With track season finally started, I was able to check out the new Maxxis RC1-R2 compound. I haven’t seen many comparisons online so I decided to make a quick post on my thoughts. Before I get started, I want to try and outline the test conditions before and after. Both days were at Mid-Ohio with NASA TT in my Honda S2000.
Test Day 1 (before):
2800lbs, 205 average WHP
255/40/17 Hankook RS4, about 10 track days/6 months old, 28PSI cold, 17x10 SA72R
3” Front splitter
Rear toe arms for bump steer correction
Best pro course time: 1:40.5
August 25/26, 2019, 55L/75H temps, tail end of season
Test Day 2 (after):
2910lbs, 205 average WHP
255/40/17 Maxxis RC-1 R2, first track day, but drove them 200 miles to event, 32PSI cold, 17x10 SA72R
Front splitter removed
Rear toe arms removed
Car was caged in the winter (what contributed to weight added)
Best pro course time: 1:38.5
Best club course time: 1:39.6
May 30/31, 2020, 50L/70H temps, first track day of the season, first time course was opened because of COVID-19 so track was very green, as were drivers
When I was running my RS4s the Hoosier guys in the class were consistently a good 3-3.5 seconds faster than me on the same weekend, which is to be expected. What I found from the RS4 was that it took a good 1-2 laps for them to come to full temp, then they would be at peak performance for a couple laps, after which they would promptly fall off.
As for the RC-1, I quickly was able to get them up to temp midway through my outlap. I do persistent braking and a minor amount of weaving. I try and scrub the tires through the technical sections as much as possible. What I found was they quickly got to temp and gave me confidence right away. I was expecting them to take a full 2 laps to come to temp. It was obvious that on the green flag first lap I was up to temp and the Hoosier R7 guys in front of me were not because I would quickly catch them.
Also, throughout full 15-20 minute sessions, they did not drop off AT ALL. I actually set most of my fastest laps on the tail end of the sessions, unlike most guys running A7s or RE71R/RS4. Not once did I overheat them and have to do a cool down lap. I was very impressed and it really allowed me to make the most of my sessions.
I bought these back in September 2019 and they’ve sat in my closet ever since but back then they were $550 shipped for a set. Unfortunately they have gone up in price quick significantly since then to around $800. Even with the price bump I would definitely buy them again. They are easily ~3 seconds quicker than my RS4s and they don’t have as big of a gap to the R7s as the previous compound did. Even RE71Rs were quicker than the R1 compound, but there is no way that tire can keep up with the R2s.
The other benefit is the very favorable contingency with NASA. Only 5 people required in class and even 3rd gets a free tire.
Obviously I don’t have any data on their longevity yet, but I will be sure to update this post at the tail end of the season. I expect them to wear like rocks like the previous compound.
As you can see from my video below, they are quite good at communicating the limit. They are audible unlike some full slicks and don’t just snap on you when you go over the threshold. They were actually quite easy to drive on.
I’ll get some more thoughts down after my next track day, but feel free to let me know if you have any questions!
