openwheeled

Openwheeled refers to vehicles that have their wheels outside the main body and not enclosed by fenders. The term is most often used for open-wheel racing cars and other single-seat designs, where the wheels are attached to exposed suspension and protrude from the sides. Openwheeled is less common than the standard open-wheel spelling, but appears in some texts as a variant.

Openwheeled cars emphasize light weight, strong rigidity, and advanced aerodynamics. The typical layout features a single-seat cockpit, a chassis of carbon fiber or similar composites, and wheels mounted on independent suspensions that remain exposed. Tires are wide and low-profile, and the absence of fenders affects airflow, downforce, and brake cooling.

Openwheeled configurations dominate professional single-seat racing, including Formula One, Formula 2, Formula 3, and IndyCar, as well as many regional championships and go-kart classes. Regulatory bodies like the FIA set rules on dimensions, safety devices, crash structures, and wheel tethers to reduce wheel detachment risk.

Exposed wheels pose debris and collision risks; wheel tethers and robust suspension mounting are standard safety measures. Regular inspection of chassis integrity, wheel mounts, and braking systems is essential in competition and high-performance use.