Tires for street racing tires give you no reason to complain. They offer exceptional traction, which comes in handy during hard acceleration. These tires are also DOT-approved for use on public roads. Plus, they are strong and durable to withstand hard acceleration runs.
Bear in mind that there’s more to making the switch to street racing tires than just choosing one that fits your car – the tires you’re going to buy need to sync up with the make of your car, its run-time, and of course, the track. Only then will they help your vehicle perform at its best.
To help you find the best tires for street racing, we have come up with this list of the ten best performance tires this year. Most of these tires come from different brands, but they have many things in common. These include exceptional traction, huge grip, and excellent stability at high speeds.
On top of that, we’ll answer all the questions you may have about street racing tires. There, you’ll be able to read the criteria we used to pick street racing tires. We recommend that you give that section a look, especially if you’re new to street racing and are overwhelmed by the number of options.
Top 10 Best Tires for Street Racing Reviewed
- Toyo Proxes R1R
- Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R
- Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3
- Falken Azenis RT615K+
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Tire
- Nitto NT05R Drag Radial Tire
- Mickey Thompson Street Radial Tire
- BFGoodrich g-Force Rival S1.5
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
- Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R
#1. Toyo Proxes R1R
The Toyo Proxes R1R is built for the street. It has all the attributes to extract brilliant performance dynamics from coupes and sports sedans, including an attractive tread design, above-average cornering grip at high speeds, and even wear over the life of this tire.
The attractive tread design has bequeathed this tire with exceptional straight-line stability. Shaped like an arrowhead, the tread design’s functionality can compete with its eye-catching looks. It also has multiple grooves to effectively channel water from beneath the tire’s footprint.
Toyo has widened this tire’s overall footprint to ensure excellent cornering grip. It has also provided it with large, stiffened tread blocks. They help the R1R’s shoulder latch onto the road as you’re making aggressive turns, ensuring your vehicle stays under control while cornering at high speeds.
I was also impressed with how evenly this tire wears, the credit for which goes to its ‘Stability Control Slits’. These are lateral groove patterns built into the tread design. By shielding the tire from uneven wear, these patterns give way to a more smooth driving experience.
This tire’s interior has been made of advanced construction materials usually seen in autocross style racing. They should be able to prevent any shifting, a major risk when you do aggressive cornering. And a race-inspired radial design means the tire could retain its shape for long.
Pros
- Provides brilliant traction at high speeds
- Has a smooth, straight release
- Less rolling resistance translates to better fuel efficiency
Cons
- Road noise can get pretty loud at high speeds
#2. Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R
The Bridgestone Potenza RE-71Rs are another exciting option for street racing. They offer a perfect solution to your problem of loving the occasional street racing day but not have the space to store – or not willing to spend extra – on another set of tires and wheels.
These tires deliver the lateral grip that defines track tires. At the same time, they have none of the characteristics that put off regular drivers – such as ear-shattering road noise, inability to work in wet conditions or temperature sensitivity. Small wonder that I’m smitten with them.
The fact that the RE-R1Rs aren’t temperature sensitive means you can start using them right from the off. Additionally, they ride pretty well on paved tracks and offer decent-enough grip in the wet, too, letting you drive them in rainy conditions like your standard high-performance tires.
That isn’t to say that this tire is flawless. I didn’t weigh it, but the 215/45/ R17 certainly felt a lot heavier than its counterparts in my garage. The tire could get pretty loud on coarse chip roads. Yet it is still on the quieter side when you juxtapose the noise level with other R-compound tires.
You won’t have any complaints about their on-track performance, though. The RE-71Rs grip dry, paved streets pretty well, and look capable of withstanding multiple hard acceleration sessions with minimal graining and even wear. This convinces me to think that they’re made to handle abuse.
Pros
- Exceptional traction for street racing
- Best-in class grip in the corners
- Can be used in light rain conditions
Cons
- Asking price might blow a hole in your pocket
#3. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3
The Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3 perfectly fits the description of extreme performance summer tires. This tire boasts an AAtrax tread compound famous for its AA-rated wet traction grade. For those of you who don’t know, this is the highest traction grade any tire could get.
Small wonder then that, when I used it in rainy condition, it stopped flawlessly at every corner, on every speed-breaker and before every pothole. Not once did I feel that it was slipping on the road, with any skidding noise virtually non-existent, remarkable achievements for an extreme performance tire.
Goodyear has mixed two designs on its tread pattern. On the outside edge, the tread pattern features large tread blocks which increase the tire’s contact area with the road, improving dry handling. On the inside, the tread pattern has been deliberately kept on the smaller side to offer a better grip.
