It all starts with a
STEERING WHEEL...
Get a grip on the competition from the beginning of your racing
journey and let FWD steer you to the top.
It All Starts With A
STEERING WHEEL...
Get a grip on the competition from the beginning of your racing
journey and let FWD steer you to the top.
It all starts with a
STEERING WHEEL...
Get a grip on the competition from the beginning of
your racing journey and let FWD steer you to the top.
ORIGIN OF FWD.
Foundation Wheel Development is a youth steering wheel company founded in 2025 by racer Kyle Heckman in Fort Dodge, IA. A father to three young drivers — Grant, William, and Landon — Kyle discovered a void in the market when it came to driver comfort and fitment for small racers. Whether racing dirt or pavement karts, nearly everything — from the seat to the pedals — requires custom fitting and fabrication to make the driver comfortable. At the end of the process, he repeatedly encountered three major issues: visibility over the wheel, elbow clearance caused by bulky steering wheels, and most importantly grip diameter not matching a child’s hand size. At that point, the steering wheel became a compromise. That realization sparked Kyle’s mission to create a steering wheel designed specifically for young racers, matching the precision and attention to detail required to build a winning kart and driver. With the release of the flagship products — Combat (Hybrid), Commander (Dirt), Navigator (Asphalt), and Pilot (Asphalt) — Foundation Wheel Development plans to expand its niche catalog. With three young racers and a strong community of competitors, the goal is to continually develop the product line and support youth drivers with one objective: winning.
It all starts with a
STEERING WHEEL...
Get a grip on the competition from the beginning of your racing
journey and let FWD steer you to the top.
ORGIN OF FORWARD.
WHY FWD?
ORGIN OF FWD.
ORIGIN OF FWD.
Foundation Wheel Development is a youth steering wheel company founded in 2025 by racer Kyle Heckman in Fort Dodge, IA. A father to three young drivers — Grant, William, and Landon — Kyle discovered a void in the market when it came to driver comfort and fitment for small racers. Whether racing dirt or pavement karts, nearly everything — from the seat to the pedals — requires custom fitting and fabrication to keep the driver comfortable. At the end of the process, he repeatedly encountered three major issues: visibility over the wheel, elbow clearance caused by bulky steering wheels, and grip diameter not matching a child’s hand size. At that point, the steering wheel became a compromise. That realization sparked Kyle’s mission to create a steering wheel designed specifically for young racers, matching the precision and attention to detail required to build a winning kart and driver. With the release of the flagship products — Combat (Hybrid), Commander (Dirt), Navigator (Asphalt), and Pilot (Asphalt) — Foundation Wheel Development plans to expand its niche catalog. With three young racers and a strong community of competitors, the goal is to continually develop the product line and support drivers with one objective: winning.
WHY FWD?
The steering wheel is the direct link that merges the child and the machine. Our slogan, “Comfort = Confidence” encompasses our initiative which helps drivers maintain a firm grip on their kart. This gives them the ability to blast over a curb or enter a rough cushion while having the confidence to do so.
FWD PROVEN.
We’re “Data Driven. Driver Proven.” FWD has made a splash at some of the largest two- and four-cycle events in North America and has delivered results. Rain or shine, hairpins or sweepers, these wheels have been put to the test and are ready to accelerate your journey.
ORIGIN OF FWD.
Foundation Wheel Development is a youth steering wheel company founded in 2025 by racer Kyle Heckman in Fort Dodge, IA. A father to three young drivers — Grant, William, and Landon — Kyle discovered a void in the market when it came to driver comfort and fitment for small racers. Whether racing dirt or pavement karts, nearly everything — from the seat to the pedals — requires custom fitting and fabrication to make the driver comfortable. At the end of the process, he repeatedly encountered three major issues: visibility over the wheel, elbow clearance caused by bulky steering wheels, and most importantly grip diameter not matching a child’s hand size. At that point, the steering wheel became a compromise. That realization sparked Kyle’s mission to create a steering wheel designed specifically for young racers, matching the precision and attention to detail required to build a winning kart and driver. With the release of the flagship products — Combat (Hybrid), Commander (Dirt), Navigator (Asphalt), and Pilot (Asphalt) — Foundation Wheel Development plans to expand its niche catalog. With three young racers and a strong community of competitors, the goal is to continually develop the product line and support youth drivers with one objective: winning.
WHY FWD?
The steering wheel is the direct link that merges the child and the machine. Our slogan, “Comfort = Confidence” encompasses our initiative which helps drivers maintain a firm grip on their kart. This gives them the ability to blast over a curb or enter a rough cushion while having the confidence to do so.
WHY FWD?
The steering wheel is the direct link that merges the child and the machine. Our slogan, “Comfort = Confidence” encompasses our initiative which helps drivers maintain a firm grip on their kart. This gives them the ability to blast over a curb or enter a rough cushion while having the confidence to do so.
