An innovative new product was on public display at the SKUSA Super Nationals across the weekend – finned wheel inserts to control tyre temperature.
Gary Carlton, Team Principal of GFC Karting, said the team had been developing wheel cooling fans the last couple of years, particularly after participating at a hot event that was notoriously hard on front tyres.
Wheel airflow is an interesting concept that has been used in F1 and other categories for some time to help control tyre temperature – whether that be retaining or dissipating heat.
Karting bodywork has traditionally protected the wheels from airflow, thus reducing drag. But this also means there’s less cooling effect from the passing air.
Several teams have experienced overheating rear tyres, a point that some of the new-style homologation sidepods are addressing with increased airflow to the rear tyre surface.
advertisement
The GFC device is a series of blades that push air through the rim when the wheel is turning.
It’s a 3D-printed part that fits to the wheel hub – not the wheel. The blades draw in air, direct it through the wheel (requires the use of a spoked rim) and out the other side.
Kart Chaser interview about the product with Gary Carlton, below.
advertisement