New Hoosier Dirt Sprint Car Tires for 2023
Redesigned Hoosier Tires Promise Improved Performance
The world of Sprint Car racing was changed when Hoosier Tire, the primary tire supplier to most Sprint Car racing sanctioning bodies, introduced new Right and Left Rear Sprint Car tires. The new rear tires feature an updated symmetrical tread pattern design and profile allowing competitors to rotate tires to extend use and longevity compared to the current tires that have been in use for over 25 years. We’ll discuss the primary differences between the old H Tires and the new D Tires that will be rolling out in 2023.
Revised Tread Pattern for Bi-Directional Use
The most apparent difference between the old and new tires is the new symmetrical tread pattern. The old H Tires were designed to be run in one direction only, so the shape of the blocks was different from one side to the other. However, the new D Tires are designed to be run non-directional, which means there is no right or wrong way to run them. The pattern is the same on both sides, allowing racers to flip them after running them a few times to get sharper edges back after they get feathered, which extends their life. The new tires also have smaller blocks and more holes to let heat out, reducing the likelihood of blistering, chunking, or getting too hot too quickly, which improves tire performance and longevity.
Even with these changes, tires will still need grooving and siping to maximize their potential on a changing racing surface. Speedway Motors offers a variety of tools including tire groovers and sipers, and tire grinding tools to help racers prepare their tires for the next event. Please consult your sanctioning body's rulebook before making any alterations to tires, including grooving and siping to tires.
Removal of Tire Camber
One of the most substantial changes is the new tire has a completely flat surface across the tire, removing the camber from both of the rear tires. One side of the tire used to be lower than the other due to the way the car leans, but that has changed with the new tires. This improvement is necessary to allow racers to flip and run them the other direction.
Changes in Tire Compound
The new right rear tire compound is three to five durometer points harder than the old H Tire, with a durometer reading of about 40 points of hardness. This is still a soft compound, but the slightly harder compound should allow tires to wear better. We offer a broad selection of tire durometers to measure the exact hardness ratings of your tires. NOTE: chemical alteration or softening of tires is forbidden by most sanctioning bodies. Please consult your sanction's rulebook for permitted alterations to tires.
There are two right rear tire compounds: The new right rear tire will be a rated 105” circumference and offered in two compounds and will be designated as D15A and MEDIUM. The D15A will replace the current H15 and will feature a slightly firmer tread compound. The MEDIUM compound will remain the same hardness as previous tires. The front tires will remain the same and unchanged for 2023. The right rears will have a slightly stiffer sidewall.
The ‘open competition’ RD12 left rear and ‘spec’ H12 left rear will be consolidated into one offering featuring a hybrid construction between the two previous tires and a modified tread pattern on both shoulders to reduce blistering and chunking. The new left rear tire will be designated as ‘D12A’. Left rears will now come in 92, 93, 94 and 96” circumference options. Again, these are always approximate references – we always recommend checking your true stagger with our tire stagger tools, including stagger gauges and stagger tape measures.
Sidewall Stiffness Changes
The sidewall stiffness of the tires has been adjusted to improve tire performance. The side walls of the right rear tires are stiffer, while the side walls of the left rear tires are softer. Hoosier believes this will allow the tires to work together as a set a little bit better than they did before. However, the changes in sidewall stiffness can affect how the car lays down going into the corners, and how fast the tire grows down the straightaway. This may necessitate a change in ride heights and spring rates, depending on track conditions and driver preferences. Speedway Motors offers a variety of tools, including chassis setup blocks to accurately set ride heights.
Hoosier Dirt Sprint Car Rear Tires Specifications
The new Hoosier dirt sprint car rear tires are a complete redesign of their previous tires. The non-directional tread pattern allows for flexibility in tire rotation, while the removal of camber ensures easier flipping and improved handling. The compound hardness enhancements provide better wear characteristics, and the refined sidewall stiffness promotes optimal tire performance. With these advancements, drivers and teams can expect enhanced traction, longevity, and overall track performance. Speedway Motors offers Sprint Car Wheels and Sprint Car wheel accessories like beadlocks, tire bleeder kits and tire bead breakers for your sprint car's new rubber. Feel free to reach out to our experienced techs if you have any questions!