Walkers Evans Racing-Riverside, California: With literally decades of hard core off-road experience, Walker Evans is one of the most celebrated off-road racers. When I heard of his plans to create his very own heavy duty racing wheels, I knew it would be a first class project. With 34 years of driving and 142 off-road career victories under his belt, Walker has used and destroyed literally hundreds of sets of wheels. Now semi-retired from racing, Walker and his dedicated team have had the time to take a fresh approach to racing wheel engineering. Asking questions like why not cast a solid wheel rather than the traditional cut and weld method to install bead locks? Why not build a stronger wheel able to take more punishment?. Why not indeed, the results are a truly unique wheel with major improvements other wheel manufactures were simply unable to accomplish.

Most bead locked wheels currently on the market start off as a standard street wheel. The outer lip of the wheel is cut off and a ring is welded in place. This ring serves as the backing plate for the outer lock ring to bolt to. If the welding is not done just right, the wheel can leak or worse. Walker's wheels are a single cast part, with no cutting or welding. The inner bead lock ring is cast right along with the rest of the wheel. No longer having the traditional two-part welded design greatly increases the strength of these super heavy duty wheels. In fact each wheel is stamped with a continuous load rating of 3,800 lbs. Much more than most other wheels. Each wheel features grade 8 hardened bolts to attach the outer rig. Each bolt threads into long steel inserts securely mounted in the wheel. 

Walker's clean slate approach to wheel design also allows for relocation of the valve stem. On most wheels today the valve stem is located near the outside of the wheel. It's not uncommon  to see these damaged and even torn off by rocks, roots and other trail obstacles, resulting in a flat tire. By moving the valve stem back into the wheel, out of harms way, the problem is completely eliminated.

 

In the sport of rock crawling and competitive racing, 17" wheels have practically become a standard. Virtually every wining pro-class rock crawling truck now runs 17" wheels. Many of the newest tire designs by GoodYear and other manufactures are only being produced in the 17" size. With this in mind, Walker's wheels are cast as 17" X  8.5".  Backspacing is custom cut to order and can be anywhere from 3.75" to 5". All Standard automotive bolt patterns are available from 5 lug to 8 lug including Hummer & VW applications. Centers can be cut to accommodate both flanged and tapered style nuts.

Two different finishes are available. Open cast center with machined outer and polished ring is the standard finish. For a little more pizzazz, a fully polished version is also available, but better have your sunglasses on before pulling these bright babies out of the boxes!

Bead locked wheels are not legal for highway use and are for recreational and racing use only. Walker Evans Bead lock wheels are designed for use with 3-ply side wall tires.

Contact Walker Evans Racing

2304 Fleetwood Dr, Riverside California, 92509

909-784-7223

www.walkerevansracing.com