Abstract: A wheel having an axis and being adapted for rotatably supporting a tire on a vehicle, includes a wheel center extending from a hub outwardly to a circumferential surface. A wheel rim disposed in contact with the circumferential surface of the wheel center can be formed as first and second rim portions which are coupled to form a drop center of the rim. A single continuous weld disposed within the drop center connects the rim to the wheel center. An associated method includes the step of forming an annular flange on the wheel center and positioning the rim portions in abutting relationship with the annular flange.