Advanced wheel technology from Litespeed Racing handed Scott Birdsall a record-breaking performance at the 98th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on Sunday, August 30.
Birdsall and his trusty 1949 Ford F1, named Old Smokey F1, officially smashed the hill climb record by 14 seconds for fast diesel-powered vehicles up the 156-turn, 12.42-mile mountain race course.
The main difference to his previous record attempts, according to Birdsall, was being handed an incredible weight difference in the wheels from Litespeed Racing.
Birdsall and many other vehicle owners have been turning to the Westminster, California, company for 14 years, for their unique wheel technology that can improve fuel economy and overall vehicle performance.
This year, Birdsall made upgrades to his 1400 horsepower Cummins Diesel powered race truck including new lightweight race wheels from Litespeed Racing. The GT10 three-piece forged wheels weighed in a whopping 4 pounds per wheel lighter than his previous forged wheels.
The reduction of unsprung weight helped improve everything from acceleration to braking, handling and even fuel economy. Not only are his new wheels lighter, but stiffer due to carefully engineered spoke geometry.
The improved stiffness of his GT10 wheels helped his custom made Toyo race slicks do their job more efficiently, with less flex through the corners and braking zones up to the 14,115-foot high finish line of Pikes Peak.
Birdsall said the upgrade to lightweight wheels gave him an edge on this year's race which helped him to best the previously held record.
Lightweight is Litespeed Racing's number one advantage and in many cases offers the lightest possible wheel option for a specific of sizes/car fitments.
Founded in 2006, Litespeed Racing has vast manufacturing and engineering experience, and a proven track record of quality race and street car products plus top-notch customer service.
By 2010 Litespeed Racing produced a collection of some of the worlds lightest, and best sounding titanium exults systems. Saving 50 or more pounds with titanium exults system is excellent, but saving 40 or more pounds in unsprung wheel weight is even better.
In 2012, they began development on the world's first solid forged composites carbon fiber three-piece wheel center. Today Litespeed Racing has created a wheel even lighter than carbon fiber with the RS5 monoblock made from proprietary forged magnesium alloy.
Every Litespeed Racing wheel is engineered with FEA computer stress simulations and tested via SAE protocol. Each wheel is 100% custom made to order and includes custom sizes, colors, finishes and custom designs.
So if you want the edge like Birdsall, and looking to improve your vehicle's performance, check out www.litespeedracing.com to order a custom-made set of lightweight wheels.
