Where Precision Meets Passion: The Industrial Design Journey of Patrick Warren
Written by Jason Phillips
Patrick Warren’s journey from designing elite athletic footwear to building some of the most advanced wheels in motorsports is anything but ordinary. A seasoned industrial designer with a sharp eye for performance and precision, Patrick began his career creating custom footwear for world-class athletes and Formula 1 drivers. His designs even reached the edge of space, with boots worn during the first private human-crewed spaceflight by Virgin Galactic.
That same drive for elite function and craftsmanship eventually fueled his pivot from shoes to what he now calls “shoes for cars.” In 2006, inspired by a lifelong fascination with motorsports and a desire to solve real-world inefficiencies in automotive design, Patrick launched Litespeed Racing, a brand dedicated to pushing the limits of lightweight performance wheels.
From Footwear to Forged Magnesium
Patrick saw a gap in the high-performance automotive world: custom wheels that were not only lighter but tailored with the same care and precision as bespoke athletic gear. His transition to automotive development was grounded in his belief that wheels should perform like elite gear, engineered to meet the demands of speed, safety, and style. That belief led to his breakthrough work in forging magnesium wheels, a material that is up to 30% lighter than aluminum and significantly more challenging to master.Magnesium’s volatility and rarity in the industry didn’t deter him. Instead, it became the proving ground for his engineering obsession. Through rigorous testing, experimentation, and development, Patrick established Litespeed Racing as the global leader in custom race wheels made from forged magnesium. His proprietary manufacturing techniques turned a nearly untouchable material into a performance standard for racers, including Formula Drift stars Ryan Tuerck and Jonathan Hurst.
Building a Global Brand, One Custom Wheel at a Time
Patrick’s approach to design doesn’t stop at materials. Managing the complex balance between international and domestic production has become a core part of Litespeed Racing’s strategy. By finishing wheels in the U.S. and sourcing specific parts globally, he balances quality control, tariffs, and cost. He refers to this as a “micro-custom import strategy.”This agility has allowed Litespeed to thrive in a challenging market, all while preserving the identity of a boutique brand that serves drivers who treat their cars as personal expressions. When you buy from Litespeed, you’re not just getting a set of high-performance Porsche wheels; you’re investing in a piece of craftsmanship that mirrors your passion.
Recognition, Reinvention, and the Road Ahead
Litespeed Racing’s wheels have graced SEMA showcases and record-breaking Pikes Peak vehicles. The brand has earned seven Global Media Awards and the respect of racing’s most demanding athletes. At the heart of it all is Patrick: designer, problem solver, and storyteller.Looking ahead, Patrick envisions Litespeed expanding its reach through education, community, and a continued focus on forging magnesium excellence. He’s not just building lighter wheels. He is shaping a legacy defined by creativity, precision, and purpose.
To see more of Patrick’s work or connect directly, visit the Litespeed Racing Website, Patrick Warren’s LinkedIn, or follow Litespeed on Instagram and Facebook.
Explore the future of speed at Litespeed Racing, where form meets function and performance begins with the wheels beneath you.
