Drag radial tyres are a specialised type of tyre designed to bridge the gap between street-legal performance and drag racing capabilities. These tyres offer several unique features and benefits for drivers seeking improved traction and performance in straight-line acceleration.
Design & Construction
Drag radial tyres are built with radial construction, which differs from traditional cross-ply or bias-ply tyres. This design incorporates:
- Steel-belted construction for increased strength and stability
- A softer “wrinkle wall” sidewall that provides some flex during launches
- A stickier rubber compound for enhanced grip
- Shallow tread depth, typically between 1/32″ to 5/32″
- Grooved tread pattern to meet DOT regulations for street use
Performance Characteristics
Drag radial tyres offer several performance characteristics, including:
Traction
Drag radials offer significantly improved traction compared to standard street tyres, especially during launches and acceleration.
Consistency
When correctly set up, drag radials can perform more consistently than traditional slicks, particularly for heavier street cars.
Stability
These tyres offer better top-end stability and tracking compared to bias-ply slicks1.
Versatility
Drag radials can be used on the street and at the drag strip, eliminating the need for tyre changes between street and track use.
Advantages for Street/Strip Use
Drag radial tyres offer several advantages when used for street/strip use:
- DOT-compliant for street use
- Better handling characteristics than full slicks
- Improved fuel economy due to lower rolling resistance
- Ability to handle higher vehicle weights compared to race-only slicks
- Less tyre growth during use, allowing for better fitment in street cars
Considerations & Limitations
While drag radials offer numerous benefits, there are some trade-offs to consider:
- Reduced tread life compared to standard street tyres
- Compromised wet-weather performance and increased risk of hydroplaning
- Less optimal for cornering and twisty roads compared to performance street tyres
- Suspension and vehicle setup may require changes for optimal performance
Compound Options
Tyre manufacturers offer drag radials in various compounds to suit different needs:
- Softer compounds provide maximum traction but wear faster
- Harder compounds offer increased longevity but less grip
- Some brands, like Mickey Thompson, aim to balance traction and tyre life with proprietary compound formulations
Drag Radial Tyres from Purnell Tyres in Australia
Purnell Tyres is a family-owned and operated company offering Australia’s best selection of tyre and wheel packages. While we supply wheels and tyres for every make and model, we specialise in wheel and tyre packages for American racing, muscle cars and old-school classic vehicles.
We can source, supply and fit Australia’s most popular brands of drag radial tyres:
Mickey Thompson Drag Radial Tyres
Mickey Thompson was a drag racer—it was in his DNA to “Stand on the Gas.” Mickey helped write the rules—he was there when Drag Racing was born, and his fingerprints and legacy are all over the sport today. Mickey Thompson drag tyres continue to set records and break records. To say our products set new standards and break traditions in innovation would be an understatement.
M&H Drag Radial Tyres
M&H Tyres is an American tyre manufacturer that produces high-quality drag racing tyres and their street/strip range of tyres. They specialise in drag racing tyres and, as such, have a large selection of tyres to choose from for Drag, Speedway and Street/Strip applications.
Pro Street Radial Drag Radial Tyres
Pro Street Radials is a tyre manufacturer specialising in high-performance drag radial tyres designed for automotive racing. Their tyres are ideal for both street vehicles heading to the track and dedicated drag racing cars, making them a favoured option among racers.
