WHEEL TECHNology

This tire retention technology, used on road race karts for decades, is now being applied to larger racing wheel applications. It retains both inner and outer bead seats on the rim, preventing tire loss and high-siding incidents. This unique system is safer, simpler, and more cost-effective than conventional beadlocks. After over 10 years of design, I’m excited to introduce this “next” evolution in racing wheel technology at a lower price than competitors. We aim to help preserve and make racing more affordable, as costs are rising.

These unique wheels are a hybrid construction, combining the center hub lug flange and inner half into one machined piece. This design addresses the issue of hub lug flanges ripping out, as the cars are more locked down and the lug area is subjected to increased stress. Extra material is added around the lug mounting points, and small clearance areas are provided for running wide 5-wheel spacers. The outer halves are bolted to the center/inner half with 20-qty 5/16-18 grade 8 bolts. Additionally, an integral O-ring seal prevents messy silicone or leaking welds.

Both center/inner and outer halves of all NEXT wheels are 100% CNC machined for optimal balance and radial/lateral bead seat runout. They’re also radial knurled to prevent tire slip. Extensive testing with multiple race teams over 100 laps proves NEXT wheels slip less than conventional beadlock wheels, reducing tire stress and improving wheel/tire assembly balance during races.

Some racers have asked why these wheels are so beefy. There’s a good reason. First, they’re built to withstand racing abuses. Lightweight cars won’t help if a parts failure causes you to fall out of a race. Second, they deflect less than any other wheel. Third, they provide better traction. Heavier wheels keep the car hooked up on dry slick tracks, preventing tires from breaking loose and causing the car to lose grip. This has been tested in various motorsports, and lap times prove it. Race sanctioning bodies have established weight rules for tire and wheel assemblies, but they’re maximum weights, not minimum weights.

We designed the NEXT wheels to fit our new covers, providing enhanced protection, aerodynamics, and aesthetics. The standard cover is made from 0.063” 7075-T6 material, while the optional heavy-duty cover is 0.125” thick for extreme cushioning or high contact. Each cover has six mud cover mounting tabs on the outer half for redundancy. All covers use three-piece 5/16-18 threaded cover bolts and are delivered in gloss black with our holographic “NEXT” graphics and fastening hardware.

Given that this wheel is constructed using a bolt-together assembly, it is possible to replace either the inner or outer half independently. This eliminates the need to bend the outer half or even a cover tab, rendering the entire wheel obsolete. Furthermore, the bolt-together O-ring seal facilitates repairs without the inconvenience of waiting to mount a tire for drying silicone. (Bonus points for the absence of any adhesive residue.)