Hoosier Tires Review - Brand Guide

‍About Hoosier Tires

Hoosier has been around the racing industry for quite some time. The idea behind this brand was conceived around 1950, when Bob Newton, together with his wife, started a small racing career in Indiana.

And like his fellow drivers, Bob had to compete with on-street tires. And as you may probably know, such tires are not designed for such activities.

After struggling with on-street tires for a while, Bob started producing his own racing tires in 1957. He even started selling the tires to his fellow racers.

In 1992, Hoosier opened its second manufacturing plant. And in 2016, it was acquired by Continental Tire.

Today, this brand has grown to become one of the biggest race tire manufacturers worldwide.

Best Selling Hoosier Tires

Hoosier manufactures a vast selection of competition tires, designed for both professional and amateur racers. Some of its most popular tires include:

Asphalt Oval Tires

Hoosier has been producing Asphalt Oval tires for more than 50 years. It produces several types of tires for this category, designed to be used in various events.

Recently, Hoosier introduced a 7-inch treaded tire, designed for entry-level racing.

According to Hoosier, this 850-compound racing tire is engineered to be sturdy and long-wearing while enabling the racer to enjoy a consistent performance at the track.

This 7-inch treaded tire is available as a rib-tread tire and a street-tread tire, designed to meet the needs of various users.

It’s important to mention that Hoosier’s Asphalt Oval tires are not DOT approved, meaning they are not approved for highway use.  

Circuit Racing Tires

Hoosier has grown to become one of the biggest suppliers of circuit racing tires nationwide.

Its success in this field can be attributed to the continuous improvement of its products, to ensure they perform optimally at the racing circuit.

Also, it frequently releases new tires in this category, to meet the growing needs of its circuit-racing customers. Some of its recent releases in this category include:

New GT2 Slick

Designed for GT2 and Historic Stock Cars, this tire has been equipped with an advanced tread compound.

This tread compound heats up quickly, thus generating a significantly higher peak lateral grip while inspiring assured braking in circuit racing events.

According to Hoosier, this tire also delivers faster overall lap times, compared to other slicks on the market today.

New R55A

Hoosier has also released a new R55A radial tire, specifically built for Formula Continentals participating in circuit racing events.

It features the same construction that you will find in the R35B FC radial tire, which is mainly used in club racing events.

However, Hoosier has gone a step further and outfitted the new R55A with a durable compound, designed to enhance the tire’s racing performance and consistency.

Dirt Oval Tires

Hoosier is one of the most renowned brands when it comes to dirt track racing tires.

Its dirt track racing tires can be used in various racing events that promote Street Stock, Sprint Car, Modified, Late Model, Midget, Silver Crown, Northeast Modified and Micro Sprint, among others.

It also makes tires designed to meet the needs of different racers.

So, whether you are looking for racing tires for the open competition market or you need tires for spec tire applications, there’s a high chance that Hoosier has a design that will meet your needs. Some of its latest additions to this category include:

New 27.5/8.0-15 Turbo Tire

If you frequently participate in off-road racing events, you will need a sturdy and reliable tire, which can comfortably handle such conditions.

And that tire is none other than the new Hoosier 27.5/8.0-15 Turbo tire.

According to Hoosier, this tire has been fitted with a more aggressive sidewall, designed to ensure vehicle stability, when cornering at extremely high speeds.

It also features increased tread depth, to ensure it can provide the grip needed for the rugged off-road terrains.

New TQ Midget Dirt Tire

Hoosier has also added a new TQ Midget tire to its Dirt Oval collection.

This front tire has been equipped with the renowned Cross Angle Block tread pattern, to ensure the tire grips the surface of the dirt track tightly.

And as a result, you will be able to drive your car at higher speeds and negotiate turns easily.

Drag Racing Tires

Hoosier has been producing drag racing tires for more than 27 years. And during that time, its tires have won various drag racing events.

What makes its drag racing tires among the best performers on the market is its continuous investment in research and development.

Its tires are built to deliver maximum traction, grip, responsiveness and handling to ensure superior performance during drag racing events.

It also caters to various categories of drag racers, ranging from casual racers, amateurs and professionals.

So, if you are looking for reliable, affordable, consistent and fast drag racing slicks, then Hoosier has got you covered.

And like the other categories, Hoosier is continuously adding new tires to its drag racing collection. Some of the newest additions include:

Enhanced N2021 Drag Tire

The Hoosier C2055 has been one of the best performing drag racing tires in the industry.

However, Hoosier has made it better, with the introduction of a new compound known as N2021.

According to Hoosier, this new tread compound is designed to improve a vehicle’s tuning window.

Also, it’s designed to minimize tire shake while enhancing forward-moving traction, leading to faster lap times.

Karting Tires

Whether you are Go-Karting for fun or you are participating in a competition, you will need a set of karting tires that can deliver the best performance possible.

