SCORE Journal

SCORE-Journal-April-2021

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

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SCORE JOURNAL 2021 OFF-ROAD TIRE GUIDE The Latest Off-Road Tires For Racing And Extreme Fun By Mike Vieria Since the early days of SCORE off-road racing, tire manufacturers have been trying to perfect their designs to withstand the rigors of the Baja terrain. What manufacturers have learned from racing in Baja has led to new innovations in tread design, puncture resistance, and longer tread life. Although today’s off-road tires are incredibly better than they were nearly 50 years ago, tires continue to adapt and improve just like the vehicles they are mounted on. To showcase some of the latest off-road tires, we gathered information from major tire manufactures who participate in SCORE racing and have turned their knowledge of Baja racing into better tires for both racers and enthusiasts. BFGOODRICH TIRES www.bfgoodrichtires.com MUD-TERRAIN T/A KM3  The 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 CoreGard 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. Available in various sizes to fit 15 through 20-inch wheels. BFGOODRICH TIRES www.bfgoodrichtires.com ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2  The All-Terrain T/A KO2 uses race-proven technology to deliver exceptional toughness, tread life, and traction in the toughest conditions.  The KO2 uses CoreGard Technology developed in BFG’s Baja T/A KR2 race tires to improve strength and resist bruising.  Tread rubber is optimally blended to reduce chips and tears on gravel, while a new footprint shape and interlocking tread blocks provide more uniform wear.  Stone ejectors reduce drilling to the tire by pushing objects out of the tread and raised bars in the shoulder help release compacted mud for better traction.  Available in various sizes for 15 through 20-inch wheels. All-Terrain T/A KDR2 Designed for RWD Buggies, the All-Terrain T/A KDR2+was designed from BFG’s decades of experience in both the North American desert and international rally raid competition to new heights. Suitable for SCORE Class 1 or 10 buggies weighing less than 3700 lbs. , theKDR2+ is a non-DOT off-road competition tire only and not legal for highway use. Available in 35” and 37” sizes. BF GOODRICH www.bfgoodrichtires.com Krawler T/A KX Available in 37”-39” and 42” diameters, the Krwaler T/A KX is engineered for serious rock crawling, off-road motorsports use. The deep tread and supple casing with a soft compound make this a competitive tire for rock crawling competition. TOYO TIRES www.toyotires.com OPEN COUNTRY M/T The Open Country M/T is designed for off-road performance, and long tread life, providing 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 wet grip. Available in a wide variety of sizes to fit 15 through 26-inch diameter wheels. 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 clean and ready to provide optimum grip in all conditions. Dual sidewall designs allow customization of your look. Available in a wide variety of sizes to fit 15 through 24-inch diameter wheels. OPEN COUNTRY A/T III Toyo’s Open Country A/T III is a versatile all-terrain tire that offers excellent traction, long tread life, and a quiet ride. A new tread compound and design offers improved wet braking and handling, as well as cut and chip resistance. Rigid tread block design enhances handling stability and traction, on and off-road. Deep tread grooves with stone ejectors enhance mud and snow traction while forcing stones from the tread. Features three distinct tread and shoulder designs depending on size and construction. Available in a wide variety of sizes to fit 15 through 22-inch diameter wheels. OPEN COUNTRY SxS The Open Country SxS is built with Toyo’s performance and design features of its race-winning Open Country M/T-R in a smaller package specifically designed for side-by-side UTVs. It features a high-grip tread compound and stiff sidewall construction to provide superior cornering and off-road performance, as well as improved resistance to cuts, chips, and impacts. Open, scalloped shoulder blocks enhance traction in mud, sand, and rocks, and provide precise steering response. The high void tread design ejects mud and stones for traction in all conditions. Available in size 32x9.50R15LT. This tire is for off-road use only. YOKOHAMA TIRES www.yokohamatire.com GEOLANDAR M/T G003 Yokohama Tire’s GEOLANDAR M/T G003™ 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. 