Published September 03, 2025
Located adjacent to our South Bend headquarters, our test track allows our team to discover how each tire will behave under the extremes of emergency situations on the road or the limits of performance in competition.
Our fleet of test cars, an SUV, and a pickup truck are specially selected to give the best and most consistent results when testing tires.
Each tire model is tested and independently scored 1-10 on comfort and performance. We are the only retailer performing in-house, independent tire tests.
Length: (16:15)
Racetrack & Autocross Only
275/35R18 87W LL
Racetrack & Autocross Only
275/35R18 87W LL
Racetrack & Autocross Only
27/65-18
Racetrack & Autocross Only
275/35R18 87Y LL
Racetrack & Autocross Only
275/35R18 95W S
Racetrack & Autocross Only
275/35R18 95W SL
2024 BMW M2
Use these dropdowns to compare results and sort data to find any details you're looking for. When favorites are selected, this chart will default to only showing favorites. This can be changed by using the toggle below.
Want to really get down to it with the data? Try this head-to-head comparison. When favorites are selected, this chart will default to showing favorites first.
We always look forward to our annual road course test, and this year's edition raised the bar once again. In fact, we went all-in: tripling the number of tires compared to last year and diving into several long-requested categories. This round, we're putting Racetrack & Autocross tires through their paces and throwing in a Michelin racing slick (a newly available option for Tire Rack!) for good measure. As each test goes live, you'll find the links right here: Pilot Sport GT M vs Hoosier R7.
This report focuses exclusively on Racetrack & Autocross Only tires, tested under dry conditions at GingerMan Raceway. We're looking at high-speed performance and cornering behavior, conditions these tires are specifically engineered to handle. No wet testing or street driving; this is a pure track assessment. Each tire's lap times are listed with time deltas relative to the fastest tire (shown in parentheses.) In addition to driver impressions, the goal is to provide a clear comparison of performance characteristics under consistent, demanding conditions.
This test also introduces a new wear analysis method: high-resolution images were taken of each tire in its brand-new state, and then again after eight laps. By overlaying these images, we generated a topographical "heat map" that highlights areas of compound loss or gain, revealing patterns of wear, rubber pickup, and material migration. This visual data provides insight into how each tire responds to track use beyond lap times and subjective feedback.
Racetrack & Autocross Only
275/35R18 87W LL
"Raw ability" is a phrase that, if the A7 could be encapsulated so succinctly, would be represented in those two words. Plenty of grip, plenty of front-end authority, it felt composed and crisp and precise and underneath our drivers... for one lap. One and a half. Past that point, it was still good, it was still fast - the second fastest non-slick in fact - but the fall-off from those highs was noticeable. It felt fuzzier around the limits, where it had felt more exacting the lap prior, a tendency that only compounded as time went on.
Wear: The fall-off didn't seem to emerge from wear at least, with the A7 broadly showing little compound lost beyond the outside shoulder, where it lost around 1.5 ~ 2mm of material.
Fastest Dry Lap: 99.2 (-1.07)
Average Dry Lap: 100.56 (-1.93)
Racetrack & Autocross Only
275/35R18 87W LL
The more endurance-focused cousin of the A7, the R7 was a narrow step back in most performative respects. It still delivered sharp, immediate steering response, with quick turn-in and strong front-end authority. The R7 merely struggled to maintain that performance beyond the first lap, with noticeable fall-off in cornering grip and traction balance. The sharpness of the steering response required smoother inputs at the wheel to manage its behavior. While still composed overall, it didn't quite deliver the pace or consistency expected at this level.
Wear: As the control tire for this test, the R7 had more laps and more time put on it than the other tires - and consequently, we saw a .5 ~ 1mm drop over approximately 60% of the tread beginning from the outboard shoulder. The shoulder itself saw a much steeper loss approximately 2~2.5mm, not uncharacteristic given the turn-bias of the track itself.
Fastest Dry Lap: 99.73 (-1.6)
Average Dry Lap: 101.11 (-2.48)
Racetrack & Autocross Only
27/65-18
The only true racing slick among the test group, this non-DOT tire was an absolute joy to experience on the track. Its massive amounts of grip, immediate steering response, and commanding braking capability were definitively beyond everything else. It offered a substantial step up in confidence and pace, allowing us to carry more speed through corners and get to throttle sooner with ease. The car felt composed and responsive, and even if mistakes were made, the tire's generous traction reserves helped recover without drama. While there was some fall-off by the third lap, the overall experience left a strong impression, and it was an unquestionably dominant leader in speed.
Wear: The Pilot Sport GT S8M showed some gradation of loss along the outboard shoulder ranging from .5mm to 1.5mm, displaying some impressive resilience.
Fastest Dry Lap: 98.13
Average Dry Lap: 98.63
Racetrack & Autocross Only
275/35R18 87Y LL
A brand new tire from Pirelli, the P Zero Trofeo Track, like the name implies, was designed from the ground up to be a track-first tire, with just enough adherence to earn its DOT marking. It displayed progressive, natural steering and strong overall performance once it got up to temperature. It offered sharp but approachable front-end response, building confidence without feeling overly digital or twitchy. Braking required a bit more finesse compared to some other options, strong, but just not quite as immediate, which led to some pushing into corners. Still, once dialed in, it delivered a satisfying and cooperative driving experience, especially on the second lap when pressures and grip were in the sweet spot.
