SCORE Journal

SCORE Journal - July 2018

SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing

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A No-Spin Zone Today’s Off-Road Tires have a Baja influence that has improved both traction and durability By Mike Vieria Off-road tires have come a long way since the early days of competition, with new innovations in tread design, puncture resistance, and longer tread life as a direct result of manufacturers’ participation in Baja racing. As off-road tires improve for racing applications, the technologies are also used in tires designed for off-road/street use. For the average off-road enthusiast, it means more capability for their vehicles when driving off-road, but with better fuel economy and less noise while driving on the highway. To showcase some of the latest off-road tires, we gathered several off-road racing tires, and dual-purpose tires from various manufacturers, many of whom participate and sponsor SCORE racers and turn their knowledge of Baja racing into better tires for enthusiasts. BFGOODRICH TIRES www.bfgoodrichtires.com BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 The BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 is the next generation off-road tire with improved traction and strength for conquering extreme conditions. It has an advanced deflection design to help guard the upper shoulder area against snags and splits, race-proven Coreguard Max Technology and Traction-Armor Sidewall Sculpture to prevent sidewall splitting and puncturing, and Krawl-Tek compound to enhance grip on rock and other slick surfaces. The Terrain-Attack tread design uses massive tread blocks for maximum grip from any angle in mud and loose soil and Mud-Phobic Bars release compacted mud to maintain traction. A Linear Flex Zone allows the tire to flex and envelop objects in aired-down driving situations. BFGOODRICH TIRES www.bfgoodrichtires.com BF Goodrich Baja T/A KR3 The BF Goodrich Baja T/A KR3 is the latest version of the legendary Baja T/A for Unlimited Class Desert Racing Vehicles, taking steering response and transitional handling to the next level. The multi-race winning tire uses an aggressive tread pattern and tough sidewalls to handle the rigors of desert racing. It’s taller, narrower, and lighter than the earlier KR2 tire while offering significantly improved comfort and speed on bumpy terrain. These competition tires are not legal for highway use and are available exclusively through Jackson Motorsports Group at 1.800.RACE.BFG. or jacksonmotorsportsgroup.com Baja T/A KR2 UTV The Baja T/A KR2 UTV is the first UTV-specific radial tire produced by BF Goodrich. Engineered with race-proven CoreGard technology, the KR2 UTV offers superior performance and increased mobility in soft soil, enhanced traction in mud, and improved braking in loose and rocky soil. It’s available in 30” and 32” sizes. These non-DOT approved race tires are available exclusively through Jackson Motorsports Group. BFGOODRICH TIRES www.bfgoodrichtires.com All-Terrain T/A KDR2+ The All-Terrain T/A KDR2+ was designed international rally raid competition such as the Dakar Rally which it won in its public debut in January 2018. It utilizes lightweight construction for quick acceleration and low un-sprung weight, and a high-grip compound for maximum adhesion on rally-type roads. This off-road competition-only tire is not legal for highway use, and not suitable for vehicles weighing more than 3,700 pounds. Available exclusively through Jackson Motorsports Group. TOYO Tires www.toyotires.com Open Country M/T-R The Open Country M/T-R is designed to deliver maximum traction and durability for off-road racing. It has won both the Baja 500 and Baja 1000 races, along with multiple SCORE-International Off-Road Championships. Hook-shaped center tread blocks deliver optimum traction in sand and rocks, and the tread wraps onto the sidewalls to provide grip in deep sand and to resist cuts. Sizes 37x13.50R17LT 117N and 39x13.50R17LT 121N. These tires are for racing purposes only, and not legal for street use. Team Toyo’s sponsored desert racers include, BJ Baldwin, Toyota Trophy Truck, Open Country M/T-R, Robby Gordon, Chevrolet Trophy Truck, Open