Contact Van-K Wheels
Your Racing Wheel Partners
For more than half a century, Van-K Wheels has been pioneering performance and innovation in kart and racing wheels. Founded in Southern California, we moved to North Carolina in the early 2000s to be closer to the heart of American racing.
In 2021, we joined Ace Manufacturing & Parts Company, a well-known name in the automotive industry, the NHRA, and drag racing communities, and relocated to Sullivan, Missouri.
Continued dedication to craftsmanship and quality has earned Van-K Wheels a reputation for unmatched reliability in performance kart racing.
Whether you’re a long-time partner or new to Van-K Wheels, our team is here to help you find the perfect racing wheel solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wheel diameter should be measured from the inside and technically requires a special gauge for exact measurements. While a ruler can give you an approximate measurement, you should round to the closest size offered in the Van-K catalog.
Backspacing is the distance from the wheel’s centerline (or weld line) to the wheel’s bead seat. It determines how deep the wheel sits in the wheel well:
- Larger backspacing numbers mean the wheel sits deeper inside, closer to the suspension and brakes
- Smaller backspacing numbers mean the wheel sits further outward from the vehicle’s centerline
The register aligns with and fits over the vehicle’s hub. It serves three crucial functions:
- Centers the wheel on the hub
- Distributes stress evenly
- Improves ride quality by minimizing vibrations
Van-K offers several bolt configurations:
- American 3-Hole: 3 x 2.50″ x ¼” (for 1.75″ Register)
- American 6-Hole: 6 x 2.50″ (with ¼” and 5/16″ options for 1.75″ Register)
- Metric 3-Hole: 3 x 58mm x 8mm (for 40MM Register)
The 3-hole American bolt pattern (3 x 2.50″ x ¼”) is available on:
- Pro Series Kart wheels)
- Billet Quarter Midget wheels
Wheel runout refers to deviations from perfect rotation and comes in two types:
- Radial Runout: Vertical movement that can cause vibrations and uneven tire wear
- Lateral Runout: Side-to-side wobble that affects steering and tire wear Regular maintenance checks for runout are recommended to ensure optimal performance.
Van-K features an exclusive ‘Fits Any Tire’ bead seat design with machined ridges on both ends of the wheel. These ridges help lock the tire in place, providing better security and performance.
Proper centering is achieved through the wheel’s register and can be verified by:
- Ensuring the register area properly aligns with the hub
- Checking for vibrations while driving
- Verifying even stress distribution across lug bolts
- Monitoring for smooth operation at higher speeds
Van-K offers both Black Anodized and Bright Silver finishes for all of their wheel series.
Van-K wheels are manufactured using 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy, chosen for its:
- High strength
- Excellent durability
- Superior corrosion resistance While magnesium is popular in the Sprint kart market for its lighter weight, Van-K currently specializes in aluminum wheels due to their balanced performance characteristics.
Van-K implements comprehensive quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process:
- First piece and random inspections during production
- Leak testing for all wheels
- Hardness testing to ensure proper material strength
- Trained operators following specific control plans
- Regular blueprint and gauge instrument verification
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