The selection of the best tires was one of the most critical decisions that the Banks team had to make during the initiation of the design process. Suspension design and geometry is based on the performance characteristics of the tires. The final configuration of the chassis had to accommodate the suspension design, as well as the wheels and tires selected. Even the selection of the wheels was based, in part, on the tires selected.

To handle the anticipated speeds, vehicle weight, and track configurations, the team selected Goodyear Eagle racing tires. Fronts are 25.5x12-17 and the rears are 28.5x14.5-17. These Le Mans prototype tires are available in soft, intermediate, and hard endurance compounds to meet varying traction and tire wear conditions. An intermediate compound, which offers a good balance between traction and wear resistance, was selected as the logical starting setup.

While the weight of the D-MAX Type-R is balanced 50/50 front to rear, larger rear tires are needed to transfer the engine’s massive 800 lb.-ft. into forward motion.

Goodyear specifies wheel widths of 13.5” and 14.5” for these front and rear tires, respectively. Utilizing a front wheel width that is wider than the tread of the tire provides exceptional sidewall stability on the road racecourses. Back spacing is 8-3⁄4” on the front and 7” on the rear wheels. The D-MAX team selected Bogart Racing Wheels for their lightweight, durability, and appearance. These exceptionally strong, 17”, modular aluminum wheels feature spun outer rims and machined billet aluminum centers.

When track testing begins, the D-MAX team will do extensive evaluation of different tire compounds and also of tire pressure combinations.

Wheels and Tires Overview:

• Goodyear Eagle G-19 road race radial slicks

• Various compounds available

• Front tire size: 25.5x12.5-17

• Rear tire size: 28.5x14.5-17

• Bogart three-piece aluminum race wheels

• Front size: 13.5”x17”

• Rear size: 14.5”x17”