Solo Street Class Prep: RX-8

A few general rules apply to preparing any car for the SCCA Street class in Solo; there are also some specifics to help you get the most out of your Mazda. Let’s start with the RX-8.

SCCA Solo rules have undergone a major revamp; what was once the Stock class is now called Street, and there's one rather big difference – no longer are R-compound tires allowed. Rather, the rules dictate a Uniform Tire Quality Grade Standards (UTQG) 200 treadwear rating, a number determined by the manufacturer or a testing firm the manufacturer employs.Fortunately, tire manufacturers are stepping up to the challenge and producing tires that meet the criteria. That means a lot of choices. After choosing a car that's competitive in its class, whether it be RX-8, MX-5 or Mazda3, among the recent Mazda options, tires are the next most critical choice, says Chris Harvey, a nationally competitive autocrosser in C Street with an MX-5 and also the brand manager for Brakes & Supension at The Tire Rack...