here is the thread about the incident (too bad that the 6 pics that they had were taken down:
Rota Wheels FYI « » 12:19 AM Reply Edit
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For those who haven't seen it, this was posted on a few autox BBS's
Date: Sat, 04 Jan 2003 23:06:12 -0600
From: James Rogerson <
[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Rota Attack Wheels
After going to their site to make sure of the model, I saw where they
advertise themselves as the low cost alternative to high end light
wheels. I don't have any other experience with their products and don't
want anyone to think that I've formed a totally negative opinion about
their products. However the wheels I checked today (all Attack) showed
signs of cracking. I was told that the car that had the wheel break has
only been autocrossed. We were holding our 2002 regional championship
today and had a professional photographer on hand. He took pictures of the
wheel, hub and the break lines. When (and if) he sends them to me I'll
upload them. The owner will get a copy, he plans to file for replacement
with the manufacturer. We are running a normal regional event tomorrow and
should have some 20 Subaru entries. I plan to check them for Rota wheels
and imperfections. I'll post the findings.
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "James Rogerson" <
[email protected]>
>To: <
[email protected]>
>Sent: Saturday, January 04, 2003 9:43 PM
>Subject: [evolution-disc.] Rota Attack Wheels
>
>
> > Today we had a Subaru with Rota (brand) Attack (model) wheels shear the
>rim
> > away from the hub. All five spokes showed oxidation at least 1/2 to 2/3
>of
> > the way through from the inside. I checked the other wheels and found a
> > fine crack on the inside of two spokes on one other wheel with my
> > thumbnail. There is ALMOST NO VISIBLE crack. The crack is masked by the
> > powder coating. One other Rota wheel has a raised line on the rear of the
> > spoke that is discernable by thumbnail only. I'd advise anyone using
>these
> > wheels to check them for cracks on the inside of the spoke about 1.5 to 2
> > inches out from the hub.
> >
> > The wheel went off course over 100 feet, hit a curb and ended up over 10
> > feet off the ground in a tree. Wheel sheared in a 180 deg sweeper,
>typical
> > Roger Johnson Nationals course.
> >
> > James Rogerson
> > [FP #125] - Tekless Racing
> >
[email protected]
Just something to think about when buying autox/track wheels. I've always questioned the durability of the Rota for motorsports, but that's just me. Lightweight and cast is a scarry combination IMO.
here is the rest :
http://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=376938&page=1
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=309119