Wear: The Trofeo Track wore very nicely, with only a .5 mm line along the outboard shoulder. There was some minimal pick-up or migration along the inboard side, but very little change during the testing duration.
Fastest Dry Lap: 99.55 (-1.42)
Average Dry Lap: 100.70 (-2.07)
Racetrack & Autocross Only
275/35R18 95W S
Smooth, intuitive, and forgiving in a nutshell. It was balanced, approachable, just downright friendly to drive. While ultimate grip was notably below the fastest tires, it was still competitive and made up for that with excellent drivability and confidence. Steering felt natural and eager, and the tire maintained consistent performance across multiple laps without noticeable falloff. It stood out as a tire that encouraged you to keep pushing, lap after lap. It doesn't change the hard fact that it was the slowest tire of the day, but it was also one of the most pleasant to drive.
Wear: Apart from the leading edge of the center rib and the gradated .5~1.5 loss of compound along the outside shoulder of the Proxes R, any change was minor overall.
Fastest Dry Lap: 101.2 (-3.07)
Average Dry Lap: 101.49 (-2.86)
Racetrack & Autocross Only
275/35R18 95W SL
The ADVAN A055 was a standout on the track, delivering a driving experience that was forgiving and intuitive, while still having the traction and agility to deliver leading times. Steering was natural, progressive, and precise, with strong front axle authority that made the car easy to place and control. Braking was consistent and confidence-inspiring, and the overall balance made the tire approachable without sacrificing speed. As both a performance upgrade and a driver-friendly option, this was the total package, only further solidified by posting the fastest non-slick average times.
Wear: Wear: Both shoulders of the ADVAN A055 experienced some wear, though (like almost all of the tires) the majority of it was concentrated in the outboard shoulder.
Fastest Dry Lap: 99.03 (-0.9)
Average Dry Lap: 100.13 (-1.50)
All of these tires offer something worthwhile, whether suited to your driving style, experience, specific events, or simply the type of person you are. Tire shopping can be confusing at any performance level, but choosing the right set ahead of time can save time and energy on the track. That way, you can focus on enjoying the drive or pulling ahead of the competition.
First off, particularly compared to the DOT-approved tires in the Racetrack & Autocross tire category, there's no denying the Michelin Pilot Sport GT S8M benefits significantly from not being beholden to meeting the necessary requirements to make it road legal, and with the leash off, it showed. It hardly needs to be reiterated, but it was the best thing we drove in this group hands down, maybe as long as we've been testing tires; yes, it's not going to last for a long time, yes, it's not going to be legal for the road or some race events, but if you've ever wondered "how much better can a dedicated racing slick really be over something like a DOT semi-slick?" The answer is: a lot better. It magnifies everything you can possibly want the car to do and performs whatever you ask of it without complaint.
As for the rest, Yokohama's ADVAN A055 we've looked at on previous test platforms in narrower sizes and it didn't compare quite as favorably, but in this test, on the BMW M2, in a 275/35R18 size it was genuinely impressive. It wasn't just faster than anything else (which it was, by a commanding half-second), it managed to bring the performance without feeling like there was one magical flyer lap and then sharp fall-off, or having to work around some particularly negative characteristic or behavior. It was consistent, well-behaved, and fast.
Conversely, Hoosier's A7 was close behind in terms of speed, but it didn't have the endurance to maintain its first-lap steering and handling after we got some heat in it. It was still very quick and manageable enough during the inevitable fall-off, but just not quite there.
Pirelli's P Zero Trofeo Track is, as of this test, new in town and like any fresh tire, had something to prove, which it managed to do quite nicely. Its lap times weren't quite as thrilling as the leaders, but it wasn't a yawning chasm between them either. It was competitive. Moreover, its natural steering made it a pleasant option to track, and only improved as we went through subsequent laps. We'd like to see a little tighter braking, but a good show overall.
Speaking of pleasant tires: Toyo's Proxes R. It was fine! It was nice, compliant, did what was asked of it and didn't really fall-off from lap-to-lap. That kind of consistency is appreciated alongside its well-balanced nature. It would just be nice if it had a little more grip, a little stronger braking. Still, what a nice tire.
Hoosier's R7 rounds out the test set with a performance that fell behind most of the group, not just in time, but in the erosion of performance after its initial run. It remained somewhat consistent after that point, but with other competitors offering a smoother, faster, or more reliable experience, it's in a challenging position.
Ready for a new set of track & competition tires? Find the right tires for you at Tire Rack, with free shipping to over 10,000 Recommended Installer tire shops.
We can't help ourselves, we're always testing more tires out on the track. It's a good thing too, because with so many different categories and so many different features to evaluate, there aren't many places you're going to find this type of in-depth analysis. It's not a stretch to say with each tire test we do, you're going to learn something new - and maybe even find your next set of tires.
We tested six Extreme Performance Summer tires on the road, our test track, and at a road course to measure their performance, nuanced differences across each venue, and even threw in a Max Performance Summer tire to illuminate how EPs came to dominate.
We tested six Extreme Performance Summer tires on the road, our test track, and at a road course to measure their performance, nuanced differences across each venue, and even threw in a Max Performance Summer tire to illuminate how EPs came to dominate.
The Hoosier R7 and the Michelin Pilot Sport GT M go head-to-head to see just how much faster an actual racing slick is.
Need help choosing the right products for your vehicle? Our US-based team of highly trained experts has the knowledge and passion to help. Just pick up the phone and give us a ring. Or let's chat via email. We love solving problems and lending a hand (or an ear).
Contact Us