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Frequently Asked Questions about the new Spec E30 Maxxis Tire Program


Brett B.

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  • National Staff

Spec E30/Maxxis Victra RC-1 FAQ

Q

Why is Spec E30 switching from the Toyo Tires RR to the Maxxis Victra RC-1?

A

Last summer, NASA surveyed all Spec E30 competitors to gauge their level of satisfaction with the current spec tire, usage, cost considerations and their priorities with respect to tire characteristics. Of those who responded, the majority of the respondents said they would like to spend less on tires.

Q

So, then what happened?

A

As a direct result of the survey responses, NASA initiated a plan to find a more cost-effective option for the Spec E30 community. Part of this process involved conducting an exhaustive tire test at Buttonwillow Raceway, with three Spec E30 cars, three top-tier drivers and three different racing tire manufacturers. These tire manufacturers represented the best potential programs for the series moving forward. 

Q

How were the tires tested?

A

Over two days, drivers put the tires through complete life and heat cycles, and evaluated them after each session. With an eye on the survey’s emphasis on cost, new- and used-tire consistency, durability, followed by contingency offerings and overall lap times, drivers provided data that eventually led to the selection of the Maxxis Victra RC-1 as being the best overall program for the series.  

Q

So, what did the tests reveal?

A

Test findings show that the performance of the new Maxxis RC-1 is equivalent to the Toyo Tires Proxes RR, and it does not require any major setup changes to extract similar levels of performance. In fact, the tires were exceptionally close in overall lap time, new and well used. Q Does it last as long as the Toyo RR? A Yes, our tire testing revealed characteristics of the new Maxxis formula being on par with the Toyo RR in terms of wear and grip over the life of the tire. It’s also important to note that the Maxxis RC-1 has a tread depth of 6/32 of an inch, which is 50 percent greater than the RR, and it really showed in our testing. At the end of the test day, the Maxxis was the only tire with tread still available for fast laps.  

Q

What about rain tires?

A

The wet-weather tire will be the Maxxis VR-1, which has a 9/32-inch tread depth and does not require shaving.

Q

OK, what about price? Are the Maxxis tires less costly?  

A

Significantly! Spec E30 racers will be saving more than $200 on every set of tires they purchase right off the bat! At $703.98 per set, the Maxxis RC-1 costs 22 percent less than the previous spec tire, which now carries a price of $907.28 per set. At $551.96 per set, the VR-1 is nearly $340 per set cheaper this season! That presents a 38 percent savings for your rains.

Q

What about contingencies? What’s the program?

A

NASA has secured a lucrative contingency program for the Spec E30 series, starting in year one. The 2022 Maxxis Tires’ contingency program will award finishers of races with 4 – 7 starters with two free tires for first, one free tire for second, and one free tire for third. If there are 8 or more starters, the contingency program increases to three free tires for first place, two tires for second and one for third-place finishers. Contingency programs can be refined from year to year based on competitor feedback, and NASA and Maxxis are eager to collect this feedback moving into the new season.

Q

I already have a supply of Toyo RRs for this season. What do I do now?

A

The Maxxis RC-1 will not be permitted in Spec E30 races until March 1, with all racers required to be on the RC-1 exclusively by May 1, so you have time to transition from one to the other. This transition period will provide the time required for drivers to secure new tires before they are even permitted for competition, while also allowing existing tire supply to be used up. Additionally, you can still use whatever tire you choose for practice, as has always been the case.  There is also another popular class in NASA that uses the Toyo Proxes RR 205/50/15 tire, so finding a buyer might not prove all that difficult.

Q

Whom do we contact with questions about the Maxxis program?

A

If you have questions about ordering tires or tire availability, please contact Maxxis directly: Walter Chen [email protected] Direct: 909-297-5762

Q

How do we buy the new Maxxis tires?

A

Tires will initially be made available and sold exclusively through the Maxxis website, but Maxxis is actively working with trackside servicing tire dealers around the county to establish retail points of sale for Spec E30 competitors.

Edited by Brett B.
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