Motorsport tires are a key element that determines success in racing. In the world of top-level competition, even the slightest difference in grip, durability, or ability to adapt to conditions can decide whether you'll stand on the podium or just watch the winner spray everyone with champagne. Unlike standard tires used on public roads, those designed for racing must meet exceptionally high standards and be tailored to the specific conditions of each type of competition. That's why choosing the right tires is not just a technical issue but also a strategic decision that has a significant impact on the race outcome.

In this article, we will analyze how to select tires for specific types of races, considering factors such as rubber compound, tread pattern, and tire pressure. We will also look at the differences between tires designed for dry surfaces and those that perform well in wet conditions.

Types of Racing Tires

Slick Tires

Slick tires are tires without tread. They are primarily used in track racing, where maximizing the contact surface of the tire with the pavement is crucial. The absence of grooves in the tread allows the tire to grip the surface better, significantly reducing lap times. However, slick tires are ineffective in rainy conditions as they lack the ability to drain water, leading to aquaplaning. Additionally, slick tires can only operate on prepared surfaces, where there is no gravel, sand, or mud. They are used on dry tracks or in mountain races where the surface is specially prepared.

Our Recommendation:

• Yokohama A005
• Kumho S700

Wet Tires

In contrast to slick tires, wet tires, also known as “Wets,” feature deep treads with grooves designed to effectively drain water from the tire. This significantly reduces the risk of aquaplaning and ensures better grip on wet surfaces. Wet tires are used in both track racing and rallying when weather conditions become unpredictable. Their tread often has a specific pattern that maximizes water drainage, allowing for better vehicle control during rain.

Another important aspect is the selection of the wet tire compound, which significantly affects grip, especially depending on the temperature and type of asphalt used to construct the track. It is worth noting that we differentiate between various types of wet tires: track, rally, and intermediate tires. This distinction is crucial because rally wet tires must be more durable due to the presence of contaminants such as stones or gravel that could damage the more delicate track tires intended solely for clean surfaces.

Our Recommendation:

Wet tires for track:

• Yokohama A006
• Kumho W700

Semi-Slick Tires

Semi-slick tires are a hybrid between slick tires and those with treads. They have minimal grooves that provide some level of water drainage while offering significantly better grip than standard treaded tires. Due to their versatility, they are used in various types of races, from time attack events to KJS and drifting, and their affordable price makes them an ideal choice for those starting their motorsport journey. With the often-present E4 homologation, these tires can be used on public roads. What does this mean? It reduces the costs of participating in events and streamlines our logistics. We don’t have to pay for trailer rentals, and we can drive straight from our garage to the track.

Our Recommendation:

• Yokohama A052
• Kumho v70A
• Nankang CR-S
• Westlake Sport RS

Asphalt Rally Tires

Asphalt rally tires must be more versatile than track tires, as asphalt rallies often take place on less than ideal, uneven surfaces. Unlike slicks, these tires have treads but still have plenty of "meat" to ensure a large contact area with the surface. An important element is also the appropriate rubber compound, which must provide good grip on both hot, dry asphalt and in wet conditions over stages ranging from 10 km to 50 km (the record is 80 km during the 2016 Mexico Rally). In changing weather, competitors often have to decide between tires for dry asphalt and special rain tires, which have deeper and more elaborate treads for water drainage.

Our Recommendation:

• Kumho TM02
• Kumho C03

Gravel Rally Tires

Gravel rally tires are designed for driving on loose surfaces such as gravel, sand, and dirt. Their tread is much more aggressive than that of asphalt tires, with distinct, wide grooves and protruding elements that provide better traction on unstable surfaces. Gravel tires often have additional sidewall reinforcements, which protect against damage from sharp stones or other obstacles on the course. These tires must not only provide good grip but also be durable enough to withstand the harsh conditions of gravel rallies. The rubber compound in gravel tires is harder than in asphalt tires, providing greater resistance to wear in tough conditions while maintaining the flexibility needed to perform on loose surfaces.

Our Recommendation:

• Yokohama A053L
• Yokohama A053R

Intermediate Tires are a solution used in motorsport, designed to handle intermediate weather conditions – when the surface is too wet for slick or semi-slick tires but not wet enough to use full wet tires. These tires provide adequate grip on mixed surfaces when the track or stage is partially dry and partially wet. With a special rubber compound and moderate tread, intermediate tires offer good traction in ambiguous weather conditions, making them a key component of racing strategy.

One of the biggest advantages of intermediate tires is their ability to heat up quickly, allowing them to achieve optimal grip on wet surfaces. Compared to wet tires, the tread of intermediate tires is less deep, which helps maintain better grip on drier sections of the track. However, on completely dry tracks, they may wear out faster, losing their effectiveness.

Our Recommendation:

• Kumho TW02

How to Choose the Right Compound?

When selecting the right tire compound, you cannot rely solely on its grip. You also need to consider other factors, such as the type of surface, temperature, weather conditions, and the length of the race. A compound that works well in a short 2.5 km mountain race on a hot day on smooth asphalt may be unsuitable for a 15 km rally on a bumpy, rough asphalt on a spring day with a temperature of 18 degrees. In such a case, you should consider using a different tire.

The general rule is:

• Soft compounds provide more grip but less durability.
• Hard compounds provide less grip but greater durability.

Tire Pressure and Performance

Tire pressure affects their stiffness and, consequently, the way the vehicle behaves on the course.

In track racing, where conditions are more stable, precise pressure control is crucial to ensure optimal performance. In rallies, where the surface changes dynamically, the appropriate tire pressure must be adjusted to the conditions – loose surfaces may require lower pressure to increase grip, while on harder sections, higher pressure may improve stability and tire durability.

High pressure reduces rolling resistance and increases the stiffness of the tire sidewall, preventing floating in corners. This results in greater responsiveness and better stability in turns. However, excessive pressure can cause the tire to become too hard, reducing the contact surface with the pavement and decreasing grip.

On the other hand, too low pressure makes the tire too soft, which can lead to overheating, uneven wear, and even tire damage. Thus, it’s essential to find the right balance and adjust tire pressure to suit both the vehicle and the conditions on the track or stage.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tires for racing is a strategic decision that affects performance and safety. Understanding the various types of tires, their properties, and appropriate pressure adjustments can help you achieve better results in competitions. The right tire choice can turn the tide in the race, providing the necessary grip and control when it matters most. Whether you’re competing in track racing or rallying, investing time and resources in selecting the perfect tires will pay off in the long run.