Illini Racing Series member, 

Recently, we learned that Mickey Thompson tires has discontinued the “I” Block tires that we use and they sold the rights to these tires to Summit Racing Equipment.  After talks with Summit to have these tires made for us, they have decided not to produce them because there just isn’t enough volume to justify their costs in manufacturing and warehousing the tires.  Mickey Thompson tires are still legal to use in any Illini Racing Series event through the 2008 season.  Just be aware that they are no longer being produced and once the stock is gone they are gone.

After investigating several options, we have found replacements that meet the Illini Racing Series criteria of cost effective, durable tires that will keep the current, high level of competition in our group.  American Racer tires has agreed to produce a 13”, treaded, DOT tire using the exact same rubber compound (and hardness) that was used in the Mickey Thompson tires.  These tires can be used on paved and dirt tracks, will mount on the same size rims that we’ve been using and will have the compound code stamped on the tire to make them easy to inspect.

In being consistent with our mission to keep overall costs low for our members, we are pleased to announce that the new tire prices will be between $84 and $87.  Depending on where you’ve been buying Mickey Thompson tires, this is a 15%-23% savings on each tire.  How many of your racing expenses have gone down this year?  The Illini Racing Series is striving to keep the costs of racing down as much as possible and this is an example of their commitment.  Boubin tire (see link on the IRS website home page) is going to be the exclusive supplier of these tires and can be reached at 319-334-6058.  Be sure to tell them that you want tires for the Illini Racing Series, American Racer DOT A4 (704).  These tires are legal to use at all Illini Racing Series events from now on.

Given the fact that the new tires have exactly the same rubber compound and similar construction as the old tires, the two should perform the same and one will not have a competitive advantage over the other.  If there is evidence that one tire does have a performance edge, the rules committee reserves the right to make rules adjustments to even out the advantage.  That way everyone with Mickey Thompson tires in their inventory can use them up before going to the new American Racer tires.

Mickey Thompson discontinuing the “I” Block tires put a bump in the road for our association.  Thanks to the hard work of Paul at Boubin Tire, an equal and economical replacement has been introduced and should serve us well for many seasons to come.  If any one has any questions concerning the new tire they can contact Mark Morey at Racefab1320@aol.com or at 630-888-7753 between 2:00pm – 9:00pm.  He has more technical information on American Racer tires as well as the Mickey Thompson tires.