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 available in a wide variety of sizes to fit 15 through 24-inch wheel diameters. Y829 SUPER DIGGER III The Yokohama Y829 Super Digger III tires are designed for Limited Class Buggies, Baja Bugs, and UTVs. The race-proven bias-ply Super Digger has a variable pitch design for performance and traction in sand and mud and uses a special tread compound for longer life. A rounded profile provides superior flotation in deep sand and heavy silt and reduces cutting and impact breaks in cornering. This is a race-only tire and not for street use. Available in 33x10.50x15 size. Y720 BUGGY TIRE Yokohama’s Y720 is a durable off-road tire designed for use on the front of Limited Class buggies and Baja Bugs. Features an aggressive block design for extra traction and an open channel tread design for self-cleaning in muddy conditions. Available in size 7.00x15. YOKOHAMA TIRES www.yokohamatire.com GEOLANDAR A/T G015 Yokohama’s Geolandar A/T G015 is an all-terrain tire designed to provide off-road performance in all weather conditions without sacrificing on-road comfort and quietness. It features a flatter profile and Endurocore construction for longer tread life and durability in tough off-pavement driving. The advanced tread design provides off-road traction along with quiet performance on the pavement. Available in a wide variety of sizes to fit 15 through 22-inch diameter wheels. Tensor Tire www.tensortire.com DSR Desert Race Series Tensor’s DSR “Desert Series Race” tire line is available in 33, 35, and a new 37-inch version. The DSR features a proprietary nylon bias ply with fiberglass belted construction for a lightweight, and the evolved closed tread pattern reduces drivetrain strain. The latest 37-inch tire was developed closely with professional racer Rhys Millen and is the next evolution in Tensor Tires’ flagship Desert Series Race lineup. FALKEN TIRE www.falkentire.com WILDPEAK A/T3W The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W combines aggressive off-road and rugged terrain capabilities with excellent on-road behavior. An optimized tread design and silica tread compound are for performance in Wear, Winter, and Wet Performance. It’s designed for severe snow conditions and has a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake Qualification. The A/T3W uses patented full-depth 3D Canyon Sipes and a proprietary lower sidewall to deliver consistent performance through the life of the tire. Heat Diffuser Technology in the lower sidewall helps keep the tire cooler under heavy load conditions. Proprietary Outer Apex Sidewall and offset shoulder blocks protect the tire from sharp rocks and provide additional traction at low tire pressures. Available in a wide variety of sizes to fit 15 through 22-inch diameter wheels. 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 that enhances stability and protects against rock damage. Available in a wide variety of sizes to fit 15 through 20-inch diameter wheels. WILDPEAK A/T TRAIL Falken’s Wildpeak A/T Trail is specifically designed to match the dynamic characteristics of modern crossover-type vehicles, providing rugged off-road capabilities and dependable all-weather performance. It features durable 2-ply polyester construction and rugged upper sidewall features for extra protection on off-road terrain and an optimized tread to maintain efficiency and versatility. The A/T Trail also achieves a Severe Snow Rating from the USTMA. Available in a wide variety of sizes to fit 16 through 20-inch wheels. FUEL TIRES www.fueloffroadutv.com FUEL GRIPPER Fuel’s Gripper UTV Tire is DOT certified and features a 4-ply nylon sidewall carcass for stability, durability, and impact resistance. Large tread blocks and deep grooves improve off-road traction while shoulder block design improves lateral grip and strength. Rim protector design and protruding sidewall features help safeguard wheels and tires in rough going. Available in sizes for 14 and 15-inch diameter wheels. FUEL GRIPPER R/T UTV TIRE The Fuel Gripper R/T UTV Tire is 10-ply rated and features a lightweight 2-layer, high-strength steel wire carcass design for durability and