Picture a sea of orange cones spread across an empty parking lot or airport tarmac. One car at a time attacks a course that's over almost as quickly as it begins, dancing through slaloms, diving into tight corners, and charging toward the finish while fellow enthusiasts watch from the sidelines.
Autocross has a way of humbling even experienced drivers because there's nowhere to hide. Every braking point, every steering input, and every ounce of grip matters. It's also one of the fastest ways to become a better driver.
When you're trying to smash your track time, there's one upgrade that consistently makes the biggest difference, and it isn't horsepower. It's track-designed tires.
What Is Autocross?
Autocross is a timed driving competition held on a temporary course marked by traffic cones.
Drivers compete one at a time against the clock rather than wheel-to-wheel against other competitors, making it one of the safest, most affordable, and most accessible forms of motorsports.
The best part? Almost anyone can show up with the car they already own.
What Autocross Isn't
If you've never attended an event, it's easy to assume autocross is just driving around a few cones or competing wheel to wheel with other drivers.
Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, autocross isn't about top speed at all because most courses rarely exceed 60mph. Instead, it's a game of precision where braking a foot too early, turning in a fraction too late, or getting back to the throttle too aggressively can cost valuable time.
Cars run individually, allowing drivers to safely explore the limits of both themselves and their vehicles without worrying about another competitor in the next lane.
Think of it as solving a high-speed puzzle, one corner at a time.
Your First Autocross Doesn't Require a Race Car
One of the biggest misconceptions about autocross is that you need a heavily modified car to have fun at the cone battlefield. The reality is that you absolutely do not.
That's part of what makes autocross so addictive. Driver skill almost always matters more than horsepower, and the learning curve is incredibly rewarding. Every run teaches you something new, and every tenth of a second feels earned.
If you're thinking about signing up for your first event, don't wait until you've built the "perfect" car; just bring the one sitting in your driveway.
Why Tires Matter More Than Horsepower
Spend enough time around an autocross paddock, and you'll hear the same advice repeated over and over again: Buy tires before you buy horsepower.
Every input you make, from steering and braking to acceleration, passes through four contact patches on each tire that are each about the size of your hand. Increase the grip available at those four corners, and everything improves. The car stops shorter, changes direction more quickly, and gives you the confidence to carry more speed through every corner.
Track tires are one of the few upgrades that make every part of the racing experience feel more dialed in.
Understanding the 200TW Rule
If you've spent even a few minutes talking with experienced autocross drivers, you've probably heard someone mention 200-treadwear tires.
Many autocross classes require a minimum treadwear rating of 200 (200TW). The rule was designed to keep competition centered around high-performance street tires rather than dedicated R-comps. The result has been an incredible generation of tires that blur the line between street and competition rubber.
That doesn't mean every beginner should rush out and buy a set.
What you have is more than capable of helping you learn the fundamentals, and driver improvement will almost always produce bigger gains than a few percentage points of grip. After you're consistently chasing class trophies instead of simply improving your driving skills, that's when an Extreme Performance Summer tire starts making more sense.
Eventually, almost every regular autocross starts asking the same question. Should I buy a second set of wheels?
If you're attending a handful of events each season and driving the same tires to work every Monday, the answer is usually "not yet." Seat time remains the best investment you can make.
When autocross becomes a regular hobby, however, a dedicated tire-and-wheel package starts to make a lot of sense. You'll preserve your daily tires, enjoy more consistent performance throughout the day, and gain access to some of the grippiest street-legal tires available.
Autocross Frequently Asked Questions
What is autocross?
Autocross is a timed motorsport in which drivers navigate a cone-defined course, one car at a time. Rather than racing directly against other vehicles, competitors race against the clock, making autocross one of the safest and most approachable forms of performance driving.
Do I need a special car for autocross?
No. One of the best things about autocross is that almost anyone can participate with the vehicle they already own. Everything from Honda Civics, Honda Fit, and Mazda Miatas, minivans and light trucks regularly compete at local events. Driver skill matters far more than horsepower.
What tires are best for autocross?
For beginners, the tires you already have or a quality Performance Summer tire is an excellent place to start. As your skills improve and you begin competing more seriously, many drivers move to 200-treadwear (200TW) Extreme Performance Summer tires for additional grip and consistency.
What is a 200TW tire?
A 200TW, or 200-treadwear, tire is a high-performance street tire that meets the minimum treadwear requirement used by many autocross classes. These tires deliver exceptional grip while remaining street legal, making them a popular choice for both autocross and track events.
Is autocross hard on tires?
Yes. It can be, especially after you start driving aggressively. Autocross places significant demands on a tire's shoulders and tread, but because runs are short, overall wear is often less severe than on a full track day. Regular tire rotations and maintaining proper tire pressures can help maximize tread life.
Ready for Your First Autocross Event?
Whether you're preparing for your first autocross or looking to shave time off your next run, the right track tires can completely change how your car feels. You can also check out our independent tire tests and thousands of consumer reviews to find the best tires for your next autocross event.
With over 10,000 approved and trusted installers across America, you’re in excellent hands.
World-Class Customer Care
Need help? You’ll reach a U.S.-based team whose expert guidance helps drive Tire Rack’s Net Promoter Score of 86.5*, well above the 80+ benchmark for “world‑class.”
*May 2026
Revolutionizing Tire Buying Since 1979
From our first location to launching nationwide mail order to creating TireRack.com, we believe in bringing you The Way Tire Buying Should Be.™
Independent Tire Testing Program
We test tires on the road and on our specially designed track to simulate real-world dry and wet conditions. Independent, unbiased results to help inform your choice.
Real Drivers. Real Miles. Real Talk.
Tire Rack verified customer reviews come backed by over 3.4 billion real-world miles.
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).
Orders
