Best Racing Tires of 2025

David Davis Avatar
David Davis
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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Racing tires are designed to provide maximum grip and stability on the track. They are made with specialized materials and construction techniques to handle the high speeds and intense forces of racing. These tires are available in a variety of sizes and compounds to suit different track conditions and driving styles. The tread patterns are optimized for maximum traction and cornering performance, while the sidewalls are reinforced to resist deformation and provide precise handling. Racing tires are a critical component for any serious racer looking to maximize their performance on the track.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hoosier Racing Tires 28.0/10 R15 Cover#TOP 1
Hoosier Racing Tires 28.0/10 R15
ftb score rating icon9.9
Nitto NT555RII Tire Cover#TOP 2
Nitto NT555RII Tire
ftb score rating icon9.8
Mickey Thompson ET Drag Racing Bias Tire Cover#TOP 3
Mickey Thompson ET Drag Racing Bias Tire
ftb score rating icon9.6

Top 10 Racing Tires

#TOP 1

Hoosier Racing Tires 28.0/10 R15

Hoosier Racing Tires
18150D06
28.0/10 R15
Hoosier Racing Tires 28.0/10 R15 Cover
Hoosier Racing Tires Drag Tire 28.0/10 R15
ftb score rating icon9.9
FTB Score

The Hoosier Racing Tires Drag Tire 28.0/10 R15 is designed for serious racers. With a height of 10 inches, it provides a low profile that helps improve aerodynamics and stability on the track. Its length and width, both at 28 inches, ensure a wide contact patch for better grip and traction, which is essential for maximizing speed and performance. Weighing in at 26 pounds, this tire strikes a balance between durability and lightweight construction, allowing you to achieve optimal performance without compromising on strength.

What We Like
Low profile for aerodynamics
Wide contact patch for grip
Durable yet lightweight
#TOP 2

Nitto NT555RII Tire

108610
P275/50R15 101W
Nitto NT555RII Tire Cover
Nitto NT555RII P275/50R15 101W
ftb score rating icon9.8
FTB Score

The Nitto NT555RII is designed specifically for racing enthusiasts looking for enhanced performance. When paired with the NT555G2 on the non-drive axle, it excels on the drive axle, ensuring optimal traction. Its modified sidewall construction helps improve launch capabilities, giving you the edge off the line. The large twin center ribs create a consistent contact patch, which significantly boosts dry traction, allowing you to take corners with confidence. With these features, you can experience better control and stability, making your racing experience more enjoyable.

What We Like
Improved launch performance
Enhanced dry traction
Optimized for racing
Better control and stability
#TOP 3

Mickey Thompson ET Drag Racing Bias Tire

Mickey Thompson
90000000848
28.0/10.5-15
Mickey Thompson ET Drag Racing Bias Tire Cover
Mickey Thompson ET Drag Racing Bias Tire - 28.0/10.5-15
ftb score rating icon9.6
FTB Score

The Mickey Thompson ET Drag Racing Bias Tire in 28.0/10.5-15 size is a proven winner on the drag strip. It's compounded for maximum traction, requiring little to no burnout. Engineered for consistent performance, the tire has been newly improved for better air retention.

What We Like
Proven winner on the drag strip
Compounded for maximum traction
Requires little to no burnout
#TOP 4

Toyo PROXES R888R Racing Tire

Toyo Tires
104520
275/40ZR17
Toyo PROXES R888R Racing Tire Cover
Toyo Tires PROXES R888R Automotive-Racing Radial Tire-275/40ZR17 98W
ftb score rating icon9.6
FTB Score

The Toyo PROXES R888R Racing Tire is a universal fit tire with a package height of 10.94 inches and a package length of 25.67 inches, made in the United States. This passenger car performance tire is designed for racing purposes, providing excellent grip and handling on the track.

What We Like
Excellent grip and handling on the track
Made in the United States
Universal fit for most vehicles
#TOP 5

Toyo PROXES R888R Radial Tire

Toyo Tires
104450
285/35ZR19
Toyo PROXES R888R Radial Tire Cover
Toyo Tires PROXES R888R Automotive-Racing Radial Tire-285/35ZR19 99Y
ftb score rating icon9.6
FTB Score

The Toyo PROXES R888R Radial Tire is a high-performance tire suitable for passenger cars. It is a universal fit tire made in the United States, with a package height of 11.417" and a package length of 26.889".

What We Like
High-performance tire suitable for a range of passenger cars
Made in the United States
Universal fit design
#TOP 6

Bridgestone Driveguard SUV Tire

1222
235/55RF18
Bridgestone Driveguard SUV Tire Cover
Bridgestone Driveguard Run-Flat SUV Tire 235/55RF18 100 V
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

The Bridgestone Driveguard Tire offers remarkable convenience for drivers. You can travel up to 50 miles even after experiencing a puncture, providing peace of mind during your journeys. This tire is designed for a quiet ride, ensuring a comfortable driving experience without excessive noise. With its confident handling, you can feel secure navigating various road conditions. Additionally, it is a touring tire that delivers reliable all-season performance, making it suitable for year-round driving. Overall, this tire combines safety and comfort, enhancing your driving experience.

