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Small Tire Class?

Eric5899

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New to the drag scene and trying to understand the rules. For events titled "small tire", is that a rim width or tire width requirement? I've seen 10.5" width mentioned online as well as 275. I have a non-PP GT and want to upgrade rims/tires and comply with the rules so I can try the strip next year. Thanks!
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drive_55_not

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Small tire class rules depend on the track, 275/60-15 radial or 28/10.5-15 bias ply is the tire used, and most big power guy will run them mounted on 15x12" wheels.

Some tracks around me also allow any tire as long as it stays in those specs, 28" tall and 10.5" wide.. I've ran a 295/50-16 radial and 28/10.5-17 slicks. Makes it easier for newer Mustangs/Camaros/Chargers and Challengers to run that class.


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Jay-rod427

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"Most" events allow a 17" up to 305 radial, but always have to get confirmation/drivers meeting vote. You do know what you're getting into though right? Small tire classes have some wicked fast cars. To be successful at that level you're going to want to go to 15" rim anyway, and then comply to the 275/28 10.5.

We hold our 2 local track records on "small tire" 4.58 and 4.67 1/8 mile.:sunglasses: Hoping to improve both this fall.
 

ugstang17

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Small tire vs Big tire refers to tire height (diameter). Up to 29" is considered a small tire. 30 -- 35+ height (tire diameter) is big tire in most venues if not all. As mentioned tire width if it is a factor, will be listed in the class/events rules. Some classes like Xtreme Outlaw Series specify a specific tire size with no other exceptions. Rim diameter is not a qualifier for big v little. There are 30" DR's for 18" rims and 30" tires for 15" rims. Both would be considered "big tire" by most people. Hope that helps. Check with the class and be prepared. As mentioned there are some very nasty small tire cars out there. BOOSTED on Street Outlaws is running a small tire setup the last time I watched it and having seen him run at Beach Bend (Bowling Green) let me say he is fast.....much faster than what it looks like on TV.
 
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Eric5899

Eric5899

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"Most" events allow a 17" up to 305 radial, but always have to get confirmation/drivers meeting vote. You do know what you're getting into though right? Small tire classes have some wicked fast cars. To be successful at that level you're going to want to go to 15" rim anyway, and then comply to the 275/28 10.5.

We hold our 2 local track records on "small tire" 4.58 and 4.67 1/8 mile.:sunglasses: Hoping to improve both this fall.
You are right. I found a more realistic group to start in while researching called True Street. That should get me some practice.

Good luck this fall!
 

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ugstang17

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NMRA True Street is a perfect place to begin. And it is a safe way to make passes without worrying about the guy in the next lane coming into yours while getting a feel of competing. Because it is an index race you are racing yourself and not the person next to you. So you can let him/her leave and then leave yourself. Three passes are made back to back and your average closest to the index times set up is the goal. So if your car runs 10.90, 10.80, then your third pass will have you peddling to get as close to the index time of 11.0 for that class. If on the other hand you run 11.10, 11.00. then you are going to let the tongue hang out again and hope for running a 10.90 for an 11.0 index average.
 
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Eric5899

Eric5899

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NMRA True Street is a perfect place to begin. And it is a safe way to make passes without worrying about the guy in the next lane coming into yours while getting a feel of competing. Because it is an index race you are racing yourself and not the person next to you. So you can let him/her leave and then leave yourself. Three passes are made back to back and your average closest to the index times set up is the goal. So if your car runs 10.90, 10.80, then your third pass will have you peddling to get as close to the index time of 11.0 for that class. If on the other hand you run 11.10, 11.00. then you are going to let the tongue hang out again and hope for running a 10.90 for an 11.0 index average.
That sounds like a winner. My factory wheels are 19x8.5" (black accents) with the Pirelli all season 255s. Sounds like going to MT ET Street S/S 305 on a 17" wheel in back will help reduce the spin and still be fine for True Street. I've already installed Steeda stop the hop and drag springs. Thank you!
 

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NMRA T/S is a great class to start out in just for the seat time alone.

I was at KOTS Saturday and the 275 is technically a small tire BUT those guys run 8's at least all day long. I ran hardtire 220 class and was the slowest one there. The guy that won that was probably a low 10 high 9 car.
 

ugstang17

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Once again it has to do with tire height as a standard rule. 29.5" or less is a small tire car regardless of the width. Want a second opinion from the hardcore racing crowd? Here's the same response to the question on Yellow Bullet. The only time width has come into question is in certain classes like XOS (Extreme Outlaw Series for those not aware) that have a tire width. But for general rule like when watching Street Outlaws, Big Tire Small tire is with reference to height and that cutoff point commonly accepted is 29.5".

https://www.yellowbullet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=632217
 

Jay-rod427

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Once again it has to do with tire height as a standard rule. 29.5" or less is a small tire car regardless of the width. Want a second opinion from the hardcore racing crowd? Here's the same response to the question on Yellow Bullet. The only time width has come into question is in certain classes like XOS (Extreme Outlaw Series for those not aware) that have a tire width. But for general rule like when watching Street Outlaws, Big Tire Small tire is with reference to height and that cutoff point commonly accepted is 29.5".

https://www.yellowbullet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=632217
Depends a lot on the region. Around here small tire is 28x10.5 NON W, or 275 radial. No prep style races usually go to 29x10.5 NON W.
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