Bridgestone Potenza Race: Equally adept on track and on the street?

Andy
By Andy Hollis
Oct 4, 2024 | Tire Test, Bridgestone, Potenza RE-71RS, Potenza Race | Posted in Tires & Wheels , Features | Never miss an article

Photography by Andy Hollis

Family history often dictates individual personality traits–it’s true with humans, cars and tires. Bridgestone has a long and storied history in motorsports with major successes from the grassroots level all the way up to F1. 

However, major tiremakers derive most of their revenue from OE fitments for road cars, not aftermarket replacement or specialty products for racing. Occasionally all three line …

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Comments
Colin Wood
Colin Wood Associate Editor
7/24/23 10:25 a.m.

I love that we can always rely on Andy thorough tire tests.

(And if there are any tires you want tested, feel free to let us know.)

CrashDummy
CrashDummy Reader
7/24/23 11:37 a.m.

Another great test and article; thank you!

It seems silly that the tire called "Race" is the one that's more focused on street manners. When I saw the name of the tire I assumed it would be a sub-200TW borderline track-only tire. 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
7/24/23 12:09 p.m.

In reply to CrashDummy :

Several years ago, a friend in the tire business reached out: Would I mind taking a quick survey regarding the name of an upcoming tire?

All of the names were alphanumeric, but it was cool to get a little glimpse into the actual process. 

Andy Hollis
Andy Hollis
7/24/23 12:54 p.m.
CrashDummy said:

It seems silly that the tire called "Race" is the one that's more focused on street manners. When I saw the name of the tire I assumed it would be a sub-200TW borderline track-only tire. 

Almost like the OE side of the house doesn't talk to the motorsports side?  ;)

Note that the even more "street" Potenza is called Potenza Sport. 

BA5
BA5 GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
7/24/23 4:26 p.m.

My guess is you get more mileage out of the 'race' naming on a street tire than a more track oriented tire.  It'll be a bigger market and a race tire relies more (although I'm sure still not entirely) on actual lap time performance to sell.  So they probably save the cool names for the street tires.

codrus (Forum Supporter)
codrus (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
7/25/23 12:38 a.m.
Andy Hollis said:

Note that the even more "street" Potenza is called Potenza Sport. 

Which is not a bad tire at all for a performance-oriented street car.  I have them on my Audi because the PS4S was on national back-order when I needed new tires, and IME they're almost as good as the Michelins in basically every way. :)

 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
8/31/23 10:57 a.m.

I admit, when I got the initial release about the Potenza Race, I pictured an R-comp–you know, something with just two grooves.

It does sound like a pretty sweet street tire, though. 

ConiglioRampante
ConiglioRampante New Reader
8/31/23 11:23 a.m.

Streetable  tire technology simply amazes me.  With all the mega-horsepower vehicles available today (and even the plethora of 300+ hp Wagon Queen Family Trucksters), it's simply amazing to me how the tires manage it all.  The engineering and materials science is incredible.

Thanks for the review.

te72
te72 HalfDork
8/31/23 9:11 p.m.

Was looking at the Falken 660's for the Miata / AW11, but now I have to reconsider and add a Bridgestone to the list for the next street tire. Appreciate the review, sounds like a fun tire!

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
9/1/23 9:08 a.m.

By the way, hint, hint, our Ultimate Track Tire Guide has been updated.  

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