Multiple lateral grooves are hidden underneath the tread pattern’s inner edge. These channels effectively disperse water from underneath the tire’s footprint, enhancing the tire’s wet performance by minimizing the risk of hydroplaning. You can reliably use the F1 SuperCar3 in light rain conditions.
Its built in-rim protector ensures minimal damage gets to the wheels. The shoulder block design is such that it ensures reliable braking in all sorts of conditions. And the unique placement of the tire’s inner belts – at an angle lower than passenger tires – help it offer better responsiveness at high speeds.
Pros
- Best-in-class dry traction
- Cornering grip couldn’t have been better
- Wet handling and braking are supreme
Cons
- Ride comfort is slightly on the lower side
#4. Falken Azenis RT615K+
Start with the negatives. The Falken Azenis RT615K+ delivers poor road comfort when compared with other high-performance touring tires. It produces a higher noise level and wears out quickly due to its high adhesiveness to the road. So don’t count on it to last long with everyday use.
Why then am I recommending this tire? Because of its exceptional performance on the street. As long as you’re looking for a set of tires that would help you win the race – and which you have no plans of using for any other purpose – you cannot go wrong with the Falken RT615K+.
Thanks to its solid center rib and massive shoulder blocks, this tire can handle all the abuse you could send its way, and some more. A nanotech formulated compound gives it the grip that street tires need to cut corners at breathtaking speeds in dry and wet conditions.
Wet handling is another area where this tire performs exceptionally. A combination of notched tread blocks and grooves give accumulated water particles all the space they need to escape the tire’s footprint, resulting in a reduced risk of hydroplaning and better grip on wet roads.
Another factor that might convince you to favor Falken Azenis RT615K+ over other options in this review is its pocket-friendly price. This tire costs well below then similar priced variants like the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R, making it an affordable option for street racing.
Start with the negatives. The Falken Azenis RT615K+ delivers poor road comfort when compared with other high-performance touring tires. It produces a higher noise level and wears out quickly due to its high adhesiveness to the road. So don’t count on it to last long with everyday use.
Why then am I recommending this tire? Because of its exceptional performance on the street. As long as you’re looking for a set of tires that would help you win the race – and which you have no plans of using for any other purpose – you cannot go wrong with the Falken RT615K+.
Thanks to its solid center rib and massive shoulder blocks, this tire can handle all the abuse you could send its way, and some more. A nanotech formulated compound gives it the grip that street tires need to cut corners at breathtaking speeds in dry and wet conditions.
Wet handling is another area where this tire performs exceptionally. A combination of notched tread blocks and grooves give accumulated water particles all the space they need to escape the tire’s footprint, resulting in a reduced risk of hydroplaning and better grip on wet roads.
Another factor that might convince you to favor Falken Azenis RT615K+ over other options in this review is its pocket-friendly price. This tire costs well below then similar priced variants like the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R, making it an affordable option for street racing.
Pros
- Exceptional dry traction and grip
- Wears evenly and is quite durable
- Delivers an unsurpassed cornering response
Cons
- Fares poorly in terms of ride comfort and road noise indicators
#5. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Michelin is a company that has been in the tire-making business for over a century. Tires like the Pilot Sport 4S give us plenty of reasons why. Featuring silica and functional elastomers in its tread’s inner part, the Sport 4S delivers extreme traction on dry roads and short braking distances on wet ones.
An asymmetric tread pattern further cements this tire’s ‘all-season’ utility. Michelin has made the tread pattern’s outer part harder to make this tire more suitable for summer conditions. The inner part, meanwhile, has a soft underbelly to provide stability and handling in high-speed driving.
On the street, its unique V-shaped tread design provides precise steering response while maximizing lateral stability. An inner belt (made from nylon-and-aramid-fiber) doesn’t let the Pilot Sport 4S’s contact patch shrink in size when driving at high speeds, giving you full control over its movement.
Comfort and noise levels surprised me, given that this is a UHP tire. It drives as comfortably as any tire could when you drive it close to the speed limit. Noise level is also on the lower side when you consider that you’d be using the Pilot Sport 4S for winning races on the street.
On the aesthetics front, this tire has the looks to attract everybody’s attention. A velvety ‘Premium Touch’ logo has done an excellent job of making its sidewall more pronounced. A rim protector strip does the same, though its main job is to protect your alloy wheels’ rims against curb damage.
Pros
- Traction on slippery roads couldn’t be any better
- Exceptional cornering grip and stability
- Better than expected treadlife
Cons
- Pricey
#6. Nitto NT05R Drag Radial Tire
Some drag radials you see on the market are built for drag racing. Others are made for street driving. That’s because drag racing and street driving aren’t the same cup of tea. Finding a set of tires that could tick both boxes isn’t an easy thing to do.
