Best Lightweight Wheels for Track Days
Reduce unsprung weight for better lap times
Reducing unsprung weight is one of the most effective performance modifications you can make. Every pound removed from the wheels improves acceleration, braking, handling response, and ride quality.
Based on our marketplace data showing strong demand for lightweight wheels (particularly from Volk, Enkei, WORK, and Advan), we've identified the wheels that serious track drivers actually use and trust.
Quick Picks
Our Recommendations
TE37
Volk RacingThe Volk TE37 is the gold standard for lightweight track wheels. Full forged monoblock construction creates wheels that weigh as little as 8.6 lbs (14x6) to 16 lbs (18x10.5). Our marketplace shows consistent demand at $600-800 per wheel. This is premium pricing justified by premium performance. Rays Engineering's forging process and decades of Formula 1 and professional racing development result in wheels that are both incredibly light and incredibly strong.
Wheel Highlights
- Industry-leading weight
- Proven in professional motorsport globally
- Available in numerous variants (SL, Saga, Ultra)
- Exceptional build quality and finish
RPF1
EnkeiThe RPF1 delivers 80-90% of TE37 performance at 35% of the cost. MAT flow-forming creates a wheel that's proven in everything from amateur autocross to professional endurance racing. A 15x7 weighs just 9.9 lbs. That's lighter than many forged wheels costing three times as much.
Wheel Highlights
- Exceptional weight-to-price ratio
- Proven durability over decades
- Available in sizes for most platforms
- Strong resale value
RG-D2
Advan RacingAdvan Racing's RG-D2 is a favorite in time attack circles. The distinctive 7-spoke design provides excellent brake clearance while the flow-formed construction delivers competitive weights. Our marketplace data shows strong interest from serious track builders.
Wheel Highlights
- Time attack proven design
- Excellent brake clearance
- Distinctive Advan styling
- Yokohama/Advan racing heritage
57DR
Gram LightsGram Lights (Rays Engineering's affordable performance line) offers quality cast wheels with advanced machining. The 57DR delivers Rays build quality at accessible pricing. Note: While heavier than forged or flow-formed alternatives, it offers the JDM aesthetics and Rays reputation at a lower price point than the forged TE37.
Wheel Highlights
- Cast with advanced machining
- Rays Engineering quality
- Popular JDM styling
- Available in popular track sizes
Hypergram
KonigThe Konig Hypergram offers good value under $200 per wheel. While not as light as premium options (approximately 17-18 lbs in 17-18" sizes), it costs $80+ less per wheel than competitors. For budget track builders getting started, it's a solid choice.
Wheel Highlights
- Good value for money
- Significantly cheaper than RPF1
- Flow-formed construction
- Good size range
NT03+M
EnkeiEnkei's NT03+M is the RPF1's more aggressive sibling, designed specifically for motorsport applications. It features unique competition-specific sizes and slightly more aggressive styling while maintaining MAT flow-formed construction.
Wheel Highlights
- Motorsport-specific sizing
- MAT flow-formed quality
- Proven in professional racing
- More distinctive than RPF1
Cosmis XT-206R
CosmisCosmis brings TE37-inspired styling to budget-friendly pricing. While not as light as the wheels it emulates, the XT-206R offers reasonable weight at very attractive prices for track day beginners.
Wheel Highlights
- Very affordable entry to track wheels
- TE37-inspired styling
- Flow-formed construction
- Good for beginners
Buying Considerations
**How Much Weight Matters:**
Unsprung weight (wheels, tires, brakes) affects performance more than sprung weight (body, interior). A 5-lb reduction per wheel is roughly equivalent to 20 lbs removed from the chassis.
**Typical Weight Savings (18" examples):** • Stock wheel: 23-27 lbs • Flow-formed (RPF1): 17-18 lbs • Forged (TE37): 15-17 lbs
Note: Smaller diameter wheels are proportionally lighter. Weights vary significantly by size and offset.
**Real-World Impact:** Replacing 25-lb stock wheels with 14-lb RPF1s saves 44 lbs of unsprung weight. This translates to: • Faster acceleration (less rotational mass) • Shorter braking distances (less momentum) • Better handling response (less suspension work) • Improved ride quality (less mass to control)
**The Point of Diminishing Returns:** Going from 25 lbs to 15 lbs makes a huge difference. Going from 15 lbs to 12 lbs is noticeable but less dramatic. Going from 12 lbs to 10 lbs costs exponentially more for minimal gain. For most track day drivers, flow-formed wheels hit the sweet spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much faster will lightweight wheels make me?
On a typical road course, switching from 25-lb wheels to 14-lb wheels might save 0.5-1.5 seconds per lap, depending on the track and your car. The improvement is most noticeable in acceleration zones and tight technical sections. However, driver skill matters far more. Invest in driver training before ultra-premium wheels.
Are sub-10 lb wheels safe for track use?
When properly engineered and load-rated, yes. Wheels like the Volk TE37 SL (sub-9 lbs) are used in professional racing. The key is ensuring the wheel is rated for your vehicle's weight and intended use. Cheap ultra-light wheels from unknown brands are risky; proven brands engineer proper safety margins.
Should I buy used lightweight wheels?
Exercise extreme caution. Track wheels may have seen hard use, curb impacts, or heat cycling that compromises structural integrity. If buying used, inspect carefully for cracks (especially around spoke-to-barrel transitions), verify authenticity, and consider the risk vs a new wheel warranty. For critical track use, new wheels offer peace of mind.
What's more important: light wheels or good tires?
Good tires, hands down. A set of quality track tires on heavier wheels will be faster than cheap tires on expensive lightweight wheels. The ideal approach: buy flow-formed wheels like RPF1s or Hypergrams (good weight at reasonable cost) and invest the savings in premium tires and track time.
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