I noticed this a few years back but wasn't sure why it was done. Its been several years since I've actually turned a wrench on a racecar and even more on a sprint.

When and why did they change front hubs to the bolt pattern vs the knock off?

I also noticed that many wheels are two or three pieces now. Is that so that the rim can be changed out vs the entire wheel?

Sounds like a stupid question, But I'd like a informed answer.
Thanks
Chuck

I think this is mostly for weight savings; the direct mount hub eliminates a separate hub with the drive pins, pressure plate and wheel nut. The hub itself can be made lighter and simpler because there's no need for a machined register and mounting face. The mounting bolts basically replace bolts that were already in the rim flange so there's no appreciable weight gain in that area. My guess is the weight is more important in most cases than being able to change the wheel quickly.

I used to love the sound of the hammers on the knock offs.

Personally, I prefer the lugs to the traditional knock-offs. I think they are safer! Instead of just having one unit holding the wheel/tire on the axel, there are five units holding it on the hub.

Like was mentioned, the newer hub assemblies cut down on rotating weight. Personally, I hold the safety the newer hubs offer higher than the weight issue. JMO.

a brass hammer...

We run splined front hubs and they are about 2.5 pounds lighter, per hub assembly, with the spindle, steering arm, bearings etc. This is in comparison to a standard weight direct mount hub, spindle, steering arm, etc.

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I would say the direct mount wheel is simply an economic market driven thing by the wheel manufactures. After you have sold all the wheels of one design you can, you design something new to sell the Racers looking for something new and trick.

The problem is they ran out of new designs. So they went back 50 years or so and copied the old Ford "Wide 5 Wheel" design used on the 40's model Ford cars. This was the wheel set up preferred by the low budget racer in the 50's who could not afford those high price Halibrand Knock Off Wheels. Stock cars still use the "5 Wide Wheels" because it is in fact a very good concept, you don't have to pay for a wheel center for each wheel.

Honest Dad himself