And this is where Hoosier comes in. It has been producing some of the best karting tires, for close to fifteen years. It produces karting tires for two main categories:

Sprint Karting

Hoosier makes a wide range of sprint karting tires, for both dry and wet surfaces. These tires are ideal for Autocross, Sprint, Super Kart and Enduro events.

Furthermore, they are ideal for drivers of all experience levels. So, whether you are an amateur racer or a professional, these tires will meet your driving and performance needs.

Most of its sprint karting tires are 5-inch and 6-inch bead size tires, built for a wide range of racing events like open competition racing, spec tire racing, and entry-level racing.

For open competition racing, you will need a tire that can deliver the ultimate performance.

And when it comes to spec tire racing, the tires should deliver predictable and consistent performance.

And as for entry-level racing, the tires should lean more towards durability as opposed to performance.

Regardless of the type of event or your level of experience, Hoosier sprint karting tires will always meet your expectations.

Oval Karting

As mentioned above, Hoosier also produces oval karting tires. And its tires are among the most popular in this category.

According to racers who have used these tires, Hoosier’s oval karting tires are a step ahead of the competition.

Its oval karting slicks feature different compounds, which are compatible with various tracks and terrains.

So, whether you are driving on dirt tracks or you are sliding on asphalt, finding a Hoosier oval karting tire that aligns with your needs shouldn’t be a problem.

Some of its most popular tires in this category include:

Angle Blocked Treaded Kart Tire

Released in November 2020, the Hoosier angle blocked treaded kart tire is designed to provide enhanced performance for outlaw and cage karts.

It comes with a tread width of approximately 6.25 inches and it’s currently available only in a single size.

Super Kart and Enduro Tire

If you are looking for a reliable set of super kart tires, then you should check out these Hoosier super kart tires.

According to the information posted on its website, you can use this tire as a wider or taller front option for your Super Kart.

Also, you can use it as a rear tire option, if you have a powerful Enduro kart. And whichever way you opt to use this tire, you are assured of top-notch performance.

Off-Road Motocross Tires

Hoosier produces some of the best off-road tires. Its tires can be used in a wide range of racing events such as Motocross, ATV, and UTV, among others.

And you have 3 different compounds to choose from, depending on the event you want to participate in. These include the MX20, MX25 and MX30.

Each tire compound comes with different stiffness. Therefore, you simply need to choose one that aligns with the conditions you are likely to encounter.

Hoosier also produces an 18-inch tire, specifically designed for off-roading tires. So, do these tires perform according to expectations? Let’s take a closer look.

MX25 Front Tire Performance

The Hoosier MX25 feels softer than most of the other tires out there. According to those who have used it, it soaks up bumps, rocks and other imperfections with ease.

It’s more like having a second set of suspensions. It also adds front-end comfort to a bike, which is not a mean achievement.

Its cornering stability is equally outstanding, even when you are riding on loose terrain.

Also, it can comfortably handle a wide range of terrains, varying from soft to hard-packed surfaces.

If you are an aggressive rider that likes to push their bike to the limit, then you will like this tire.

MX20 Rear Performance

The Hoosier MX20 is a great tire for both amateur and professional riders. It delivers outstanding straight-line traction, even when you are accelerating.

It also provides adequate cornering grip. Its lean angle traction is also one of the best, especially when the surface is soft.

But if you encounter hard surfaces, it feels as if the tire is rolling too much on its wheel. It also tends to lose some of its grip.

And as for riding comfort, you will never complain whenever you are using this tire. It absorbs surface imperfections, thanks to its superb tire cushion.

Hoosier MX30

Released in May 2020, this new Hoosier MX30 tire features the same compound that you will find in premium racing tires.

According to Hoosier, this tire is also capable of performing at the highest level, which means you can use it in almost all types of racing events.

Hoosier has equipped this tire with an intermediate tread pattern, designed to deliver superior performance in varying conditions and terrains.

Pro Street Tires

Hoosier also manufactures various types of pro street tires. And its Hoosier Pro Street radial tire is among the most popular on the market.

Whether you are a Hot Rod or Pro Street enthusiast, this tire has the features and capabilities to deliver the performance you deserve.

It has been meticulously designed to enhance your vehicle’s looks, without compromising on drivability and ride comfort.

Rally Tires

Hoosier has been making rally tires since 2015. And its tires have won several races since then.

Its rally tires are available in two types. These are Tarmac Rally tires and Gravel Rally tires.

Hoosier Tarmac Rally Tires

Hoosier Tarmac Rally tires are engineered in accordance with FIA regulations. Their tread features several diagonal grooves, cutting across two circumferential grooves.

These rally tires are available in 4 distinct compounds, which are soft, wet, hard and medium, designed to accommodate various racing surfaces and events.

Hoosier Gravel Rally Tires

As mentioned above, Hoosier also produces tires for Gravely Rally. These tires are available in two 13-inch sizes and three 15-inch sizes.

Both types are equipped with an asymmetrical tread pattern, designed to deliver optimal performance on both loose and soft surfaces.

Hoosier has also equipped them with molded in-sipes, which help in traction and grip while minimizing tread wear.

