A new D.O.T.-approved tire from Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. will be the official tire of the Pro Spec Miata Series this year.
All Pro Spec Miatas will race on size 205/50/15 ECSTA V700 tires. The tires feature two nylon cap plies, which give the ECSTA V700 high-speed stability and resistance to centrifugal forces, according to Kumho.
The tire's new durable polyester casing profile helps it ride comfortably, while its directional tread design "provides superior acceleration, braking and cornering." Kumho says the directional tread design and symmetric internal construction allow tires with outer shoulder wear to be remounted “inside-out,” extending the life of the tires.
The ECSTA V700 also has silica tread compounding, two wide steel belts and large lateral and center channels. Overall, it performs better than Kumho's V700 Victoracer race tire, says the company.
“The ECSTA V700 is lighter than the Victoracer,” says Rudy Consolacion, motorsports manager for Kumho Tire U.S.A. “The ECSTA V700 also has a wider footprint, a higher spring rate and a softer tread compound than the Victoracer, which translates to improved handling.”
In its first year as a series, the Pro Spec Miata Series is sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and is an outgrowth of the Spec Miata class, one of the SCCA’s fastest growing classes. Series cars are essentially showroom stock cars, running with a stock motor and brakes, a spec suspension kit and full safety equipment.
“Kumho is heavily involved in SCCA racing and has been supportive of the Pro Spec Miata series concept from the beginning," says Jim Daniels, series coordinator. "The ECSTA V700 will provide performance, durability, reliability and value—traits that our competitors demand.”