Country M/T-R, Andy McMillin, Chevrolet Trophy Truck, Open Country M/T-R, Gus Vildosola and Scott Bailey, Ford TT Legends, Open Country R/T-R. TOYO Tires www.toyotires.com Open Country R/T The Open Country R/T is designed for strong off-road performance while still providing comfortable on-road manners. It features high turn-up 3-ply polyester construction, an optimized tread pattern and shoulder design to improve traction and reduce noise, and a sidewall compound that enhances traction and impact protection. Mud and stone ejectors keep the grooves clear and ready to provide optimum grip in all conditions. Available in various sizes to fit 15” through 22” wheels. TOYO Tires www.toyotires.com Open Country M/T The Open Country M/T has become legendary for its durability, off-road performance, and long tread life. Designed for maximum traction on mud, snow, and rocks, the M/T features high turn-up 3-ply polyester construction, hook-shaped tread blocks, and open, scalloped, over the shoulder tread blocks that improve traction and handling on loose surfaces and in hard cornering. Open channels eject mud and snow to maintain peak performance in all conditions, while deep sipes optimize we grip. Available in various sizes for 15” through 24” wheels. Open Country C/T Toyo’s Open Country C/T is developed for balanced on and off-road performance, providing long tread life and impressive traction in gravel, mud, and snow. It uses high turn-up, 3-ply polyester construction and a tread compound that resists cutting, chipping, and stone drilling while remaining flexible at low temperatures. It also features an open shoulder design with dual-angle blocks to improve traction in mud, snow, and in rutted conditions. It also accepts TSMI #15 studs for improved grip on ice. Despite its aggressive appearance, the Open Country C/T is also engineered for a quiet, comfortable ride. Available in a wide variety of sizes to fit 16” through 20” wheels. TRI-ACE www.tri-acetireusa.com Pioneer MT The TRI-ACE Pioneer MT for on and off pavement features a three-ply Casing, Dual Seamless Nylon Caps, twin High Strength Steel Belts, and a seamless high-strength steel bead wire for stability, durability, and impact resistance. The tread and shoulder are designed to enhance grip and strength in tough conditions, as well as to reduce stone retention. An advanced sipe design reduces noise and heat while improving wet grip and service life. The Pioneer MT is currently available in various sizes for 17” to 26” wheels. Mark Ma “Signature Series” Dakar Rally The Mark Ma “Signature Series” Dakar Rally Tire features off-road race-proven construction with 3 Aramid plies, 2 steel belts, and 3 plies of Polyamide for performance under extreme conditions. It uses a dedicated rally competition compound to reduce heat and maintain its shape under hard cornering and high-speed driving.The interlocking tread features high-void boomerang blocks and stone ejector ribs for predictable handling response, and is currently available in various sizes for 15” and 17” wheels. 2018 SCORE Baja 500 teams on Tri-Ace Tires include, Class 1 Jeremy Davis, Green Army, TT Spec Pat Sims, Dave Cole, WFO Racing, Class 5 Ben and Pete Swift, Swift Racing, TT Spec Joe Delucie, Chuck McRae, Chasen Gaunt, Alex Grabow, Gaunt Motorsports, SCORE Lite Jeremy Davis, Vic Bruckman, Green Army. RADAR TIRES www.omni-united.com Renegade R5 MT The Radar Renegade R5 MT is an extreme off-road tire that’s been race-proven in the Baja 250, 500, and 1000, as well as and other competitions since 2013. The R5 is suitable for SUVs, pickups, and modified vehicles with its good on-road performance as well. It features a robust carcass and scalloped, open shoulders to ensure high resistance to damage in off-road conditions. The tread uses hooked blocks with a high void ratio for improved traction and durability. The Renegade R5 MT is available in various sizes to fit 15” through 17” wheels. Renegade AT-5 The Renegade AT-5 is the top all-terrain tire from Radar Tires. It features unique stone-ejector technology that prevents stone from drilling and lodging in the tread. Designed as an ideal choice for off-road use while providing good characteristics in on-road driving, the