Toyo RA1 is back!

[Damn True]

August 11, 2009 7:48 AM — The National Auto Sport Association announces it is renewing its longtime partnership with Toyo Tires; extending its contract for an additional three years beginning January 1, 2010. As a part of this extension, all NASA spec tire classes will be going back to the Toyo Proxes RA1 as the required tire. This will become effective January 1, 2010 with a three-weekend grace period to allow the use of the previously allowed R888 tires. “This move was made in response to customer input, and we hope the racers will be pleased by this announcement. The RA1 has become a favorite amongst many NASA racers and has proven itself for speed, consistency, and longevity,“ said NASA’s National Chairman Ryan Flaherty.

If the RA1 is going to be the NASA spec tire they will of course be going back into production on that tire. Better tire and it lasts longer to boot!

The other side of the coin is that there will be a TON of racers looking to dump their 888's so if you need a set of tires on the cheap, this is an opportunity.

Good thing either way.

[Steve1968LS2]

So what exactly makes it a better tire?

I drove on both and recorded shorter stopping distances on the R888s.

The RA1 is a better rain/street tire due to more tread though.

[Van B]

The Spec Miata guys have found that the 888 is not good for as many heat cycles as the RA1 was, falling off much sooner. There is also debate about them being slower when track temperatures are higher.

[NOGO]

I think the Dunlop Direzzas take the cake, but thats one mans opinion.

[CptKlutz]

I think they have that segment nicely covered between the R888 and R1R. But hey, this is religion! :) Is the RA1 any cheaper?

[JEFFTATE]

I got the latest SCCA magazine last night and it had an article saying the same thing.
The SCCA Spec Miata class will be going back to the RA1 also.

I noticed , when I was at Barber Motorsports Park in July , that the Formula Ford class was using the RA1 as their spec tire too.

[Damn True]

Not just spec miata. The AI and AIX racers (better analouge to our cars) have found the RA1 to be vastly superior as well.

The RA1 will handle far more heat cycles making it a better option on a car that sees street, track and auto-x.

The RA1 has a much more forgiving heat range. The R888 falls off when it gets VERY hot and is difficult to get hot enough when the ambient tempts are low. Essentially the RA1 has a much broader operation range for temp.

The RA1 lasts much longer as a result and provides better grip in a wider range of conditions.