Drag/Strip Questions

Are drag tires street legal?
No! Even if you cut your own grooves they are not street legal. 

What is the largest drag tire I can put under my car?
There is no guideline. However, some racing classes have rules limiting tire size. You will have to use a tire size that can best utilize the space that is available without interfering with the sheet metal, suspension components, etc. 

What is the approved rim range for Mickey Thompson slicks?
The approved rim range for race tires is the tread width plus or minus 1. Note: The sidewall measurement will change with rim width. The rule of thumb is 4/10ths of an inch, over all, for each 1change in rim width. 

How much will a Mickey Thompson drag slick grow?
Over all diameter will affect the amount of growth that you will have. There are many variables that contribute to tire growth as well. Unless otherwise noted, Mickey Thompson drag slicks are considered a low growth tire. Mickey Thompson slicks will grow approximately 1 to 1 1/2 @ 150mph (Note: Radial slicks do not grow).

Please phone Mickey Thompson and they can help you in determining tire growth for your specific application.) 

How do I measure a drag tire for proper fitment?
Measure diameter and section width to ensure proper clearance with sheet metal, suspension components, etc. Remember to leave room for tire growth, at least twice the growth factor. A good rule of thumb for side clearance is to leave yourself at least 1/2 to 1 from side to side. 

Does Mickey Thompson offer slicks in different compounds?
Like all racing tire manufacturers, Mickey Thompson offers different compounds. In most cases, M/T do not offer choices, compounds are specific to size and application. 

What is the advantage to running a stiff sidewall tire? If there is no stiff sidewall slick in my size what can I do to stiffen the sidewall of my slick?
The advantage of a stiff sidewall is less tire wrap or sidewall distortion, thus reacting better at launch. Note: This is good for heavy cars, or cars with a suspension, that can absorb the initial launch. If you are running a fixed suspension car like a dragster or an altered, you would need the tire to absorb the launch, thus a softer sidewall. There are two ways to stiffen the sidewall. 1. Run tubes to help support the sidewall. 2. Matching the tread width with the wheel width, or going 1 wider on the wheel width, will stiffen the sidewall. 

Do I have to run tubes in my slicks?
You should run tubes in any tube type tire, some M/T race tires are tubeless. Tube type tires will leak air through the sidewalls. As pressure drops, heat increases and the chance of tire damage or failure is increased. Tubes will also aid in absorbing some of this heat. 

What size hole do I need in my wheel to accommodate Mickey Thompson racing tubes?
Most racing wheels come with the proper hole size. If your wheel won't accept the valve stem, you must drill the wheel to 5/8. Be sure to debur the hole and clean the wheel before mounting the tire and tube. 

I have a soft spot on the sidewall of my drag tire, and I have tubes, what is causing this?
Two possible causes of this are wrong tube size, or faulty tube installation. 

Should my Mickey Thompson slicks be balanced?
Yes. M/T suggests static or Bubble balancing. Dynamic or Spin balancing, a bias ply slick will work best only if the slick does not deform. In racing the tire goes through many changes in shape. Launching, the tire wrinkles and squats. As the car goes towards the top end, the tire begins to egg shape. A static balance assures the tire is balanced around the circumference as it deforms. 

What kind of burnout is recommended with Mickey Thompson slicks?
1. Automatic transmissions: 1st pass or two, do a fairly hard burnout. After that a light burnout should be sufficient.

2. Standard transmissions: -Stockers- No burnout or short, dry burnout is sufficient. Super Stock or Comp cars- light burnout, haze tires and stage immediately. Generally, tires work better with a light burnout, rather than a hard burnout. This also increases tire life.

Note: ET Street tires may require a fairly hard burnout on the 1st and 2nd pass to break in. 

Are Mickey Thompson drag slicks directional?
Mickey Thompson bias ply drag slicks are non directional. New tires that require running directional will have rotation arrows to signify this. Radial tires are directional. 

Should Mickey Thompson slicks be rotated side to side?
This should only be needed if you are getting excessive furring, shredding or tearing of the tread rubber. Mickey Thompson suggests that you rotate every 25-30 passes if needed. Larger tires and high horsepower cars may need to rotate more often. 

How do I get maximum performance out of my Mickey Thompson slicks?
Check air pressure every pass. Do not overheat in burnout. Rotate as needed. Replace tires if weather checking appears. 

Should I use traction compound (VHT) on Mickey Thompson slicks?
No. Mickey Thompson drag slicks are specially compounded. If you feel you need an additive to hook up you may need new tires. 

How long will my Mickey Thompson drag slicks last?
This will vary from car to car. Inconsistent 60' and 330' times caused by tread wear or carcass break down will be your signals to change the tires. Your tires have wear indicators in the tread to give you an idea of how much rubber is left on the tire. Cars that launch hard can cause the carcass material to break down. You should inspect your tires every 30 passes. More frequently in high horsepower cars. 

Are Mickey Thompson front drag tires tubeless?
All Mickey Thompson front drag tires are tubeless.(Effective 1/1/99) 

What kind of warranty is offered on Mickey Thompson drag tires?
There is no warranty offered on any tires used for racing.
Read this and more at First Choice Wheels and Tires
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