The integrity of critical components, particularly racing wheels, is non-negotiable in motorsports. For professional engineers, product managers, and safety compliance officers, SFI Foundation (SFI) accreditation represents the essential minimum performance benchmark mandated by major sanctioning bodies like the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association).
To exceed the needs of its customers, Smithers has recently completed the expansion of our testing capabilities to cover essential standards for both high-performance drag (SFI Standards 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4) and stock car applications (SFI Standards 35.1, 35.2, 35.3). In doing so, Smithers now provides the motorsports community with a comprehensive pathway for component validation that your organization can rely on.
SFI Accreditation is The Standard
SFI standards are mandated specifications that establish the minimum design criteria and test methodologies for components used in high-risk racing environments. By certifying a wheel to an SFI standard, manufacturers have added confidence that their product can withstand harsh forces and severe cyclic loading without catastrophic failure. Our comprehensive testing ensures that Smithers can validate products across multiple tiers of racing performance from the rapid, high-impact forces of drag racing to the sustained, cyclic fatigue of oval track competition.
SFI 15: Impact and Endurance Testing for Racing Wheels
The SFI 15-Series standards govern high-performance and drag racing wheels. The primary focus of this series is impact resistance and ultimate structural integrity, ensuring the wheel can withstand the immense dynamic shock and launch forces characteristic of straight-line acceleration and braking.
Key Accreditation Standards (SFI 15-Series):
SFI 35: Fatigue Testing for Stock Car Wheels
The SFI 35-Series standards govern the wheels used in demanding stock car environments where components are subjected to sustained, repetitive lateral and radial loads. The key performance benchmarks in this series are
fatigue resistance and structural consistency, critical for ensuring longevity and preventing failure over hundreds of laps on the track.
Key Accreditation Standards (SFI 35-Series):
Confidence Through Comprehensive Accreditation
The expansion of Smithers' testing capabilities to include the 15- and 35-series marks a significant enhancement to our commitment to motorsports excellence. Our ability to provide professional testing for essential minimum performance benchmarks—specifically impact and fatigue testing—allows wheel and product manufacturers to accelerate their compliance pathway.
If you or your organization are interested in working with Smithers team of wheel testing experts,
contact us today.
