A racing slick or slick tyre is a type of tyre that has a smooth tread[1][2][3][4] used mostly in auto racing. The first production slick tyre was developed by M&H Tires in the early 1950s for use in drag racing. By eliminating any grooves cut into the tread, such tyres provide the largest possible contact patch to the road,[5] and maximize dry traction for any given tyre dimension. Slick tyres are used on race tracks and in road racing, where acceleration, steering and braking require maximum traction from each wheel. Slick tyres are typically used on only the driven (powered) wheels in drag racing, where the only concern is maximum traction to put power to the ground, and are not used in rallying.
Slick tyres are not suitable for use on common road vehicles, which must be able to operate in all weather conditions. They are used in auto racing where competitors can choose different tyres based on the weather conditions and can often change tyres during a race.
- ^ "V-STEEL SMOOTH TREAD-MS" (PDF). Bridgestone. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-09-17. Retrieved 2012-01-31.
- ^ "Why a Smooth Tread on Road Tires?". Michelin. Archived from the original on 2013-02-02. Retrieved 2012-01-31.
- ^ Jobst Brandt. "Tires with smooth tread". Retrieved 2012-01-31.
- ^ Christopher Neiger (22 December 2008). "Why doesn't NASCAR race in the rain?". HowStuffWorks. Retrieved 2012-01-31.
NASCAR tires have a completely smooth tread.
- ^ "Slick - Motorsport Tyres | Pirelli". www.pirelli.com.