Enter the Nitto NT05R Drag Radial. This Dot-certified tire has the treads and traction necessary for street racing. At the same time, its reinforcements and construction design help it perform well at eye-watering speeds, hence its utility for recreational races.
That is to say that you can use these tires in both types of racing. Additionally, they have a large center rib that will give your vehicle that extra bit of contact with the road, making sure that it’s you and not your fellow drivers who are first off the starting line.
The center rib’s utility doesn’t end there. It also makes sure that your vehicle’s pressure is distributed equally across the tread area, giving way to better grip. Nitto has also equipped the NT05Rs with a prominent sidewall to enhance traction further.
Bear in mind that these tires aren’t made for below 50 temperatures. Using them when the mercury drops below this point may result in them making squealing noise. If you feel that dropping temperatures have resulted in reduced traction, expose the NT05Rs to a tad of heating.
Pros
- Grips dry tarmac unlike anything else in summer
- Built with a specialized tread and race compound
- Available in a large number of sizes
Cons
- Not for cold weather
#7. Mickey Thompson Street Radial Tire
Mickey Thompson is one of the most famous brands in the street racing world. Their Street Radial Tires need no introduction, given the small radial tire records they have shattered. If you can afford to pay these tires’ asking price, I see no reason why you should look anywhere else.
The Racing Radial Tire is built with your vehicle in mind. It offers all the traction your car would need to stick to dry tarmac but also has durability and wears slowly. The tread pattern looks as if it could withstand all sorts of weather conditions, barring snow.
Street performance is the best in the class, though I wasn’t expecting anything lower given how much a set of these tires cost. They are one of those tires that could deliver wonders in terms of traction and grip, with their performance improving slightly in mildly wet conditions.
One of the best things about these tires is their acceleration. Not far behind it is their exceptional braking power. Owners of lightweight and high-powered cars can expect these tires to pose zero resistance as they try to be the first driver off the block.
As far as comfort is concerned, there is good and bad news. The good news is that Racial Radial is an ultra-comfortable tire, capable of smoothening out most of the road vibrations. However, it’s a bit noisy. I know that street racing tires tend to be noisy, but this tire is certainly up there on the spectrum.
Pros
- Best in-class street performance
- Exceptional acceleration and braking power
- Delivers excellent traction and grip
Cons
- Noisy
#8. BFGoodrich g-Force Rival S1.5
Remember the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R recommended above? The BFG Rival-S 1.5 is a direct competitor of that tire. Both are aimed at enthusiast drivers who are serious about testing their vehicles to their limits. And both have a dedicated fanbase who won’t look at the other option.
This rivalry has inevitably given birth to many comparisons between these two tires. Without trying to settle this debate as to who is the better of the two, here are my two cents on the BFG Rival-S1.5 vs. Bridgestone RE71R debate: you cannot go wrong with either of these tires.
The only reason why I’ve listed this tire a little lower on my list is its availability in limited sizes. Apart from that, I am not able to find any fault with this model. Its traction, grip and acceleration are right up there what you get from the RE71R. Similar is the case with its braking power.
But there is one area where the Rival-S1.5 performs better: price. A full set of this tire costs just over half as much as what you have to pay to buy a complete set of RE71R. This probably makes it a better choice for enthusiasts who are on a budget and could find a size that suits their vehicle.
This tire’s performance in the corners is excellent when compared with other racing tires available in the same price range. As is the case with its steering feel, which is pretty good. High-speed stability is another area where this model shines and it’s easily controllable at the speed limit as well.
Pros
- Available in a budget-friendly price
- Excellent straight line traction and high-speed stability
- Exceptional grip in the corners
Cons
- Not available in many sizes
#9. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
Michelin was under contradictory pressures when developing Pilot Sport Cup 2 R. On the one end, it was asked to carry the legacy of Pilot Sport Cup 2, an uber-popular street tire. On the other end, enthusiasts were lobbing Michelin to make something even faster.
Enter the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R. Legend has it that Michelin directed their Motorsport department to develop an enhanced, ultra-sticky performance’ tread compound for this tire. Michelin uses the same tread compound in its tires that routine win Le Mans.
Michelin took one more decision to make the Cup 2 R extra slick – it made the tire’s outer shoulder more contiguous to the road and equipped it with fewer tread blocks. As per Michelin, this has resulted in this tire being 0.5 seconds faster per kilometer on a dry track.
There is another design element where this tire diverges from its predecessor. Unlike the Sport Cup 2, whose circumferential grooves were at a considerable distance from each other, this tire’s grooves are closer together and located underneath the tire’s inner edge.
