Yeah, I joined the group. I finally initiated myself into the "I forgot to torque the lug nuts" Hall of Fame. A lap and a half into morning practice, and there was a new vibration that I instantely knew what had happened. Should have pulled off track right there, but I tried to limp it back to the pits. Of course, I knew that wasn't going to happen when cresting a hill about 1/2way back (Buttonwillow, CCW) one of the front left lug nuts came skipping up over the hood and across the windshield. I immediately dove off track, and as soon as I hit the dirt, the car lurched as I passed my front left wheel.

For the most part, the damage wasn't as extensive as I thought it would be. The fender needed to be pounded out, and the dirt needed to be cleaned out of every nook and cranny in the driver side suspension, but the wheel studs, brake caliper and rotor were all fine. Unfortunately, the wheel itself (15x6.5 Rota Slipstream) suffered the brunt of the damage. The inside surface is all scratched and gouged from rolling on on the caliper and rotor (which I'm not that worried about), but the wheel studs more or less 'augered' the lug holes into larger than stock, oblong shapes.

I've called a few local (Las Vegas, NV) wheel repair shops, and they only really deal with road rash, curb scuffs, and pothole dents. No one around here seems to be able to fix my effed up lug holes. I've been told "machine shop" several times, and have heard there are ways to mill out, back fill, and machine the holes back to their stock form. This sounds like it would be more expensive than just buying a new Slipstream (I think they're just over $100 apiece), and all that machining can't be cheap.

Anyone have any opinions? Should I try to find a machine shop, or is it going to cost more than just buying a new wheel? TIA

I can take pics, if anyone feels like revelling in the carnage at my expense. ha ha ha

In fact, if anyone has a used but decent condition, flat black 15x6.5 Rota Slipstream for a decent price, I'll take it. I'm not sure what offset I have right now. Hopefully it's marked on the rim, in case I have to buy a brand new one. (I know, I'll check the for sale section in a minute, mods)

 

Id just get a new wheel. Could be cheaper, faster, and dont have to worry about the job being done correct.

 

Buy new.. dont repair a wheel you use on the track.
100.00 vs wheel failure and wrecked car... math don't add up.
Common sense new wheel.

What day was this anyway... if it was day one how did the car make it through tech?

 

Another vote for "buy a new wheel". Part of the joy of slipstreams is that they are disposable.

 

Definately time for a new wheel. As TunerN00b said, Rota slips are cheap enough that they're disposable.

 

Thanks, guys. I was leaning towards a new wheel anyways, you've just helped me cement the decision.

As far as the question about it passing inspection, this is SCCA club racing, so after passing my annual inspection in January, Tech does not inspect vehicles unless there's an incident and/or inquiry. I alone am responsible for insuring my car is in proper working condition (read: wheels won't fall off) and safe to go out on track (hence the title of this post.)

Hopefully I can order and get a new wheel here before the Fontana race in a week and a half.