all-season AT-5 features wide center tread blocks for better weight distribution and even wear. Multiple lateral grooves and angled sipes provide enhanced traction on all surfaces. The AT-5’s 3-ply construction reduces the risk of punctures in tough conditions and helps provide sure-footed handling responses. Available in a variety of sizes to fit 15” through 22” wheels, including some sizes with an F-Load rating. RADAR TIRES www.omni-united.com Renegade RT The Renegade RT is an all-new Rugged Terrain tire designed to give exceptional off-road performance coupled with on-road comfort and sophistication. Engineered for the off-road capabilities of a pure MT tire while still delivering superior handling and a quiet, smooth ride on the pavement, the Renegade RT gives drivers a choice of looks with reversible sidewall designs. It features an open shoulder design with interlocking center tread blocks for better traction. Highly reinforced 3-ply sidewalls enable heavier loads providing an F-Load rating in some sizes. Available in August 2018, the RT will include sizes for 16” through 24” wheels. Omni United Patriot MT The Omni United Patriot MT is an all-season mud terrain tire designed for harsh off-road use. Aimed at enthusiasts looking for good handling and traction mud, rock, gravel, and snow, the Patriot MT features a hook-shaped tread block design for increased traction with less block movement, staggered shoulder blocks, and a highly reinforced tread compound for longer life, as well as resistance to cutting and chipping. The Patriot MT is available in a variety of sizes to fit 16” through 24” wheels. MICKEY THOMPSON TIRES www.mickeythompsontires.com Baja MTZ P3 The Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ P3 is a premium mud terrain tire designed to deliver performance and traction both on and off the road. A silica-reinforced tread compound enhances longevity, wet performance, and chip and cut resistance. Powerply 3-ply sidewall construction offers extra protection and responsive handling. A self-cleaning, high-void tread pattern and angled shoulder scallops help provide additional traction in tough conditions, and variable draft angles and stone ejectors reduce stone retention. Available in a wide variety of sizes for 15” to 20” wheels. Baja Pro Mickey Thompson Baja Pro off-road tires are specially designed for desert and short course racing. They use tough bias belted construction for superior strength and impact resistance, as well as an anti-cut compound. Available in 15-inch sizes. These tires are only for racing and not for street use. Mini Mag The Mickey Thompson Mini Mag extreme desert racing tire is specially designed for desert and short course racing, and are of tough bias belted construction for superior strength and impact resistance. They use an anti-cut compound and are available in 15-inch size. These time-tested are for racing use only and not for street use. YOKOHAMA www.yokohamatire.com Geolandar MT G003 Yokohama Tire’s c mud-terrain tire is designed for hardcore off-roaders, outdoor enthusiasts, and pick-up truck/SUV owners. The M/T G003 features include aggressive sidewall styling, GEO-SHIELD™ technology with multiple sidewall plies, steel belts, a full nylon cap, and a high turn-up carcass, and a special triple-polymer compound. All this allows it to provide excellent strength, performance and traction in everyday driving as well as when attacking steep, jagged rocks, muddy trails, and desert sand. The high-density compound and wider, flatter profile give exceptional wear performance, while still maintaining off-road capabilities and a quiet ride. The M/T G003 is currently available in 37 sizes for 15” to 20” wheel diameters. FALKEN TIRE www.falkentire.com Wildpeak A/T3W The Falken Tire Wildpeak A/T3W combines aggressive off-road capabilities with excellent on-road behavior. An optimized tread design and silica tread compound allow the A/T3W to excel in wear, winter, and wet performance.  Capable in severe snow conditions, it uses patented 3D Canyon Sipes and a proprietary lower sidewall to deliver consistent performance throughout its lifespan.  Heat Diffuser Technology helps keep the tire cooler under heavy load conditions and tread blocks enhance handling and stability and prevent stones from being trapped in the grooves.  