weight, make it more exciting for the audience and ultimately cheaper for the teams.

“The benefits of using xlite 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.”

MWS says the xlite wheel is 40 per cent lighter than the standard steel equivalent and five times stronger, meaning increased strength and impact resistance. Other benefits include unique safety features, reduced vibration and less wear and tear on surrounding parts.

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