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 …
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. :)
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.
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.
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!
By the way, hint, hint, our Ultimate Track Tire Guide has been updated.
Hi Andy,
Thanks the constant stream of superb tire testing info! I was seriously interested in the Potenza Race, but based on your testing I'm pretty ready to pull the trigger on a set.
Before I do though... I was hoping you could help me with a question around ND2 fitment.
Did you have any rubbing issues with the larger 225/45 diameter (24.9" vs 24.3" oem) tires?
My 2019 ND2 is very similar to yours I think. I'd be running 225/45R17 Potenza Race on 45et 17x9 6UL wheels, no spacers. My ride height (fender to hub) is 13" all around on Xida coilovers. Camber is 2.9/2.5 f/r and 8.57 caster. Do you think I'd have major rubbing issues with this setup? Maybe I'll need to back caster down a bit?
Also kind of interesting that the 225/45 RE-71RS is actually shorter than the Race. Both Tire Rack and Bridgestone website claim that the Race diameter is 0.1" shorter than RE-71RS.
Thanks again!
Lemons said:Hi Andy,
Did you have any rubbing issues with the larger 225/45 diameter (24.9" vs 24.3" oem) tires?My 2019 ND2 is very similar to yours I think. I'd be running 225/45R17 Potenza Race on 45et 17x9 6UL wheels, no spacers. My ride height (fender to hub) is 13" all around on Xida coilovers. Camber is 2.9/2.5 f/r and 8.57 caster. Do you think I'd have major rubbing issues with this setup? Maybe I'll need to back caster down a bit?
Also kind of interesting that the 225/45 RE-71RS is actually shorter than the Race. Both Tire Rack and Bridgestone website claim that the Race diameter is 0.1" shorter than RE-71RS.
You'll want to back the caster down, for sure. Center the wheel in the wheel well, which typically puts you around 5 degrees. That's also the point where more caster takes away static camber.
I can't speak to how the Xidas have their bump stops setup so can't say for sure whether you'll hit. 225's were always a PITA with my old Koni setup. But the stiffer springs on the RedShifts have helped immensely. Worst case, you can always alter the bump stops as we did for our RedShift setup (which was also designed for stock sized tires on stock rims). https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/tuning-suspension-with-bump-stops/
Thanks!
It appears the race tire is taller than the others; I wonder how that may have affected the comparison. 
Scott Skillman said:It appears the race tire is taller than the others; I wonder how that may have affected the comparison.
Insignificant, based on empirical results. I checked the data and the accel differences were not a factor.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
There are variations in the lineup that aren't far from that. The hard part about these articles, as well done as they are, is that this is a specific item on a specific vehicle with a specific setup. Stroll into the OE tuning codes or bigger sizes and there can be drastic but non-visible changes in construction and compound.
If you were to run the two different 305/30's you will see what I mean.
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