Joe,

Can you stack four mounted RA1s next to four mounted R888s and tell us what you see? Can you also weigh both sets?

When you say that the tire(s) corded at the edge can you be more specific? How far from the edge of your wear marks?

I'd really like to see someone compare the 205 and the 225. I'm told the R888 is wider than the RA1 (taking advantage of the DOT rules as Hoosier has done for some time) and heavier. Even if you can get the optimal setup on the R888 it should be slower than the RA1 based on extra weight, if it is heavier. Please try the 205.

I just had a chance to compare a stack of four 205 RA1 and R888. The R888 stack is 1" taller than the RA1 stack and weighs 77# compared to 72# for the RA1s.

Both sets are .110 tread depth.

Any more news on the tires?

The reviews are mixed to bad in Spec Miata land.

I’ve raced three national races (2 scrub sessions + 9 heat cycles) on two sets of 3/32 shaved tires. While they seemed to work just fine on a non-abrasive track, they were not consistent on a more abrasive track. They also wear at least 50% faster. The fastest setup would have been one set of 2/32 per race. Scrub, qualify, race, enough rubber left for a practice session or two. I race with a customer, both of us in 2285# cars. The 2450# cars burned through rubber even faster.

Have a look at the Nitto NT01s (RA1 compound with a different tread pattern and brand name) or…..if you really want to have fun (read slide around a bunch) on an inexpensive tire, look into the Falken Azenis RT-615.

I still hope you will look into/test a 205/50. It really should wear better.

Karl @ ART wrote:


The feedback I have recieved and based on the testing I have done is leading to the R888 providing fewer heat cycles before they "cycle out" than the RA-1. This is unfortunate and there are no simple solutions. I have been in contact with my local Toyo dealer about this. He can be our conduit to Toyo in Japan.

So I suggest you formaly email me Heat Cycle data for the R888 on a 944 spec car. I will compile this and get to Toyo through the dealer. It won't solve any short term issues, but might lead to a long term fix.

For 2009 do not expect and changes to the tires either in brand type or size. It would take somethign drastic to cause that and don't want the solution to be more painfull than the problem. The reason for this comes down to the fact that drivers are right now getting R888 and preparing to run them this year. Making a change right now would be bigger cost driver if we obsolete some guys 2 news sets fo R888 in 225/50. Now if a valid "solution" appears then who knows. But I don't know how than can happen before the year is done.

BTW.. Karl, I still don't understand the idea of using 205's on a 944. Your post says you get less life from a 205 2450lbs SM vs 2285 SM. Remember the 944 are 2600lbs so I would expect the to tear up a 205 worse than a 2450lbs SM.

Also I read an extensive thread from the SM guys on these. They feeling was the tire did not last very long and would go away 3-6 laps into a session. My data so far shows they can go away 3-6 laps into a session and you can't get the heat cycle count you can from the RA-1. My numbers and data from Arizona on the 944 however are no where near as bad at the SM camp. Most of my personal data comes from the end of life on my first set of R888 and the start of my 2nd set (now 6 HC in).

Solid information ! Joe thank you for spear heading our R888 adventure . I know it takes time and we all really appreciate the effort you put into it !

I had a set of NT01's on my 944T race car and loved them ... I have no idea how they would work on a 944-spec or if they are to remain in production. ???