187 replies to this topic

[Jim Drago]

Immediate Release

Hoosier Named Tire for National Spec Miata Competition Beginning in 2012

TOPEKA, Kan. (Aug. 19, 2011) – Sports Car Club of America has announced that Hoosier Racing Tire will become the exclusive tire supplier for the SCCA Club Racing Spec Miata class for National competition beginning in 2012.

Beginning January 1, 2012, all cars in the class will run exclusively on the Hoosier SM 6 tire in the P205/50ZR15 size, with the P205/50R15 Hoosier H2O designated for wet conditions.

“We conducted a survey of licensed Spec Miata competitors this past winter, and we believe that the move to the Hoosier products best addresses the feedback we received, within the parameters of our selection process,” SCCA President and CEO Jeff Dahnert said. “The survey results showed a strong preference for a molded dry tire that did not require shaving to a race depth. We shared the survey results with the Club Racing Board who, in turn, consulted with the Spec Miata Advisory Committee. All of these sources helped us to shape our decision. Additionally, we have received considerable feedback requesting universal support at National race events across the country from the tire provider.”

SCCA set forth a process to select the next tire early in 2011. After evaluating the survey information, input from the CRB and data from the most recent tire test conducted, the Hoosier tire was selected.

“We are extremely pleased and excited about this great opportunity,” said Bruce Foss, Sr. Product Manager, Hosier Racing Tire Corporation. “This program fortifies our strong and long-term commitment to SCCA Club Racing.”

Hoosier has locked in a price of $166 per tire plus tax for 2012, representing a 3.5 percent discount off the current SM 6 and a 25 percent discount off the 2011 price for an H20 tire. Additionally, Hoosier will provide 750 tires each year of the three-year agreement toward a comprehensive contingency program for National racers and provide technical, service and sales support at each SCCA Nationally-sanctioned event through its network of dealers.

Established in 2006 as a National-level class, but existing for several years before that in Regional competition, Spec Miata exclusively utilizes the 1990-2005 Mazda Miata with safety modifications and an approved suspension kit available through MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development. Since its inclusion into the SCCA Club Racing National program, Spec Miata has finished first or second in annual class participation, making it an extremely popular program within SCCA. Spec Miata utilized the Toyo Tires Proxes RA1 tire from 2006-2008 and 2010-2011 and the Toyo Tires Proxes R888 tire in 2009.

About Hoosier Racing Tire Corp.
Hoosier is the world’s largest race tire manufacturer with tires for every type of racing venue, including sports cars, drag racing, asphalt and dirt tires for oval racing and karting. For additional information on Hoosier Racing Tire and its line of high performance racing tires, visit www.hoosiertire.com.

[cam]

Absolutely awesome news. So happy that SCCA leadership has made a good decision. Thank you BOD and everyone else who helped make this happen.

[Alex Bolanos]

YES!

[Jerry Cabe]

Thank You SMAC, CRB, and BOD. I've run Hoosier in almost all the regional races for the past 6 years and have been very happy with the tire, the local dealer support, and Hoosier Corp as a whole.

[Gatoratty]

Great news! Anyone need a set of nearly new Toyo rains?

[Team Cochran]

Maybe I've missed something here but to me its BAD news... My garage currently has two sets of Toyo R888 tires with plenty of life, two sets of RA1 dries with 3 heat cycles on one and more on the others plus one new set of RA1 rains that haven't seen the track yet! So now all that is trash for next year?!

On top of that I have to buy rains that can't be used as dry tires later? WTF are people thinking? This class is supposed to be the inexpensive way to get in and stay racing... This change goes against that philosophy IMHO...

[AJ Roderick]

Maybe I've missed something here but to me it BAD news... My garage currently has two sets of Toyo R888 tires with plenty of life, two sets of RA1 dries with 3 heat cycles on one and more on the others plus one new set of RA1 rains that haven't seen the track yet! So now all that is trash for next year?!

On top of that I have to buy rains that can't be used as dry tires later? WTF are people thinking? This class is supposed to be the inexpensive way to get in and stay racing... This change goes against that philosophy IMHO...

1) Most regional events are open tire rule
2)The tires cost less per set to purchase...

[dstevens]

At the national level the class hasn't been inexpensive in years. Good to see a homegrown product get the nod.

[HoneyBadger - BrianW]

I know this thread is about the SCCA's decision... but has anyone heard anything about whether NASA is going to follow suit next year? or are they going to be running the RA1 still.

[William Keeling]

Normally there is some grace period to use up old stuff – I would hope for 7/1/13 for dry and 1/1/14 for wets (more than ¼ inch at end of race)

[Zauskycop]

I would bet if you have a track day club around you, they would scarf up your old tires. I have 2 buyers for mine already!

[James York]

Normally there is some grace period to use up old stuff – I would hope for 7/1/13 for dry and 1/1/14 for wets (more than ¼ inch at end of race)

Doubt that long of grace period. Why does it matter to you anyway? You told me you were racing SCCA anymore after the ARRC.

[James York]

I would bet if you have a track day club around you, they would scarf up your old tires. I have 2 buyers for mine already!

This is what I did when we switched to R-888s, then again, when we switched back to RA-1s. Just have to be willing to give a good price.

[Flyntgr]

My prayers have been answered. The R6s are night and day faster on my very tight 1.8 mile track in hot, humid Louisiana. They are 1.5 seconds PER LAP faster than the Toyos, and I'm sick of the Toyos, frankly. They wear out quickly on our rough track, while Porsche 944 drivers are getting at least a half season, and possibly a whole season on a set of Hoosiers in their size. No going back to Toyos Now! Wheeee!

[Ernie Jr.]

What will be the new award for 5th or higher cause it used to be toyo bucks for nasa. I hope nasa does switch so we dont have to change and buy tires for different events.

[High Chair]

Great news!!!
A great race tire and since I have 3 sets of new Toyo rains I won't need to buy tires for my street Miata for about 10 years. Perfect!!

[Gatoratty]

After I posted I realized the same thing Jamie said....new tires for my street 99

[davew]

From what I read, this announcement is for SCCA National events only.

So you budget guys, who have stacks of Toyos, and do not run SCCA Nationals, should come out great. Keep running the old tires and don't worry about the National tire. All the National drivers (You know, the big buck pro motor guys) have to buy new tires, you regional guys can scarf up some smokin deals on tires after the Runoffs. Win for the budget guys!!!!!

When we switched from RA1 to R888 a couple years ago. You where allowed to use the old tire (RA1) at the first 2 National events (double National weekends where considered one event) in each region. I have no knowledge of what the SCCA-Hoosier contract says, but it would be nice if that courtisy was used this time around. Although, with a change of manufacturers it might be a tough sell.

I see this as a good decision. We have a USA company to make tires for our import cars. And a RACE tire company to boot. I am sure the contingency program will be announced shortly. 750 tires at $166 each is $124,500 in contingency, per year. Not to shaby!!!!

Dave

[Motor City Hamilton]

AWESOME!!!! Any indication that Regional SCCA will follow along or will some regions remain open tire? Probably Great Lakes will still be open.

[davew]

My assumption, and it is only that, is that whatever your regional rule is for 2011 will be the rule for 2012