What We Like
Run-flat capability
Quiet operation
Confident handling
All-season performance
#TOP 7

Hoosier Racing Tires Drag Tire

Hoosier Racing Tires
18157D06
28.0/10R17
Hoosier Racing Tires Drag Tire Cover
Hoosier Racing Tires Drag Tire 28.0/10R17
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

This drag tire has a package height of 10.0 inches, length of 28.0 inches, width of 28.0 inches, and weight of 25.0 pounds. Specifically designed for car racing, this tire is a reliable choice to enhance your car's performance on the track.

What We Like
Durable and high-quality construction
Designed for maximum performance on the track
Large size for better grip and stability
#TOP 8

Mickey Thompson ET Drag Tire

Mickey Thompson
90000000851
28.0/10.5-15S
Mickey Thompson ET Drag Tire Cover
Mickey Thompson ET Drag Racing Bias Tire - 28.0/10.5-15S
ftb score rating icon9.4
FTB Score

The Mickey Thompson ET Drag is a top choice for drag racing enthusiasts. It is designed to deliver maximum grip, helping you achieve quicker starts and improved acceleration. You will appreciate its ability to require little to no burnout, saving you time and effort at the track. This tire is engineered for consistent performance, ensuring that you can rely on it for every race. Additionally, the recent improvements for better air retention mean less worry about tire pressure during your racing events.

What We Like
Proven drag strip performance
Maximum traction and grip
Minimal burnout required
Consistent racing results
Improved air retention
#TOP 9

Hoosier Racing 26.0/8R15 Tire

Hoosier Racing Tires
18110D06
26.0/8R15
Hoosier Racing 26.0/8R15 Tire Cover
Hoosier Racing Tires Drag Tire 26.0/8R15
ftb score rating icon9.3
FTB Score

The Hoosier Racing Drag Tire is designed for serious racers looking to enhance their performance. With a size of 26 x 8-15, this tire provides an ideal fit for various racing applications. The D06 compound rear drag slick offers excellent grip, allowing you to accelerate quickly off the line. The tread width of 8.0 inches ensures stability and control during high-speed runs. Additionally, the approximate diameter of 26.1 inches helps optimize your car's handling, making it easier for you to navigate turns. This tire is a great choice for anyone aiming to improve their racing experience.

What We Like
Enhanced grip for better acceleration
Stability during high-speed runs
Optimized handling for turns
Ideal fit for racing applications
#TOP 10

Toyo Tires PROXES R888R Tire

Toyo Tires
104390
325/30ZR20
Toyo Tires PROXES R888R Tire Cover
Toyo Tires PROXES R888R Automotive-Racing Radial Tire-325/30ZR20 102Y
ftb score rating icon9.1
FTB Score

The Toyo PROXES R888R Tire is designed for high-performance racing enthusiasts. Originating from Japan, this tire boasts a package height of 13.03 inches, making it suitable for various racing setups. With a length and width of 27.72 inches, it ensures a stable fit on your vehicle. The universal fit makes it versatile for different cars, allowing you to easily equip your racing machine. Additionally, the tire has an impressive load capacity of 1,874 pounds, providing the strength needed for intense racing conditions. This combination of features enhances your driving experience on the track.

What We Like
High-performance design
Universal fit
Impressive load capacity
Stable dimensions
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are race tires illegal?

Race tires are illegal for street use due to safety reasons. They have thin sidewalls, lack sufficient tread, and are more prone to failure. Additionally, race tires are designed for limited use on tracks and wear out quickly, making them unsafe for regular street driving.

Generally, race tires are not street legal. Using racing tires, especially R-compound slick tires, on public roads is unsafe and not allowed. While there are some tires with DOT labels that are street legal, they are designed for minimal street use and may not meet the requirements for regular highway driving.

3. Why are race tires flat?

Race tires do not have tread and appear flat because they are designed for optimal traction in dry conditions. Regular tires have tread to provide stability and safety in various road conditions, but race cars require smooth tires to maximize traction on dry surfaces.

4. Can you daily drive slicks?

Daily driving with slicks is not recommended. Slick tires lack tread, which decreases durability and protection from punctures and blow-outs. However, drag radials can be used for street driving as they provide increased grip and traction without sacrificing durability.

5. What tires wear the fastest on a car?

Front tires tend to wear faster, especially the left front tire. It experiences the most load and is responsible for transmitting most of the steering during right-hand turns. This puts significant pressure on the tire, causing it to wear faster compared to other tires on the car.

6. Can you daily drive with drag radials?

Drag radials are designed to strike a balance between street driving and high-performance quarter-mile racing. They are street-legal and DOT-compliant, making them suitable for daily driving while still providing enhanced grip and traction on prepared surfaces.

7. Why do F1 tires wear so fast?

F1 tires, like other racing tires, are designed for performance rather than longevity. They are engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of racing, which leads to faster tire wear. The focus is on optimizing grip and performance, sacrificing durability in the process.

Editor's Notes

During our racing tire research, we found 24 racing tire products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,918 customer reviews through our big data system to write the racing tires list. We found that most customers choose racing tires with an average price of $270.16.

The racing tires are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of racing tires, including Hoosier Racing Tires, Nitto, Mickey Thompson, Toyo Tires, Bridgestone. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
David Davis Avatar

David Davis has rich experience as a mechanic and a general repairman in the automotive industry. It has given him plenty of knowledge in automobile repair, auto parts, and all kinds of tools. In his spare time, he enjoys assembling and disassembling parts for cars.