NASA conducted a series of extensive tire tests from different competing manufacturers throughout the 2024 season. As a result of that testing, NASA determined that some of its classes would be better served with the all-new RCES from Hoosier Racing Tire.
Building upon the relationship cultivated during the creation of NASA’s Hoosier Spec Tire program launched in 2020 for the NASA Prototype NP01 series, NASA has selected the RCES as the new spec tire for: 944 Spec, American Iron, Camaro-Mustang Challenge, Spec Iron and Spec E46. American Iron, Camaro-Mustang Challenge, Spec Iron and Spec E46 will use the Hoosier W2 for wet weather competition, while 944 Spec will require the use of the Continental Extreme Contact Force.
Hoosier has aggressively priced the new RCES tires at a point drivers in these classes are accustomed to paying. Sizes will remain the same except for Spec E46, which will move from a 255 section width to a 245 in the RCES. A grace period will allow drivers to compete on tires they have left over from the 2024 season in their region’s first two events of 2025.
The new-for-2025 contingency program will launch alongside the new spec Hoosier RCES tire program and will award “Victory Vouchers” in scaled dollar amounts for first- through fifth-place finishers and even 10th through 14th if there are 10 or more starters. Drivers must register for the program at the beginning of each season, and cars must display four Hoosier decals.
NASA racers will claim Hoosier “Victory Vouchers” through an all-new contingency program administered by NASA. Program details and redemption information can be found on the Hoosier spec tire contingency page of NASA’s website. In addition, NP01 racers now will enjoy the new Hoosier contingency plan structure, though the NP01 will remain on the NP01X tire from Hoosier.
The Hoosier contingency program for the open-tire classes will remain the same as it is now.
“We’re excited to be expanding our partnership within NASA,” said Joerg Burfien, President & CEO, Hoosier Racing Tire. “We value the long-term relationship we’ve had with them and look forward to continuing that support in years to come. We have had great success in the NASA community with our Hoosier tires, and we’re happy to provide a cost-effective product that delivers the same great performance that racers expect from the Hoosier brand.”
Hoosier RCES
The Hoosier RCES was developed to offer the increased durability that spec-class racers want and to provide a consistent performance curve over the course of a session, as well as through multiple heat cycles. A brand-new tire and category for the company, RCES stands for Road Course Endurance Spec. Offered in multiple sizes under the RCES model line, the new tires were engineered with unique construction and compounds, each tailored to the NASA racing class selected to ensure optimal performance for each platform.
NASA conducted extensive testing during the 2024 season that relied heavily on input from NASA racers, professional drivers and industry experts that were invited to participate in the testing. The testing was conducted mainly in Southern California at multiple tracks with vastly different environmental conditions.
“Managing change fairly and effectively is aways a challenge in motorsports. With new products emerging in the racing tire market, we are making adjustments to some of our spec classes with our racer’s needs as the highest priority,” said NASA CEO Jeremy Croiset. “We found in testing that the new Hoosier RCES meets or exceeds expectations by providing the durability and consistency so highly prized by spec-class racers. Hoosier was willing to pair an excellent contingency program with a fantastic tire that we felt would be the best fit for these classes. Based upon our testing, I think NASA racers in these classes will really love this new tire!”
For more information, visit the Hoosier RCES information page.
