The 2026 racing season might well be the last to feature a long standing part of the sound track of motorsport as racing rule makers close in on an possible decision over the noise levels from pneumatic wheel guns during racing pit stops.
The wheel guns are just the latest alleged target for rule makers keen to reduce the noise levels at international race tracks and follow on from recent measures including the noise restrictions placed on LM GT3 cars, likely noise reduction from the next generation of LMP2 cars and the removal of baked beans from the team catering menu at all international events.
Any decision looks likely to require the guns to be electrically powered, conforming to strict performance and noise constraints.
“No decision has been taken on this matter,” said a confused spokesman when approached by DSC. “In fact I’m not aware of any discussion about it at all.”
Despite that denial several prominent international teams have anticipated the change with a variety of strategies including the adoption of new technologies. Indeed one team testing an LMGT3 car at Monza recently is understood to have trialled running their car for a short stint with the wheel nuts simply put on ‘finger tight’, saving valuable seconds in each routine stop. Their replacement car is set to arrive well in time for the Imola FIA WEC season opener.
And yes – this is April 1 – and this is a joke – but……!
