Toyo Proxes RR tires have been chosen as the official spec race tire for the Spec MX-5 Challenge Series presented by Toyo Tires in 2020. In addition, the 235/40ZR17 Toyo Proxes RR is named as the spec line tire for Spec MX-5 cars running in STL class in SCCA regional competition. The 235/40ZR17 Proxes RR is also a legal tire in NASA ST5 regional racing. This means that drivers can optimize their cars and driving style for a single tire in all three types of sprint competition for the new car: Spec MX-5 Challenge Marquee events, SCCA STL regional racing and NASA ST5 competition.
The 235/40ZR17 Proxes RR was chosen because it represents an excellent balance of pace and durability. “In a spec class, where the goal is large fields and strong competition, attention must be paid to run costs,” said Tom Martin, Director of Spec MX-5 Challenge. “The Proxes RR, especially with the large cross section used on 2020 Spec MX-5 cars, is one of the longest-lasting fast tires around. This yields better run costs and keeps more drivers in the game,” he observed.
Toyo Tires will provide a complimentary set of 235/40ZR17 Proxes RR tires to each buyer of the first 50 Spec MX-5 upgrade kits (engine, suspension, etc.) purchased from Mazda Motorsports. Details of the spec tire can be found below in the Toyo Tires press release:
November 11, 2019
Toyo® Proxes® RR Selected as Spec Tire for the New Spec MX-5 Challenge presented by Toyo Tires
CYPRESS, CA – Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. (Toyo Tires®) announces its Proxes® RR DOT competition tire has been selected as the specified tire for the newly announced Mazda® Spec MX-5 Challenge Racing Series, and Toyo Tires is to be named the presenting partner. This new series creates a single spec applying to multiple sanctioning bodies including NASA (National Auto Sport Association) and the SCCA® (Sports Car Club of America.) The symmetric 2-groove Proxes RR comes off-the-shelf in race ready condition with a 4/32nds tread depth. It is considered ideal due to its fast lap times, consistency and excellent wear characteristics.
The series targets the 2006 – 2015 Mazda MX-5 (the NC-generation Miata), a chassis constructed in high numbers which is known for its affordability and great handling characteristics. Mazda Motorsports offers “kits” in various forms, whether converting an OE street car, or converting a race car already built to meet an existing race class for a specific sanctioning body. (The Spec MX-5 will compete in NASA’s ST5 class, and SCCA’s STL class.) And as a great incentive to build a Spec MX-5 car, Toyo Tires is providing one complimentary set of Proxes RR tires to those who purchase one of the first 50 competition kits through Mazda Motorsports. For more information on the Spec MX-5 Challenge kits, go to mazdamotorsports.com/.
“We are very honored to be a part of the Spec MX-5 Challenge,” said Marc Sanzenbacher, senior manager, motorsports, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. “We have enjoyed working with the Mazda Motorsports team throughout the development of this exciting new platform and are confident that our Proxes RR two-groove DOT race tire is the ideal choice, delivering fast lap times while providing great value. We look forward to the growth of this new spec series in the coming years.”
“Racers look for reliability, consistency, affordability, and products that make vehicles fun to drive,” commented David Cook, business development manager, Mazda Motorsports. “Toyo’s offering and support best met these pillars, offering racers an unbeatable value. This partnership with Toyo on Spec MX-5 – the generation of Miata that follows Spec Miata – is a big win for the future of the motorsport industry and for Mazda. Simply, this value proposition will help safeguard and grow motorsports participation in the U.S., and allow Mazda to continue being the market leader in club racing in terms of more racers competing in a Mazda than any other car manufacturer.”
The Spec MX-5 Challenge presented by Toyo Tires will have a series of marquee events run in coordination with both NASA and SCCA. The preliminary 2020 racing schedule and event structure will lead to both regional and overall championships. Other opportunities to compete in the Spec MX-5 Challenge include series such as the World Racing League – GP3; ChampCar Endurance Series® – EC; and American Endurance Racing. And the spec tire delivering the best combination of race-proven performance and value – the 235/40ZR17 Toyo Proxes RR.
To learn more about the two-groove Toyo® Proxes® RR DOT competition tire, go to toyotires.com/tires/competition-tires. For more details on the Spec MX-5 Challenge Series and for updates to the race schedules and events, go to specmx-5.com/.
About Toyo Tires®
Established in 1966, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. represents the innovation, quality, performance, and excellent service that Toyo Tires has delivered worldwide for more than 70 years. The company offers a full line of premium tires for nearly every vehicle including side-by-sides, light trucks, SUVs, crossovers, sports cars, luxury cars and hybrids as well as commercial trucks. Many of the tires are built in the United States at their state-of-the-art factory in Georgia. To find the right tire for your vehicle as well as an authorized dealer, visit http://www.toyotires.com. You can also join the Toyo Tires community on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: For more info. and images of the Proxes RR, go to: http://media.toyotires.com/SpecMX5
Media Contact: Jay Jones, TMC PR
949-851-6313, [email protected]
Toyo Media Site: http://media.toyotires.com/