stability. Large tread blocks and deep grooves improve off-road traction, and shoulder block design adds to lateral grip and impact resistance. Thick base rubber protects the tire and rim protector design safeguards wheels from damage in rough going. Available in sizes for 14 and 15-inch diameter wheels. FUEL GRIPPER T/R/K Fuel’s Gripper T/R/K UTV Tire is constructed with a 2-layer carcass that has a 10-ply DOT rating and a lightweight casing. It adds a proprietary Aramid fiber reinforced sidewall to provide additional strength and puncture resistance without a weight penalty. It features large tread blocks that wrap into the shoulder to add stability and impact resistance, along with deep grooves for improved grip. Available in sizes for 14 and 15-inch diameter wheels. GREENBALL TIRES www.greenballtires.com DIRT COMMANDER 2.0 The Dirt Commander 2.0 UTV Tire from GBC Motorsports is a new redesign of the company’s earlier Dirt Commander. It features radial construction with a squarer shoulder profile and flatter tread for improved handling and grip at high speeds and in tough conditions, along with an improved ride. The DOT-approved tire uses deep siping, biting edges, and a large void area to provide superior traction and to eject mud and stones. Available in a variety of sizes for 14 and 15-inch diameter wheels. MONGREL The Mongrel Tire from GBC Motorsports is made specifically for the higher horsepower and speed capabilities of today’s UTVs. It features rugged 10-ply radial construction and reinforced sidewalls. A full-coverage, self-cleaning tread pattern wraps around the tire for a rounded profile providing optimized performance in all types of terrain, including pavement. The DOT-approved Mongrel is available in a variety of sizes to fit 12, 14, and 15-inch diameter wheels. DIRT COMMANDER The Dirt Commander from GBC Motorsports is an 8-ply rated bias tire designed to provide optimal performance in all types of conditions while providing the strength and puncture resistance to handle the most rugged of terrain. It features deep siping, biting edges, and a large void area to provide superior traction and to eject mud and stones. Available in a variety of sizes for 12, 14, and 15-inch diameter wheels. ITP www.itptires.com Coyote Specifically designed for high horsepower UTV and SxS vehicles, the 8-ply rated Coyote tire is a radial performance tire that is compliant with DOT standards and proudly Made in the USA. Ample void and multiple biting edges on the tread blocks offer excellent traction in a variety of environments. It features 3/4-inch lug depth for maximum handling, braking, and traction control. Center lug channels improve traction by allowing the tread to flex and wrap around rocks and other objects when riding on rough trails. Available in 27” -35” sizes. Tenacity XSR The Tenacity XSR is ITP’s first steel-belted radial design tailored for the extreme rider/competitor. It’s a 10-ply radial tire with a non-directional tread pattern, specifically designed for desert, gravel, rock, and sandy terrain. A New chain type tread pattern increases traction in loose terrain, and staggered shoulder blocks ensure consistent traction, and features greater puncture resistance and high-speed stability. Available in 32”,33”, and 35” sizes. KENDA TIRES www.kendatire.com KLEVER A/T2 KR628 Kenda’s Klever A/T2 was designed to offer premium, all-terrain performance with long wear and a quiet ride. Interlocking tread pattern with high sipe density is optimized for forward and lateral traction and superior performance in slippery conditions. Klever A/T2 has snowflake rating for winter driving. An aggressive upper sidewall helps protect against abrasions and cuts. Available in a variety of sizes to fit 15 through 20-inch diameter wheels. KLEVER R/T KR601 Kenda’s Klever R/T KR601 is intended to provide the ability to conquer rough terrain without sacrificing the ride and comfort of an all-terrain tire. Interlocking center tread blocks provide traction off-road and in snow, while large groove volumes maximize performance in mud and wet conditions. A 3-ply polyester carcass, aggressive sidewall tread, and bead protector shields fend off cuts and abrasions from obstacles. Stud-able for improved winter performance. Available in a variety of sizes to fit 16 through 22-inch diameter wheels. KLEVER M/T KR29 Kenda’s