American Racing Wheels Information- A Storied History

American Racing’s storied history is the ultimate reference tool for anyone that is considering buying their product.

The SEMA Show is the largest annual convention held in Las Vegas, bringing in over 60,000 buyers to their show. American Racing Wheels has been a staple at this event for years and has always garnered a lot of attention. In order to satisfy the attendees, American Racing Wheels set up a display during last year’s show to showcase their storied 60 year history and prove to consumers that their wheel is the perfect choice automotive hound dog.

History of Greatness

American Racing Wheels was founded in San Francisco in 1956 and was immediately linked to the American Muscle Car movement. There have been a number of moments that have shown American Racing Wheels has what it takes to push the boundaries of truck and muscle car wheels. Some of these include:

1954- Two years before the company officially started, Romeo Palamides and J.O. Ellsion generated a dragster with high strength-to-weight magnesium drag racing wheels. This vehicle ended up on the cover of the November 1956 issue of Hot Rod and went on to spark a new train of thought when it came to street dragsters.

1963- The 5 spoke Torq Thrust Wheel was originally designed in 1963 by American Racing Wheels. It has been named one of the “20 Speed Parts that Changed the World” by Hot Rod Magazine. Its popularity and proven efficiency has helped it to with stand the test of time and is still one of the most popular wheels at 4 Wheel Online.

2005- In the Top Fuel Run competition, American Racing Wheels earned the 2005 title for “World’s Fastest Racing Wheel,” clocking in at 337.58 miles per hour.

Tony Kanaan celebrating after the Indy 500. THANK GOD for American Racing Wheels.

2013- It was announced that American Racing Wheels would be joining Tony Kanaan’s racing team. Just a few months later on May 26th 2013, Tony Kanaan won the most prestigious American race, the Indianapolis 500.

History in Pop Culture

There is nothing more indicative of hitting the big time than becoming a part of the American pop culture folk lore. Well, American Racing Wheels has constantly flashed its American stripes during some of America’s most beloved moments. Some of these moments include:

1964- American Racing Wheels is featured during a drag sequence (check out the 1:24 mark) in the cult classic, Bikini Beach.

Steve McQueen’s Mustang Bullitt. This movie is the granddaddy to the Fast and Furious Franchise.

1968- Steve McQueen starred in the American classic, Bullitt. In the movie, McQueen drives a Mustang Bullitt that features American Racing Wheels. The film includes one of the all-time great car chase scenes; American film critic Emmanuel Levy said of the chase, “Bullitt contains one of the most exciting car chases in film history, a sequence that revolutionized Hollywood’s standards.”

1983- American Racing Wheels were featured on the infamous A-Team van. The black and metallic GMC Vandura van was so popular it was even featured at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

2013- American Racing Wheels were chosen to be the official wheel of the 2013 Hot Rod Power Tour.

It seems that no matter where you look, American Racing Wheels has popped up throughout American history. If you are looking for a new wheel, there’s nothing cooler and more efficient than the American Racing Wheels found at 4 Wheel Online.

By: Tim Snyder
Posted on September 3rd, 2013

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