New 17x8.5 wheel approved

[itsnotanova]

“Spec Boxster Rule Change

Based on comments and requests from the racers, PCA Club Racing has decided to make a 2019 rule change for the Spec Boxster class effective immediately; this will allow racers to place orders now and have the product ready for next season. Due to the age of the Boxster platform, and the diminishing supply of OEM Porsche wheels that meet the class specific rules, the class will also allow a specially made aftermarket wheel to be used in competition.
The wheel will be a flow formed wheel made by Jongbloed Racing Wheels specifically for the Spec Boxster class, it will meet the current rulebook requirements for size, weight and offset to match the OEM 17 x 8.5-inch rear wheel and will therefore not offer any competitive advantage over the OEM wheel. The allowance of this wheel gives racers a choice in wheels while keeping the competition fair for those continuing to run an OEM wheel setup.
The Jongbloed wheel will be stamped with “SPB” to enable scrutineers to visually identify the SPB legal wheel from other models that do not meet the specific requirements of the class. The wheel will retail for $349, however Jongbloed Racing Wheels will offer an introductory price of $299 for early orders. The part number for the wheel is JRWPCA17x8.5/48SPB and can be ordered from Jongbloed Racing at 408-776-1380. Contact SPB class advocate John Gladwell for questions.”

[steved0x]

I wonder if they will make any other 17" fitments now that they have the tooling?

[itsnotanova]

Jongbloed Racing makes quite a few different wheels. These are special because they've been approved by PCA. I believe Jongbloed Racing used one of their previous style wheels but had to add weight to make it the same as the factory wheels. I think the wheels weigh 21-22 lbs

[thstone]

Hmm.

I am a little surprised that they didn't just approve an off-the-shelf wheel like this...

[Burg Boxster]

Originally Posted by thstone

Hmm.

I am a little surprised that they didn't just approve an off-the-shelf wheel like this...

'cause the wheel from Jongbloed Racing is superior in build quality including likely $99+ per wheel in sponsorship revenue for PCA Club Racing

[steved0x]

This wheel must be locally approved on a per-region basis? because I have seen it run on some SPB cars.

Originally Posted by thstone

Hmm.

I am a little surprised that they didn't just approve an off-the-shelf wheel like this...

https://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=CUP477552S&wheelMake=Sport%20Edition&wheelModel=Cup%204&wheelFinish=Silver%20Painted&showRear=yes&selectedRear=CUP478545S&autoMake=Porsche&autoModel=Boxster&autoYear=1999&autoModClar=

[itsnotanova]

Originally Posted by steved0x

This wheel must be locally approved on a per-region basis? because I have seen it run on some SPB cars.

They weren't ever approved. Technically no one was suppose to be using any aftermarket wheel. Factory wheels were the only legal wheel. That's why PCA decided to allow this wheel. People were complaining they couldn't find enough factory wheels and were forced to use aftermarket. Scrutineer's were looking the other way and letting people pass when technically they shouldn't have. I'm guessing they'll start enforcing that rule here soon though.

[itsnotanova]

I've been told they will look like these but in a 17x8.5

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by thstone

Hmm.

I am a little surprised that they didn't just approve an off-the-shelf wheel like this...

At 24 lbs per wheel, it shouldn't be considered cheating, but instead a boat anchor. But they are cheap.

[thstone]

I sure wish that the PCA and POC would work together to harmonize the rules between the two organizations. This is now another example where they have diverged and it makes it hard for those of us who like to race with both org's.

The one ray of sunshine is that the scrut's are fairly good on both sides and are willing to find a way to make things work at the track to everyone's satisfaction.

[steved0x]

I've got eight extra 17x8.5 wheels, 4 are Boxster S twist and 4 are Carrera twist, I was afraid this new wheel coming out would remove whatever value they have... At $329 a wheel these are probably still worth about the same

[Blackcloud]

The cup 4 wheel is a great looking wheel, albeit heavy.

[bkovac]

Ordered 2 sets yesterday

[itsnotanova]

Post some pics when you get them

[bkovac]

will do, wont be available till January