Klever M/T KR29 is designed with a high void ratio and compounding to provide excellent off-road traction. The self-cleaning, stone ejecting tread design, and compound enhances grip in tough conditions. Scalloped shoulder block design improves performance on loose surfaces, and continuous shoulder sidewalls offer additional protection against cuts and abrasions. Available in a variety of sizes to fit 15 through 22-inch diameter wheels. MICKEY THOMPSON TIRES www.mickeythompsontires.com BAJA PRO Mickey Thompson Baja Pro off-road tires are specially designed for desert and short course racing. They feature tough bias-belted construction for superior strength and impact resistance, as well as an anti-cut compound. Available in sizes for 15-inch diameter wheels. 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 for 15-inch diameter wheels. These time-tested tires are for racing use only and not for street use. BAJA BOSS X The Baja Boss X is an extreme terrain tire using a Sticky Competition Compound for excellent off-road traction. Extra-large four-pitch Sidebiters further enhance off-road grip and stone-ejector ribs prevent gravel from being wedged into the tread grooves. An extra-thick denier cord third ply provides improved puncture resistance, as well as quicker steering response and greater stability. Available in 37x12.50R17LT and 40x13.50R17LT sizes. NOT street legal. MOTO RACE TIRE www.motoracetire.com MRT DUAL THREAT UTV RACE TIRE MRT’s Dual Threat UTV Tire is optimized for racing with four wraps of Kevlar from bead to bead, 16/25” of dual-compound tread depth with a square footprint, and corner-biting stability. Self-cleaning tread and sidewalls provide maximum performance in all conditions. The 10-ply rated Dual Threat radial is designed to protect against punctures and abrasions while maintaining light weight and providing serious traction on all surfaces. Available in 30x10x15 or 32x10x15 sizes. MRT X-ROX DD UTV TIRE MRT’s X-Rox DD UTV/ATV Tire features 8-ply construction with six wraps of Kevlar bead to bead for maximum strength and resistance to punctures and abrasions and is DOT compliant. Dual-compound tread depth is 25/32” to provide traction in the most demanding situations. Also available in a sticky tread. Self-cleaning design with side biters provides a square contact patch for maximum cornering and stability. Available in 30x10x14 and 32x10x14 sizes. MRT RACE UTV TIRE MRT’s Race UTV Tire features 8-ply construction with double-belted Kevlar sidewalls for maximum strength and resistance to punctures and abrasions and is DOT-legal. The dual-compound 17/32” tread is self-cleaning and provides maximum traction and superior cornering in any condition. Available in sizes to fit 14 and 15-inch diameter wheels. MRT X-ROX DD TRUCK TIRE MRT’s X-Rox DD Truck Tire is constructed with Triple Armor Belt Kevlar sidewalls to provide maximum strength for high-horsepower vehicles, while still providing light weight. The 8-ply rated radial tire features self-cleaning 3/4” of dual-compound tread for superior traction and cornering ability on all types of surfaces. Available in sizes to fit 17 and 20-inch diameter wheels. NEXEN TIRE www.nexentireusa.com ROADIAN MTX The Nexen Roadian MTX is a versatile on and off-road tire meant for daily driving, rock crawling, desert racing, and everything in between. The MTX features a dual sidewall design that allows you to customize the look of your vehicle and uses 3-ply sidewall construction for stability and durability. It 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 a variety of sizes for 15 through 22-inch diameter wheels. ROADIAN AT PRO RA8 The Roadian AT Pro RA8 uses a zig-zag sipe design and an open outside shoulder to improve off-road performance with optimal mud extraction and heat reduction. A sipe-in-groove feature additionally helps to eject pebbles and provides further traction in mud. The multi-sequence tread design optimizes noise, wear, and drainage performance. Available in sizes for 15 through 22 diameter wheels. ROADIAN MT Nexen’s Roadian MT is specifically engineered with deep grooves to combat the demands of mud and rougher terrain. Specially designed zig-zag shoulders and super rigid tread blocks maximize durability, while wide grooves offer excellent drainage and resistance to hydroplaning. Available in three sizes