FWD PROVEN.
We’re “Data Driven. Driver Proven.” FWD has made a splash at some of the largest 2 and 4 cycle events in North America and has delivered results. Rain or shine, hairpins or sweepers, these wheels have been put to the test and are ready to accelerate your journey.
FWD PROVEN.
WHY FWD?
The steering wheel is the direct link that merges the child and the machine. Our slogan, “Comfort = Confidence” encompasses our initiative which helps drivers maintain a firm grip on their kart. This gives them the ability to blast over a curb or enter a rough cushion while having the confidence to do so.
FWD PROVEN.
We’re “Data Driven. Driver Proven.” FWD has made a splash at some of the largest 2 and 4 cycle events in North America and has delivered results. Rain or shine, hairpins or sweepers, these wheels have been put to the test and are ready to accelerate your journey.
FWD PROVEN.
We’re “Data Driven. Driver Proven.” FWD has made a splash at some of the largest 2 and 4 cycle events in North America and has delivered results. Rain or shine, hairpins or sweepers, these wheels have been put to the test and are ready to accelerate your journey.
TESTIMONIALS.
The smaller grip profile made an immediate difference. I was able to hold the wheel more naturally, which gave me better grip, better control, and a lot more confidence behind the wheel. For young racers, this is one of those upgrades that actually matters. It’s simple, but it makes a huge difference — and it should be on every Kid Kart and Cadet kart.
I like the FWD Wheel compared to other wheels because I like the size of the wheel, and the FWD Wheel was much easier to turn and I had better control.
TESTIMONIALS.
The smaller grip profile made an immediate difference. I was able to hold the wheel more naturally, which gave me better grip, better control, and a lot more confidence behind the wheel. For young racers, this is one of those upgrades that actually matters. It’s simple, but it makes a huge difference — and it should be on every Kid Kart and Cadet kart.
I like the FWD Wheel compared to other wheels because I like the size of the wheel, and the FWD Wheel was much easier to turn and I had better control.
I like these wheels because others I’ve used are bigger and the grip is too thick. I can’t hold onto them as well, so I prefer the FWD because it’s thinner and helps me race better while getting less tired.
I want the FWD wheel because I like being able to choose a smaller size that feels comfortable in my go-kart.
I like these wheels because others I’ve used are bigger and the grip is too thick. I can’t hold onto them as well, so I prefer the FWD because it’s thinner and helps me race better while getting less tired.
I want the FWD wheel because I like being able to choose a smaller size that feels comfortable in my go-kart.
I like the FWD Wheel compared to other wheels because I like the size of the wheel, and the FWD Wheel was much easier to turn and I had better control.
I like these wheels because others I’ve used are bigger and the grip is too thick. I can’t hold onto them as well, so I prefer the FWD because it’s thinner and helps me race better while getting less tired.
- GRANT HECKMAN, 7
I want the FWD wheel because I like being able to choose a smaller size that feels comfortable in my go-kart.
I want the FWD wheel because I like being able to choose a smaller size that feels comfortable in my go-kart.
- WILLIAM HECKMAN, 6
TESTIMONIALS.
The smaller grip profile made an immediate difference. I was able to hold the wheel more naturally, which gave me better grip, better control, and a lot more confidence behind the wheel. For young racers, this is one of those upgrades that actually matters. It’s simple, but it makes a huge difference — and it should be on every Kid Kart and Cadet kart.
I like the FWD Wheel compared to other wheels because I like the size of the wheel, and the FWD Wheel was much easier to turn and I had better control.
I like these wheels because others I’ve used are bigger and the grip is too thick. I can’t hold onto them as well, so I prefer the FWD because it’s thinner and helps me race better while getting less tired.
I want the FWD wheel because I like being able to choose a smaller size that feels comfortable in my go-kart.
CHOOSE YOUR WHEEL.
(click to begin)
CHOOSE YOUR WHEEL.
(click to begin)
CHOOSE YOUR DISCIPLINE.
CHOOSE YOUR DISCIPLINE.
CHOOSE YOUR DISCIPLINE.
CHOOSE YOUR DISCIPLINE.
CHOOSE YOUR FIT.
COMFORT=CONFIDENCE
CHOOSE YOUR FIT.
COMFORT=CONFIDENCE
COMFORT=CONFIDENCE
CHOOSE YOUR STYLE.
CHOOSE YOUR STYLE.
What’s more American than a red, white and blue livery to grip onto?
Trying to keep it neutral and stealth to match the colors of your kart?
CHOOSE YOUR STYLE.
What’s more American than a red, white and blue livery to grip onto?
Trying to keep it neutral and stealth to match the colors of your kart?
