National SCCA Spec Miata to Move to Toyo R888 in 2009

TOPEKA, Kan. Sept. 8, 2008 – Sports Car Club of America’s Board of Directors voted to approve the Toyo Proxes R888 for exclusive use in Spec Miata competition for National Club Racing events beginning in 2009.

The vote came after an extensive evaluation process, which included an on-track test of three different tires, proposals for each and intangibles such as current market trends in different Spec Miata series across the country.

The test portion of the process evaluated each tire’s performance, including speed, durability, lap time consistency and a subjective drivability rating by the test drivers. Each of the three tires submitted for testing won different categories, with the Toyo R888 scoring the highest ratings in lap time consistency and durability.

The R888 (read R Triple-Eight) tied for the highest rating in the Contingency support category, with more than $124,000 available to National Spec Miata racers throughout the season. The proposed contingency package includes National event payouts highlighted by $400 per win and paying through fifth plus two random drawings further back in the order, Divisional Champions receiving $1,500 and a Runoffs contingency program led by $7,500 cash to the winner and paying down through fifth place plus two random drawings.

Additional factors evaluated in the process included tire price and trackside support.

“The test and evaluation process proved that we had three very viable options going forward for the Spec Miata class,” SCCA Chairman R.J. Gordy said. “There was no clear-cut winner out of the process and the decision was not an easy one.

“In addition to the testing criteria, the Board felt it was important to consider the option that provided the best flexibility for members that have a desire to race in multiple Spec Miata series. Furthermore, the Spec Miata community has a familiarity with the current supplier.”

SCCA’s National Spec Miata class has run on the Toyo Proxes RA1 since its move to National competition in 2006. The RA1 was selected following a similar evaluation in 2005 and led to a three-year agreement to be the exclusive, spec tire of the class. The Toyo RA1 will have one more race as the spec tire—the 2008 National Championship Runoffs event, which concludes the Spec Miata National season Friday, Oct. 10.