Michelin claims that these two adjustments have expanded this tire’s contact patch by as much as 10% as compared to the one it replaced. What it fails to tell, however, is that these modifications have ruined the Cup 2 R’s wet handling, making it virtually useless in rainy conditions.
Pros
- Noticeably faster than its predecessor
- Grips the road much better than Sport Cup 2
- Gives an impressive steering feel
Cons
- Not for rainy conditions
#10. Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R
Pirelli is another brand that has long been known for offering us high-speed-rated tires at an affordable price. Decent performance and long life are the hallmarks of most of the company’s tires, and the same goes for the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R. Let’s look at what makes this tire special.
The P Zero Trofeo R delivers solid traction on dry tarmac but without posing too much rolling resistance. You can thus count on this tire to have a minimal impact on fuel efficiency. Its acceleration, braking power and grip in dry corners are areas I don’t have any complaints about.
In terms of wet performance, I do feel this tire has missed a trick. While it’s completely safe for light rainy conditions, this tire isn’t recommended for very wet track conditions. That tells me that its hydroplaning resistance might not be as good as some of the other tires we saw above.
At the cost of sounding technical, Pirelli has used its brand new HAOF (short for ‘highly aromatic oil free’) compounds for building this tire’s tread. These compounds should be able to lower the tire’s wear by as much as 80% in dry track conditions, while also delivering stability improvements.
Another thing I like about these tires is the warranty period. Like all other Pirelli tires, the P Zero Trofeo R is also backed against any workmanship and quality defects years from the purchase date. You also get a treadwear warranty, as well as a 30-day moneyback guarantee.
Pros
- Available in a large number of sizes
- Offers solid traction and grip on dry track
- Straight-line stability is among the best in its category
Cons
- Not usable on very wet tracks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is street racing legal?
Technically street racing is illegal, and I would advise you against doing it. With that said, there are organized events that take place on streets, where certain measures are taken. In those conditions, street racing is allowed.
Can I fit tires from a passenger tire on my SUV?
Technically yes, but things aren’t as simple as that. Some tire models for passenger cars can be found in larger sizes, but as you may know, tons of factors can play a role in that. Before you go out and buy a set of tires, check out our guide to know what to look for and avoid making mistakes.
Why do performance tires don’t last as long as touring ones?
To ensure that a tire has more grip and traction, manufacturers usually go for something called a “softer compound.” As you drive, microscopic particles of the tire get shaved off with each rotation, so going for the softer rubber will result in a stickier tire that will wear down faster. This is the reason why touring tires aren’t known for being superior performers but last longer.
At what pressure should I keep my tires if I plan to race them?
Every tire and car manufacturer has a different pressure rating for the tire or car model, meaning that you’ll have to rely on that information. If all else fails, you can make your own test and see at which pressure you get the best results. Keep in mind to remain in the safe zone and avoid over or underinflating your tires.
How to pick the right street tire for street racing?
Make sure the tire you’re going to buy is Dot-approved. Dot-approved tires are legal to drive on the street. Next ensure that the tire offers plenty of acceleration and steering responsiveness – this will help you take your driving speed to the maximum while retaining full control over the vehicle.
How do I become a street racer?
Start by locating a race you wish to participate in. Next, make sure that you fulfill any pre-licensing requirements set by the competition’s organization or organizers. Finally, call the organizers to book your name as one of the participants. To do that, you may have to fill in a registration form or visit the race venue in person.
Can you use racing tires on the street?
Even though most racing tires meet the marking and performance requirements set by the Department of Transportation, they aren’t safe for use on the street. That is especially the case with R-compound slick tires, which will be too worn for safe driving after a few drifts or launches on the street.
Are slicks good for street racing?
Slicks or slick tires have a smooth tread and are mostly used in track racing. They aren’t safe for street racing because their soft compound will wear out quickly if you’re sliding on the street or hitting deep puddles of water. Roadside debris such as glass and potholes, which a radial tire could easily withstand, might also end up puncturing a slick.
Is a taller tire better for street racing?
Taller tires aren’t better for street racing. By placing more tire area on the track, a taller tire will pose more rolling resistance, requiring more power from your vehicle to accelerate. So bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to street racing tires.
Conclusion
Street racing is a serious activity, where the tire choice can decide whether you end up as a winner or an also-ran at the end of the night. If you take street racing seriously, check out any of the 10 tires I recommended in today’s article.
Keep in mind that all these tires aren’t available in all sizes. So before you order one of these, make sure that it fits your vehicle. As there’s nothing more frustrating than having a set of new tires in your garage that you cannot install in your car.
One Comment
The only con for Michelin is the price? Are we not doing best performing tires?