Offset shoulder blocks protect the tire from sharp rocks and provide additional traction at low tire pressures.  Available in 54 sizes to fit most popular light trucks. Wildpeak M/T Falken’s Wildpeak M/T uses proprietary Duraspec Sidewall Technology to handle the most punishing off-road conditions with two high ply turn-ups for extra protection and durability. An optimized tread pattern designed to shed mud from the grooves and prevent rocks from puncturing the base of the tread also provides quiet performance and exceptional road manners. It also uses Heat Diffuser Technology and a tread and shoulder block design to enhance stability and protect against rock damage. Available in 25 sizes for 15” to 20” wheels. ATTURO TIRE www.atturo.com Atturo Trail Blade Boss The Atturo Trail Blade Boss has a tread design patterned on the Quartermaster QSA-1 Boss Hog Knife, a heavy-duty, hardcore cutting tool. The Trail Blade Boss’ tread has a high void ratio for superior grip on varied terrain, with large lugs for traction in mud and rocks, and smaller center tread blocks for stability and resistance to rock abrasion. Deep channels eject debris from the tread center to maintain maximum performance in tough terrain. This tire is race-proven in the Baja 500 with no punctures or failures. Available in various sizes for 15” through 24” wheels. Trail Blade M/T The Trail Blade M/T has wins in the San Felipe 250 and multiple short-course off-road races. This affordable tire is ready for the rigors of rocky trails, mud, and sand, while still providing good on-road manners. Deep, aggressive tread blocks and 3-ply sidewalls provide traction, strength, and durability in all conditions, and beveled center tread blocks give extra grip while reducing road noise. The Trail Blade M/T features a built-in rim guard to protect wheels from damage on rocks or curbs. Available in various sizes for 16” through 22” wheels. ATTURO TIRE www.atturo.com Trail Blade X/T The Trail Blade X/T is designed with the open shoulder and sidewall treads of a mud terrain tire, combined with the off-road ability of an all-terrain tire, and the road feel of a highway tire. That blend gives excellent grip in loose sand and mud, as well as snow and rain while providing quiet, comfortable performance on the road. A built-in rim guard helps protect wheels against damage from rocks and curbs. 3-ply construction and Atturo’s signature knife blade inspired tread design provides strength, style, and grip. Available in various sizes to fit 15” through 24” wheels. Trail Blade A/T The Trail Blade A/T is for those truck owners looking for a tire with strength, durability, and all-terrain performance at an affordable price. Large shoulder blocks enhance steering response and handling, and deep grooves and sipes provide all-weather traction. Arched, segmented stone ejectors in the shoulder treads help maintain maximum grip, and rim protectors guard against wheel damage from rocks and curbs. This tire is produced with Hydrocarbon-Free Oil to meet EU REACH compliance standards. Available in a variety of sizes to fit 15” through 20” wheels. Atturo sponsors the Ace Motorsports Ford F-150 Bronco on Trail Blade BOSS and Trail Blade M/T tires, and Jonathan Brenthel with Wildpeak M/T on his Brenthel Industries 6100 Class Truck. NEXEN TIRE www.nexentireusa.com Roadian MTX The Nexen Roadian MTX is a versatile on and off-road tire with a dual sidewall design that allows you to customize the look of your vehicle. It uses 3-ply sidewall construction for stability and durability and comes with an F-Load Weight Rating for higher carrying and towing capabilities. Patented, optimized tread block positions improve traction in tough conditions while reducing tire noise on the pavement. The Roadian MTX is available in 35 sizes for 15” to 22” wheels. Sources BFGOODRICH TIRES bfgoodrichtires.com ATTURO TIRE atturo.com FALKEN TIRE falkentire.com NEXEN TIRE nexentireusa.com MICKEY THOMPSON TIRES mickeythompsontires.com RADAR TIRES omni-united.com TOYO Tires toyotires.com TRI-ACE tri-acetireusa.com YOKOHAMA yokohamatire.com

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