SOD FAQ #3 – All about the SOD 2016 spec tires

 QUESTION #1 – What are the SOD spec tires for 2016?

 The SOD right rear is a Hoosier 100/13-15, medium compound.

  The SOD left rear is a Hoosier 92/12.5-15, D15 compound.

QUESTION #2 – Why have the tires changed?  

The primary reasons the tires were changed were to achieve a level of competition that will help the sport of sprint car racing not only survive, but thrive in the future and to control costs.  This will be accomplished through SOD’s immediate objectives: increasing car counts, decreasing competitor costs, bringing additional interest and sponsorship into the sport, and providing its promoter partners and race fans with affordable, exciting racing.

QUESTION #3 – Did SOD meet its objectives and how?

Yes.

First, SOD determined what requirements would be necessary to meet its objectives.  Hoosier Racing Tire then applied their expertise in racing tire design and development to produce tires that would meet SOD’s requirements.  Once prototype tires were manufactured, the tires were tested in strictly controlled 360 and 410 test sessions.  The results of testing were exactly as needed to meet SOD’s objectives.

QUESTION #4 – What is the SOD rule for wheels?

There isn’t one.

QUESTION #5 – I was told that the left rear tire is a late model tire?

No, that was a false rumor.  While the right rear is a sprint car tire that has been around a long time, the left rear is a new tire per SOD’s requirements, designed and built by Hoosier for winged sprint cars.  Although late models tires are required as spec tires by some sprint car sanction organizations,  that is not the case with SOD.

QUESTION #6 – I hear tire costs will skyrocket?

No, there will be no increase in price for tires bought from SOD in 2016.

QUESTION #7 – Do the tires have to be bought from SOD?

No, we suggest that you purchase the tires from your regular Hoosier Racing Tire supplier, but you can also buy them from SOD if you prefer.

Another rumor was that SOD would charge anything they wanted since the tires could only be bought from them.  In reality, Hoosier can and does sell these tires through anyone they want; SOD does not have exclusive rights to the tires.

 QUESTION #8 – Is it going to cost $400 just for the spec tires before the race even starts?

Yes, just like last season.  There will be no price increase in 2016.  In 2015 a SOD right rear tire price was $200 and a left rear was $220, totaling $420 per set.

Sprint car teams have changed tires to gain a competitive edge; better financed teams have used a minimum of three left rears per show.  That translates into at least $860 in tire costs for those who could afford it.  With a single left rear tire in 2016, it isn’t difficult to conclude that tire costs will decrease.

While no one used every available left rear tire, competitors had over 30 different left rear sprint car tire size/compound combinations available in 2015; 2016 competitors will have one.  Allowing just one left rear tire will help equalize competition.

QUESTION #9 – Will SOD be the only place these tires will be run?

No.

 QUESTION #10 – Will fans see those rear tires once and walk away and just laugh?

No.  Just like when the World of Outlaws went to a 2” narrower right rear tire a few years ago, no one has noticed the SOD spec tires when they have seen them on a track.  The tires maintain a true sprint car appearance in every way.

The SOD 2016 tires.

QUESTION #12 – Where can I see the spec tires?

The SOD spec tires will be on display in the Keizer Wheels booth (#2801) at the PRI (Performance Racing Industry) show in Indianapolis, December 10-12.
 

 QUESTION #13 – When can I buy the spec tires?

Hoosier Racing Tire will have the tires available after the first of the year.