Toyo Announces RA-1 Successor
June 22nd, 2007
Toyo has announced the release of the Proxes R888 tire to the U.S. market. The “R-triple-8″ is a D.O.T. approved R-compound competition tire, and will replace the very popular Proxes RA-1. The R888 is intended to improve upon the RA-1 in responsiveness and traction. Like the RA-1, it is designed for road racing and track days.
It appears as if extra emphasis has been placed on dry traction, as semi-slick shoulder areas are used, and a 6/32 initial tread depth is utilized (in comparison to 8/32 with the RA-1). Although, a unidirectional V-shaped tread is used to enhance wet traction.
Like the RA-1, the R888 has a relatively good tread wear rating, at 100. We’ll have to wait and see if it follows the RA-1’s popularity as a mandated tire in various SCCA/NASA racing series.
The R888 will be available in the U.S. soon, in 17 thru 19 inch sizes. Several more sizes will follow, before the RA-1 is retired.