American Racing Gets On the Track With New Drag Racing Wheels; Introduces TrakStar and Qualifier Retro-Style Wheel At SEMA Show

    LAS VEGAS--Nov. 5, 2002--Leveraging the "retro" look's immense popularity among today's auto enthusiasts and the trend of restoring original dragsters and hosting hot rod reunions, American Racing Equipment today introduced The TrakStar and The Qualifier retro-style wheels at the 2002 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.
    The five-spoke TrakStar front wheel, which comes in 15-inch or 17-inch sizes, and Qualifier, a modern, 10-spoke, 17-inch, retro-style front wheel, are the latest creations from American Racing Equipment's Pro Series of professional drag racing wheels. Both wheels were modeled after the company's legendary 12-spoke, magnesium wheel that was so popular in the early 60s.
    The SFI-approved TrakStar and Qualifier wheels, constructed of one-piece, high-tech, German rotary-forged aluminum alloy, are capable of handling speeds of more than 300 miles per hour. Both wheels will be featured on some American Racing Equipment-sponsored "Fuelers" and on various classes of NHRA dragsters and are now available from American Racing Equipment Pro Series distributors and leading chassis builders.
    "Our introductions of The TrakStar and The Qualifier is a salute to our legacy in drag racing wheels and the movement for the nostalgia thriving in drag racing," said Robert Hange, president, American Racing Equipment. "We are truly pleased to be on the track and once again demonstrate our craftsmanship and performance.
    "We are proud of our motor sports history and we are dedicated to establishing our position as a leading producer of competitive, high-tech, and innovative wheels for professional drag racers as well as for hot rod enthusiasts," Hange said. "With our Pro Series, American Racing Equipment is committed to crafting wheels that provide both style and performance, with high strength-to-weight ratios, concentricity, and technical correctness."
    American Racing Equipment sponsors several drag racing teams including the Amato Racing Top Fuel dragster driven by Darrell Russell for Amato Racing on the National Hot Rod Association tour. American Racing Equipment also sponsored driver Joe Amato, prior to his retirement as the winningest driver in NHRA Top Fuel history. It also has an association with driver Tom Hammonds, formerly a power forward for the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves, in the NHRA's Pro Stock Division.

    About American Racing Equipment

    Founded in 1956, American Racing Equipment is one of the world's largest aftermarket wheel manufacturers. Owned today by Noranda Inc., an international natural resources company, American Racing Equipment sells and promotes its products and brands in more than 30 countries and through a network of more than 45,000 dealers in the United States.
    With headquarters in Rancho Dominguez, Calif., American Racing Equipment sets the industry standard in craftsmanship, innovation and performance, with more than 100 precision-crafted alloy wheel styles. For more information on American Racing Equipment, log onto www.americanracing.com.