Popular Track Tires 

Compiled by: Bill Gregory (sansho@rennlist.com)

Date: December 1, 2002

Department of Transportation (DOT) "R" rated tires are popular for use on the track. These have softer rubber compounds than normal street tires, and can legally be driven on the street (until wear is down to the tread bars, as with any street tire). Since they have a softer compound, they wear quicker than street tires. While some use "R" compound tires on the street and track as their only tire, many buy a second, dedicated set of rims to mount the track tires on. 

Note that "R" compound tires, over the life of the tire, don't have the same rain-handling abilities as street tires. 

Some popular "R" tires, in no particular order, are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup, Yokohama Advan A032R, Kumho Victoracer V700, Kumho Ecsta V700, and Toyo Proxes RA1. Hoosier also makes DOT "R" tires, however, due to their shorter tire life (as compared to other "R" tires), they may be better suited for racing.