As a result of extensive tire testing and development throughout 2024 and 2025, NASA and Hoosier Racing Tire are pleased to announce that Spec Miata will begin racing on the all-new Hoosier RCES starting in 2026.
The tire is similar to the RCES adopted for use in 944 Spec, American Iron, Camaro-Mustang Challenge, Spec Iron and Spec E46 in 2025, but the new tire uses proprietary construction, and was developed specifically for Spec Miata.
Size will remain the same at P205-50-ZR15, and retail pricing has been established at $231 apiece for the RCES. For wet weather competition, the class will use the Hoosier SMW.
The compound for the SMW was developed in 2019 to place greater emphasis on cost containment for the SM class. The SMW is harder, and more durable than the highly regarded Hoosier H2O variant, but maintains similar levels of performance in wet and drying conditions.
As part of the new spec tire program, Hoosier 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 new 2026 contingency program at the beginning of each season, and cars must display four Hoosier decals. For ease and convenience, drivers will claim contingencies right on the NASA website.
Program details and redemption information can be found on the Hoosier spec tire contingency page of NASA’s website. The Hoosier contingency program for the open-tire classes remains the same.
“We’re proud that Hoosier Racing Tire has been selected as the new spec tire for NASA’s Spec Miata series,” said Paul Menting, VP Sales, Hoosier Tire. “It’s exciting to bring our RCES tire to such an iconic class, and our team looks forward to supporting Hoosier racers in both spec and open-tire competition throughout 2026 and beyond.”
The tires are available now from your usual suppliers, including TrackDayTire.com, but not legal for competition or contingency redemption until 2026.
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 that relied heavily on input from NASA racers, professional drivers and industry experts that were invited to participate in 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, especially for a series as vital as Spec Miata,” said NASA CEO Jeremy Croiset. “We found in testing that the new Hoosier RCES provides the durability, feedback and consistency highly prized by spec-class racers. Hoosier also created an excellent contingency program that we know will be the great fit for the series.”
For more information, visit the Hoosier RCES information page.
