Race Ready: How Grant Products Crafts the Perfect Steering Wheel
In a recent episode of Race Industry Now, the weekly EPARTRADE technical webinar series, Todd Froelich, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Grant Products, joined host Brad Gillie of SiriusXM, Ch. 90, Late Shift to explore how Grant has perfected steering wheel technology for the motorsport world — combining over a century of experience, precision engineering, and driver-focused innovation.
A Legacy of Innovation Since 1922
Founded in 1922, Grant Products began as a manufacturer of engine overhaul kits and safety helmets before pioneering steering wheel production in the 1960s. What started as an automotive supplier soon expanded into nearly every transportation sector — from racing and marine to aviation, heavy-duty, and military vehicles.
“Grant has become the trusted name in steering control for over a hundred years,” said Froelich. “We’re proud that whether it’s a stock car, off-road racer, boat, or even an airplane yoke — you’ll find our craftsmanship behind the wheel.”
Engineering Safety: The “Bend But Not Break” Principle
Central to Grant’s reputation is its proprietary full-hoop steel channel construction, designed to maximize both driver comfort and safety. Each spoke is inserted and riveted into the wheel’s steel ring before being wrapped in polyurethane, producing a structure that absorbs energy without catastrophic failure.
“We call it bend but not break,” explained Froelich. “In a crash, our wheels are engineered to absorb energy and deform safely — not fracture. That can be the difference between a driver walking away or not.”
He emphasized that racers should always replace a steering wheel after any collision. “Even a small impact can compromise structural integrity. Replacing it is one of the cheapest safety decisions you can make.”
Materials That Matter
Grant’s product line incorporates leather, polyurethane, vinyl, ultra-suede, and Italian sky-wrap materials, each offering different levels of durability and feel. Froelich noted that while suede offers maximum tactile feedback, it wears faster; leather and vinyl offer longer life; and the textured “gripper” finish provides unmatched control. “Ultimately, it’s about driver preference — comfort, feedback, and fit all play a role,” he said.
New Releases and Custom Options
During the session, Froelich showcased Grant’s latest race-ready steering wheels, including models 603, 604, and the updated 1075, each designed with enhanced ergonomics, lightweight construction, and customizable options. New offerings feature additional switch mounts, improved grip geometry, and three-spoke configurations for added hand clearance.
“We wanted to provide even more flexibility for racers,” Froelich shared. “These wheels not only perform exceptionally — they look good doing it.”
Grant also announced new packaging and shipping protocols emphasizing North American manufacturing quality and premium protection, ensuring that every wheel arrives in perfect condition.
Built in North America — Designed for the World
With corporate headquarters in Brownsville, Texas, and manufacturing facilities in Matamoros, Mexico, Grant controls its entire production process, from tooling and testing to assembly. “We’re 100% vertically integrated,” Froelich said. “It’s our own factory, our own quality control. That gives us speed, flexibility, and consistency that others can’t match.”
Beyond Steering Wheels: Carbon Fiber Engineering
Grant’s engineering expertise extends beyond steering wheels. The company also manufactures autoclave-cured carbon fiber sheets, roll-cage protectors, and switch brackets used across automotive and marine applications.
“These aren’t decorative overlays — they’re 100% structural carbon fiber,” said Froelich. “We’ve tested our panels with 500 pounds of weight over a five-foot span — and they didn’t even flex.”
Committed to Racers and Builders Worldwide
Grant’s products are distributed through major partners including Motor State Distributing and Atech Motorsports, but Froelich encouraged direct collaboration with teams and builders for custom needs. “If a racer or manufacturer has an idea, we want to hear it. We’re the experts in building steering wheels — but they’re the experts in racing with them.”
Grant Products ships worldwide and welcomes dealer inquiries. “No matter where you are — Europe, Australia, Asia — we can deliver,” Froelich affirmed. “We’re proud to support racers everywhere.”
For more information, watch the full webinar here.