These Hoosier Gravely Rally tires also feature rock-deflecting shoulder blocks, as well as reinforced sidewalls, designed to enhance the tire’s puncture resistance.

If you take a closer look at this tire, you will also notice that its sidewall design is unique. It’s designed this way to protect both the sidewall and the rim against accidental impacts.

Hoosier Tires Warranty Policy

Most racing tires don’t have a warranty. And considering that Hoosier tires are mainly used for racing or non-conventional use, its tires don’t have a warranty.

According to Hoosier, its tires are sold “as-is”, meaning claim a replacement, even if the tire develops a defect a few days after buying it.

It’s also important to mention that Hoosier tires are not tested to meet ECE36 safety standards.

Therefore driving with them on the highway is not only illegal but also a danger to other road users.

Hoosier Tires Rotation and Mounting Guidelines

Whether you’ve purchased Hoosier Asphalt Oval tires, Circuit Racing tires, Drag Racing tires, Dirt Oval tires, Karting tires, Rally tires or Pro Street tires, it’s highly important to mount and rotate them properly.

Proper mounting and rotation will help the tire to deliver optimum performance and help to extend its lifetime.

Tires with Directional Arrows

If the Hoosier tires you’ve purchased come with directional arrows, then you should mount them in a way that the tire travels in the arrow’s direction.

The arrows are usually placed on both sidewalls. Therefore, finding these arrows shouldn’t be hard.

Tires without Directional Arrows

Hoosier tires without directional arrows should be mounted depending on their designation.

And for such tires, you will mount them using the serial code, which is usually embossed on one of the tire’s sidewalls.

Road Racing Tires

If you have purchased a set of Hoosier road racing tires, then you should mount them with their serial code facing the vehicle’s center.

And after some time, you can then dismount them and then remount in the opposite direction, to ensure uniform wear.

Drag Racing Tires

Unlike the other types, you can mount these tires with the serial code facing any direction.

Furthermore, you can also reverse, rotate or flip them in any direction, to ensure uniform wear.

Circle Track Racing Tires

For circle track racing tires, you should mount them with the serial code facing the infield.

Hoosier Racing Tires Air Pressure Recommendations

Unlike conventional tires, racing tires have to adhere to specialized air pressure standards.

So, whenever you are using Hoosier racing tires, it will be highly advisable to follow the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines, to ensure optimal performance and safety.

General Air Pressure Guidelines

Whenever you are using new Hoosier racing tires, you may sometimes feel as if they are not providing adequate traction.

And you may be tempted to reduce their air pressure, in an attempt to boost their traction on the surface.

However, Hoosier advises against doing this. Reducing the air pressure from hot tire pressure points to cold tire pressure points will reduce their performance and accelerate their wear rate.

Also, you need to monitor the tires’ air pressure levels throughout the day, to ensure they don’t get overinflated or underinflated.

Autocross Applications

If you will be participating in an autocross event using Hoosier tires, then your starting pressure should be approximately 1 to 2 psi above the recommended range.

You should maintain this pressure for the first run. During the first run, the heat generated on the track may increase the tires’ air pressure slightly.

So, you will need to keep resetting their air pressure back to the original setting before you proceed onto the next run.

With this approach, your Hoosier autocross tires will maintain the right air pressure throughout the race.

Hoosier Tires Fitment and Compatibility

Hoosier tires are compatible with a wide range of vehicles. However, it’s important to ensure proper tire and vehicle setup.

Rear Engine Vehicles

If you own a rear-engine vehicle, then it will be highly advisable to match its OE rear tire diameter with the Hoosier racing tire that you intend to use.

Maintaining the same rear diameter will lead to a higher load-carrying capacity.

Furthermore, using a Hoosier race tire with the same or bigger diameter will enhance the vehicle’s shock-absorption capabilities, increase its cornering grip and help to minimize wheel spin.

If you use a smaller tire, it will overheat during the race and it will eventually fail. And as for air pressure, you should maintain at least 2 to 3 psi during the runs above the recommended range.

Front Wheel Drive Vehicles

Front-wheel vehicles present numerous challenges when it comes to racing tire setup. And this can be attributed to the combination of acceleration, steering and braking in the front tire.

For these tires, Hoosier recommends the user maintain air pressure levels of between 48 and 52psi.

And if you are only limited to a smaller Hoosier race tire than your vehicle’s wheel size, then you should increase the air pressure slightly above 52psi.

Hoosier Tires Price Range

Hoosier tires cost approximately $50 to $600 per tire, depending on the type of tire you are buying.

The go-kart tires are the cheapest while the circuit racing DOT tires are the most expensive Hoosier tires.

Hoosier Tires Pros

• Reasonably-priced tires
• Top-notch performances

Hoosier Tires Cons

• No tire warranties

Should You Buy Hoosier Tires?

If you are looking for reliable, affordable, and well-made racing tires, then you should check out Hoosier Racing Tires. And while these tires may not match the durability of those offered by the premium brands, you are assured of getting value for your money.