MPI- Max Papis Innovations

MPI takes every aspect of construction and safety to our heart, in the most accurate and dedicated way possible.

MPI Steering Wheels
MPI DIFFERENCE: BEST GRIP & COMFORT FOR RACE DRIVERS MPI’s continued research...

MPI Steering Wheels
MPI Steering Wheel Quick Release
MPI - Max Papis Innovations Steering Wheel Quick Release. SFI Tested and...

MPI Steering Wheel Quick Release
MPI Steering Wheel Hubs
MPI - Max Papis Innovations Steering Wheel Hub Adapters

MPI Steering Wheel Hubs
MPI Racing Gloves
MPI - Max Papis Innovations is pleased introduce the debut line of...

MPI Racing Gloves
MPI Accessories
MPI - Max Papis Innovations Steering Wheel Accessories, Horn Buttons, Pads, Mounts,...

MPI Accessories
MPI SimMax
MPI - Max Papis Innovations Sim Racing Chassis, Steering Wheels, Adapters and...

MPI SimMax

The MPI Construction Difference

MOST MANUFACTURERS LOOK AT MAINTAINING COMMONALITY BETWEEN ALL PRODUCTS IN ORDER TO KEEP PRICES DOWN. AT MPI, WE LOOK AT HOW TO BUILD THE BEST PRODUCTS AND GIVE OUR CUSTOMERS THE BEST VALUE.

WHY DO WE USE A U CHANNEL AND RIVETS FOR THE STRUCTURE?

In the history of the steering wheel, the U channel and rivets construction has been the standard for many years.
Some overseas companies like to weld their spokes to the U channel.

WHY DON’T WE DO IT?

Through years of experience, we learned that any hard spot on a circular surface intended to deform under impact, will never deform. At MPI we could have cut some corners and welded our channel instead of creating a GIG that precisely guides our rivet inserts. We didn’t because we don’t think that is the BEST way to build a wheel. Would it have been less expensive? Obviously! It takes 30 second to weld a wheel against the 15 minutes to do the MPI process, but we think our way is much better.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT BETWEEN MPI AND OTHER WHEELS?

We wanted to be INNOVATIVE so we pushed the technology to the limits.

Max Papis wanted to build the lightest possible product (lightweight = fast in race cars) but still maintaining a top level of safety and deformation under impact. After long months of R&D the MPI 2 RIVETS WINGED SPOKES technology was born.

It is way cheaper to cut 1000 spokes and cut them down at length depending if you are producing a 12 or 16 inch wheel and it takes investment and commitment to build a specific spoke for each model. Yes, once you add a horizontal component to your spoke you need to make them proprietary for each wheel you built, our winged spoke for a 14 inch can not fit our 15 inch wheel.

MPI Grip & Comfort Difference

MPI DIFFERENCE: BEST GRIP & COMFORT FOR RACE DRIVERS

MPI’s continued research on material ended in a very unique formulation of our polyurethane foam that is the soul of what you grip while racing or driving. Many hours have been spent with pro drivers like Kevin Harvick and Jimmie Johnson testing different products and finding out what gave them the best feeling and the best performance. This is why your hands are holding the BEST of the market.

But as we are not happy and we like to move forward we will continue to work with our partners in manufacturing and on track improving and setting the bar to the highest possible level.


MPI SUEDE GRIP	MPI HG GRIP	MPI POLYURETHANE
Jimmie Johnson	Kurt Busch	Donny Schatz
Dale Earnhardt Jr.	Denny Hamlin	Kerry Madsen
Joey Logano	Clint Bowyer	Jason Johnson
Kevin Harvick	Luke Johnson	Kevin Thomas

WHY IS THE SHAPE OF THE STEERING WHEEL GRIP AS IT IS?

We shaped the wheel based on the form your hand takes when you make a fist. That is why the oval grip shape feels so steady and firm when you hold an MPI product. That is also why we changed the grip for each product, depending on if it’s built for a younger audience (our karting and Legends wheels) or for an adult audience (our MP, LM, and D products).

WHY DOES MPI SUEDE LOOK SO DARK AND FULL?

Our steering wheel saddler in Italy has been doing this job for over 40 years and has taught his son to follow in his footsteps.
Any suede used to make an MPI product, is chosen amongst many based on the precise inspection of its grain quality and absence of defects. No process has been left alone; even the small details are important in MPI.

MPI Serial Numbers

When Max and Tati Papis initially developed the NASCAR steering wheel for the top teams, they implemented a serial number tracking system which makes it possible to identify each individual wheel with its own unique serial number. By knowing specific information about each wheel, for example when it was produced, the materials used, or other wheels produced at the same time, they could ensure the best quality and safety of each product.

Since then, MPI have included this tracking system on all of our steering wheels. Whether it’s a NASCAR steering wheel that is fighting for the win at Daytona, or a steering wheel going for the win at a regional quarter midget race — all wheels have an individual number on the back which is either laser marked or on a special hologram sticker.