Pro1 for Speedway Parts
It is with much excitement Pro1 Race Parts introduces the edition of Hoosier Racing Tires to their ever growing range of quality products. We stock a huge amount of stock right in Queensland, and can deliver your race tyres right across australia from their Maryborough, Brisbane and Sydney Warehouses.
Although we mainly support Speedway we can also deliver drag racing, go kart, road racing tyres right to your door. If what you are looking for is not on our website, contact our support staff here 🙂
Why Hoosier ? Hoosier Racing Tire has had a major influence on dirt track racing, both in the U.S. and internationally. Here’s a focused look at Hoosier’s role in dirt track racing, including its history, innovations, and presence in various dirt racing disciplines:
🏁 Hoosier Tires in Dirt Track Racing: A Legacy
📜 History & Expansion into Dirt Racing
- 1960s–70s: As Hoosier grew, it recognized the need for specialized tires in dirt oval racing, which is popular across grassroots and regional tracks in America.
- Dirt track racing became one of Hoosier’s core markets, and the company began producing purpose-built tires for dirt late models, modifieds, sprint cars, and midgets.
🔬 Tire Technology & Innovation
- Hoosier became known for offering a wide variety of tire compounds, allowing racers to match tires to specific track conditions (dry slick, heavy, tacky, etc.).
- The company developed:
- Grooved and slick tire options
- Right and left side-specific compounds
- Beadlock-compatible designs for better wheel retention
- Tire siping and grooving guidelines to customize performance
- Hoosier’s R&D helped optimize tires for varying clay content, moisture levels, and track banking – critical for dirt racing.
🏎️ Major Dirt Racing Series Using Hoosier Tires in the USA
1. Dirt Late Models
- Used in:
- World of Outlaws Late Model Series
- Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
- UMP DIRTcar Late Models
- Tires like the Hoosier LM20, LM30, and LM40 have been staples for years, offering varying degrees of hardness and grip.
2. Dirt Modifieds
- Popular in:
- IMCA (International Motor Contest Association)
- UMP Modifieds
- USMTS (United States Modified Touring Series)
- Hoosier provides control tires for many series, helping to reduce costs and maintain parity.
3. Sprint Cars
- Supported by:
- World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series
- All Star Circuit of Champions
- ASCS (American Sprint Car Series)
- Notable tire: Hoosier Medium and H-series tires are widely used on winged and non-winged sprint cars.
- Hoosier has been the spec tire supplier for many sprint car series, helping ensure consistent competition.
4. Midgets and Micro Sprints
- Used in series like:
- USAC National Midgets
- POWRi Midgets
- NOW600 Micro Sprints
- Hoosier’s tires are scaled and designed for these lighter, high-revving cars with unique handling needs.
🌎 National Reach with Local Roots
- Hoosier supports thousands of weekly dirt tracks across Australia.
- Many local and regional tracks adopt Hoosier as a spec tire supplier for cost control, tech support, and track consistency.
🏆 Reputation in the Dirt World
- Known for:
- Durability and consistency on abrasive or slick surfaces
- Strong technical support at big events
- Customization and compound options unmatched by competitors
- Hoosier is often preferred over other brands like American Racer due to broad compound availability and track familiarity.
🤝 Partnerships & Spec Tire Programs
Level the playing field
Hoosier often works directly with sanctioning bodies to create spec tire programs, which:
Control costs
Reduce tire testing
🏁 Hoosier vs. American Racer: Dirt Track Racing Comparison
| Feature/Category | Hoosier | American Racer |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1957 (Lakeville, IN) | 1915 (Indiana, PA – as McCreary Tire) |
| Ownership | Owned by Continental Tire (since 2016) | Privately held by Specialty Tires of America |
| Primary Focus | Race-only tires (all forms of motorsport) | Race and specialty tires (focus on oval/dirt tracks) |
| Product Breadth | Very broad – sprint cars, late models, midgets, mods, drag, road | Focused on dirt ovals, some asphalt |
| Dirt Late Models | LM20, LM30, LM40 popular in national series | SD23, SD33, SD48 compounds common |
| Modifieds | IMCA, UMP spec tires (A40, D40, etc.) | Widely used in regional mods (e.g., STSS, NE mods) |
| Sprint Cars | Official tire for World of Outlaws, All Stars | More regional – not typically used at national sprint level |
| Midgets | Official tire for USAC Midgets, POWRi | Less common, regional tracks only |
| Compound Options | Wider variety, more customizable | Fewer options, but longer-lasting compounds |
| Tire Life | Often faster, but may wear quicker | Often more durable, slightly less peak grip |
| Price Point | Generally higher | Often slightly cheaper |
| Track Support | Very strong at national events | Strong at regional tracks, especially in Northeast/Southeast |
| Series Partnerships | WoO, Lucas Oil, USAC, IMCA, etc. | STSS, USRA, Fonda, Tri-Track, and many regional tracks |
| Brand Perception | Performance-oriented, national prestige | Durability-focused, respected at grassroots level |
🔍 Key Differences
🟣 Hoosier Strengths
- More compound and sizing options, giving racers fine-tuned performance.
- Widely used in national series and major dirt events.
- Higher peak grip, especially on tacky or fast-drying tracks.
- Factory support and contingency programs at major races.
🔵 American Racer Strengths
- Known for longer wear life, especially useful on abrasive tracks.
- Popular in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast regional series.
- Often used when cost containment is important (some spec tire series).
- Many racers say they are more consistent over long runs.
👥 What Racers Say
- Hoosier: “If you want the fastest lap right away, go Hoosier. But be ready to manage wear.”
- American Racer: “Takes longer to come in, but will be there for the whole race.”
