The Sportnex CR-S is Nankang's Extreme Performance Summer tire developed for track day participants, motorsports enthusiasts, or any driver looking for competition-ready levels of dry traction and handling. Designed for maximum performance in warm, dry to damp conditions, like all Extreme Performance Summer tires, the Sportnex CR-S is not intended to be stored, serviced, or driven in near-and below-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.
Nankang has designed the Sportnex CR-S from the ground up with performance in mind, featuring a new tread compound created to quickly reach ideal operating temperature; this track-optimized blend is molded into an asymmetric tread design built for speed. Broad-shouldered outer tread elements utilize minimal void for maximum lateral grip. An intermediate circumferential groove aids in heat dissipation during especially aggressive driving, and can aid the two inner grooves in evacuating water from the contact patch to resist hydroplaning and keep drivers in control.
The internal construction of the Nankang Sportnex CR-S features a two-ply, polyester casing to enhance handling and stability. Two wide, steel belts support the tread area and are reinforced by a sturdy Aramid cap ply to further improve handling and high-speed capability. The Sportnex CR-S boasts a sidewall compound designed to aid in heat management while enhancing stiffness for a reactive, yet predictable driving experience.
All future and in-stock Sportnex CR-S tires are comprised of Nankang’s updated V2 compound.Note: Tires exposed to temperatures of 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) or lower must be permitted to gradually return to temperatures of at least 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) for at least 24 hours before they are flexed in any manner, such as by adjusting inflation pressures, mounting them on wheels, or using them to support, roll or drive a vehicle.
Flexing of the specialized rubber compounds used in Extreme Performance Summer tires during cold-weather use can result in irreversible compound cracking. While compound cracking is not a warrantable condition because it occurs as the result of improper use or storage, tires exhibiting compound cracking must be replaced.
Related Information: Shaving Tires for Autocross / Track Use / Competition | Competition Tire Air Pressure | Storing Track & Competition DOT Tires in Cold Temperatures
When it comes to track days or race events, Extreme Performance Summer tires are a popular choice. In this test, we took seven exciting EP tires to a local road course to see how they stack up in this environment. From newcomers to category stalwarts, this test will help racers of all stripes find the right tire for their needs. If you haven’t already, see how this same lineup did in our standard test, Extreme Performance Summer – 2025 Test 4D.
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Tire Category: Extreme Performance Summer
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Customer ratings showcase the General AltiMAX RT45 as a well-rounded Grand Touring All-Season tire, with strong scores across key categories. Comfort stands out with smooth, quiet performance (8-10 ratings), complemented by reliable treadwear (7-10) that suggests durability for long-distance driving. Winter traction earns praise for light snow capability (7-10), though ice performance shows occasional lower scores (5-6), warranting cautious driving in severe conditions. Wet traction impresses with consistent 8-10 ratings for grip and hydroplaning resistance. Dry traction shines as a highlight, with near-perfect 9-10 scores for responsive handling and stability. Drivers appreciate its balanced all-season versatility, with many noting it delivers confident year-round performance for daily commuting and highway use.
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There are many ways for enthusiasts to compete. Autocross, track events, and time trials are just some of the ways drivers can test their mettle. When cross-competing, events don’t stop because of the rain, so is there a single tire that stands out across the board? In this test, the finale of our 2025 Extreme Performance/Track & Competition evaluations, we set out to answer that question.
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When it comes to track days or race events, Extreme Performance Summer tires are a popular choice. In this test, we took seven exciting EP tires to a local road course to see how they stack up in this environment. From newcomers to category stalwarts, this test will help racers of all stripes find the right tire for their needs. If you haven’t already, see how this same lineup did in our standard test, Extreme Performance Summer – 2025 Test 4D.
Read the Full Test Report
Extreme Performance Summer tires are at home during track days and racing events, but they’re also excellent at helping drivers get the most spirited experience out of their commutes or weekend drives. Our standard test format, which consists of road rides, dry and wet test track handling, dry and wet skid pad, and dry and wet braking, is designed to highlight these different areas and help our customers make the best choice for their needs.
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Testing Extreme Performance Summer, Streetable Track & Competition, and Racetrack & Autocross Only tires means returning to GingerMan Raceway for head-to-head testing. This year, a whopping 19 tires took part in this portion of the test to find out one thing: which are the fastest track and streetable track tires. Also included this year is a full racing slick, a Tire Rack first!
EP tires wear two distinct hats. They’re great on sporty and high horsepower vehicles conquering the everyday road and on those same vehicles as they dominate in various races and track days. The nuances here are many as increased traction and performance in one of these arenas can mean a tradeoff elsewhere. This two-part test lays it all bare and reveals just how close, but different, this category can be!
Read the Full Test Report
EP tires wear two distinct hats. They’re great on sporty and high horsepower vehicles conquering the everyday road and on those same vehicles as they dominate in various races and track days. The nuances here are many as increased traction and performance in one of these arenas can mean a tradeoff elsewhere. This two-part test lays it all bare and reveals just how close, but different, this category can be!
This year, there are two exciting new additions to the Extreme Performance Summer (200 treadwear) category. We test the Bridgestone Potenza Race and the Nankang Sportnex CR-S on the track against some of the best on the market to see how they stack up.
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The Sportnex CR-S is Nankang’s Extreme Performance Summer tires developed for track enthusiasts and competition. Designed to maximize dry grip, our team sets out to see if it has achieved its purpose by testing it against the speed benchmark in the group and two more endurance focused competitors.
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