Standards Testing Laboratories, Inc. (STL), an independent testing facility for tires, wheels and related automotive components, has been recognized as the testing source to test drag race wheels to meet SFI Foundation, Inc. (SFI) specifications.
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SFI is a non-profit organization established to issue and administer standards for specialty/performance automotive and racing equipment. The organization has a formal relationship with more than 200 race sanctioning bodies, providing an SFI standard compliance label for use on race-related products.
Created based on real-world testing environments that replicate field conditions in a lab, SFI standards must be met in order for products to be used in sanctioned race events. The drag racing SFI specifications include 15.1 - Drag Race Drive Wheels; 15.2 - Drag Race Front Wheels; 15.3 High Horsepower Drag Race Drive Wheels; and 15.4 - Top Fuel and Funny Car Drag Race Drive Beadlock Wheels.
"Drag cars are reaching speeds in excess of 320 mph and that entire load from the motor has to go through the wheel. It is our goal to make racing as safe as possible, which is why we evolve our requirements to deal with faster, more powerful cars," said Arnie Kuhns, president of SFI Foundation. "We have worked with STL for more than 30 years, and we choose them because of their unique capabilities and the fact that they make their own testing equipment. Drag race wheel manufacturers - many of whom don't have in-house testing equipment - understand the need for an independent lab like STL."
To ensure the manufactured product complies with approved SFI specs, Standards Testing Labs locates weaknesses commonly found in drag race wheels utilizing STL's Road Hazard Impact Machine, Radial Fatigue 2 Position Tire Test Machine and Dynamic Cornering Fatigue Machine.
"Our Road Hazard Impact Test Machine, for example, simulates the wheel stand slam often performed in drag racing, testing front wheels for weakness after that type of impact," said Cheryl Schnuth, vice president, marketing, Standards Testing Laboratories. "The Dynamic Cornering Fatigue Machine tests the mounting face and support features where the rear wheels bolt to the hub."
Standards Testing Labs (STL) operates as the world's largest independent testing facility for tires, wheels and related automotive components. Through its four divisions, STL provides the rubber and automotive industries with dynamic laboratory testing, static and physical testing, fleet testing, test machines, specialized photographic and video services and consulting services.
For more information, call 800.833.8547 or visit www.stllabs.com.
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