for 15 and 16-inch diameter wheels. OBOR TIRES www.obor-tires.com PREDATOR Obor’s Predator UTV Tire is DOT compliant and designed to provide extreme durability and maximum handling performance. The 8-ply rated Predator features a stepped, multi-pitch tread block design to improve rigidity and control, increase tread life, improve ride, and reduce noise. Rugged sidewalls offer puncture and abrasion resistance, as well as dual pattern choices for a custom look. Available in sizes to fit 14 and 15-inch diameter wheels. BRAWLER Obor’s Baja Race-proven Brawler UTV Tire is inspired by the looks and engineering of light truck tires while being a perfect choice for professional drivers in extreme terrain. It features a flatter profile and specialized rubber compound for improved traction on all surfaces. The DOT-approved, 10-ply rated Brawler is designed to endure the toughest conditions, as well as to provide outstanding stability and long tread life. Available in three sizes for 14-inch diameter wheels. LYNX Obor’s Lynx UTV Tire is inspired by the looks and engineering of light truck tires and features 8-ply radial construction for strength, performance, and long-wearing durability. Aggressive tread blocks and a specialized rubber compound provide high levels of grip on extreme terrain, as well as responsive handling and control. Available in sizes for 14 and 15-inch diameter wheels. PRO ARMOR www.proarmor.com CRAWLER XG Pro Armor’s Crawler XG is a universal terrain tire designed for maximum grip on trails or rocks. It features an aggressive tread pattern and 8-ply rated Armor Belt construction with triple-belted sidewalls for superior performance and puncture resistance. For front and rear use. Available in a variety of sizes for 14 and 15-inch diameter wheels. PRO RUNNER Pro Armor’s Pro Runner is designed for conquering all types of terrain and features 8-ply rated Armor Belt construction and triple-belted sidewalls. Open lug tread provides grip and easy cleanout in mud and sand. The Pro Runner is built for high performance with its lightweight design. Available in size 33x9.5Rx15 for front and rear use. RADAR TIRES www.radartires.com RENEGADE R5 The Renegade R5 is an extreme off-road tire developed and tested in some of the world’s harshest conditions. Race-proven in Baja, the R5 features deep tread blocks and a specially designed, high-void, “hooked” tread pattern for improved grip in sand, mud, and on rocks. It uses a robust carcass and scalloped, open shoulders to ensure high resistance to damage in off-road conditions. The tread blocks are self-cleaning to maintain traction in tough conditions. The Renegade R5 MT is available in a variety of sizes to fit 15 through 17-inch diameter wheels. RADAR TIRES www.radartires.com RENEGADE R7 M/T The Renegade R7 M/T is a mud terrain tire designed specifically to provide superior traction and handling for extreme off-road applications. It features an aggressive tread pattern with a high void ratio and open shoulder design for maximum traction in tough conditions, along with state-of-the-art stone-ejector technology and 3-ply casing construction for durability and strength. Available in a variety of sizes for 16 through 22-inch diameter wheels. RENEGADE A/T5 The Renegade A/T5 is the top all-terrain tire from Radar Tires. It features unique stone-ejector technology that prevents stones 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 A/T5 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 A/T5’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-inch diameter wheels, including some sizes with an F -Load rating. RADAR TIRES www.radartires.com RENEGADE R/T+ The Renegade R/T+ is a 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 M/T tire while still delivering superior handling and a quiet, smooth ride on the pavement. The Renegade R/T gives drivers a choice of looks with reversible dual sidewall designs with dagger-shaped or Skull & Piston-shaped side lugs. It features an open shoulder design with wide, interlocking center tread blocks for better traction and even wear characteristics. Highly reinforced 3-ply sidewalls provide extra puncture protection and enable heavier loads, providing an F-Load rating in some sizes. Available in a variety of sizes for 16 through 24-inch diameter wheels.

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