Slicks Rules question

Jimi B · 06-26-2011, 02:28 PM

The short an sweet question:

Obviously when it comes to max, the definitive guide line is the actual measurement of the TREAD and not the nominal tire size stamped on the tire. But could you run a slick with a nominal tire size that is larger than 9" but the actual measurement of the TREAD is in fact 1" smaller than the max?

I'm fighting some wheel size/backspacing, and slick size fitment issues on my fwd car im preparing for stock. Long story short im having troubles finding a combo that will work for me to get the max width in the height that that I want on a 15" wheel that fits under my front fender with no tread extending out from the fender. I have 16" wheels that work offset wise to get a 8.5" slick under there. But in 16" wheel slicks there are alot of 9.5" slicks, but the tread width is only 8".

Here is what the rule book reads:

Street-type or drag slick tires, maximum 9-inch tread width. Tires
may not be altered from tire manufacturer’s original design or
pattern. Size of tire (new) must not exceed 9-inch wide x 30-inch
diameter (94-inch circumference). Tires may not exceed 10 inches
wide regardless of wear. Front tires must have a full street pattern
and must measure a minimum of 4 1/2 inches on ground. Tire tread
may not extend outside fender; maximum clearance between side
wall and body is 3 inches. Slicks permitted on FWD cars. All-wheeldrive
vehicles must have treaded front tires. Recapped/retreaded
tires prohibited. See General Regulations 5:1.

Jeff Lee · 06-27-2011, 03:44 AM

There is NO mention of the slick having something imprinted on the sidewall. So yes, as long as you are confident that there is no way an official could measure differently than you; by way of method or tool, then you will be OK.
FYI - The reason they don't go off a p/n is because tread widths vary with wheel widths and wear (tread width can change with wear).

Jimi B · 06-27-2011, 11:31 AM

Thank you. And also some of the tires im looking at all though they say 9.5 on the them, they are under the 8" tread width section on jegs website.

Jeff Lee · 06-27-2011, 11:37 AM

NHRA used to have a rule that you could have 12.5" tread IF it was a treaded DOT tire. Is that rule still in place?
If so, that might give you some leeway using a DOT drag radial.

06-26-2011, 02:28 PM	#1
Jimi B Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 226 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Slicks Rules question The short an sweet question: Obviously when it comes to max, the definitive guide line is the actual measurement of the TREAD and not the nominal tire size stamped on the tire. But could you run a slick with a nominal tire size that is larger than 9" but the actual measurement of the TREAD is in fact 1" smaller than the max? I'm fighting some wheel size/backspacing, and slick size fitment issues on my fwd car im preparing for stock. Long story short im having troubles finding a combo that will work for me to get the max width in the height that that I want on a 15" wheel that fits under my front fender with no tread extending out from the fender. I have 16" wheels that work offset wise to get a 8.5" slick under there. But in 16" wheel slicks there are alot of 9.5" slicks, but the tread width is only 8". Here is what the rule book reads: Street-type or drag slick tires, maximum 9-inch tread width. Tires may not be altered from tire manufacturer’s original design or pattern. Size of tire (new) must not exceed 9-inch wide x 30-inch diameter (94-inch circumference). Tires may not exceed 10 inches wide regardless of wear. Front tires must have a full street pattern and must measure a minimum of 4 1/2 inches on ground. Tire tread may not extend outside fender; maximum clearance between side wall and body is 3 inches. Slicks permitted on FWD cars. All-wheeldrive vehicles must have treaded front tires. Recapped/retreaded tires prohibited. See General Regulations 5:1. __________________ Jimmy Bowling BF/S 3808 www.facebook.com/jimib1980

06-27-2011, 03:44 AM	#2
Jeff Lee VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anthem, Arizona Posts: 2,766 Likes: 0 Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Slicks Rules question There is NO mention of the slick having something imprinted on the sidewall. So yes, as long as you are confident that there is no way an official could measure differently than you; by way of method or tool, then you will be OK. FYI - The reason they don't go off a p/n is because tread widths vary with wheel widths and wear (tread width can change with wear). __________________ Jeff Lee 7494 D/S '70 AMX Last edited by Jeff Lee; 06-27-2011 at 11:35 AM.

06-27-2011, 11:31 AM	#3
Jimi B Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 226 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Slicks Rules question Thank you. And also some of the tires im looking at all though they say 9.5 on the them, they are under the 8" tread width section on jegs website. __________________ Jimmy Bowling BF/S 3808 www.facebook.com/jimib1980

06-27-2011, 11:37 AM	#4
Jeff Lee VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anthem, Arizona Posts: 2,766 Likes: 0 Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Slicks Rules question NHRA used to have a rule that you could have 12.5" tread IF it was a treaded DOT tire. Is that rule still in place? If so, that might give you some leeway using a DOT drag radial. __________________ Jeff Lee 7494 D/S '70 AMX