Hoosier DOT 2 Drag Radial Review

Hoosier DR2 Drag Radial Tread Pattern - Drag Tire Buyer
Summit Racing Rating
4.7/5
Jegs Rating
5/5
Amazon Rating
5/5
Simple Tire Rating
4/5

Developed as an upgrade to the original d.o.t. drag radial, the Hoosier DR2 delivers an improved tread profile to ensure best performance results without sacraficing weight or stability.  The Hoosier DR2 radial has less rolling resistance than a standard bias ply tire, but offers performance that is quite similar.

These tires are ideal for competition class races that require street legal or d.o.t. rated tires. The DR2 come in a variety of popular sizes including 15”, 16”, and 17” diameters. 

Hoosier designed the DR2 for all out performance and stability down track to prevent that floating feeling from other tires.

 The Hoosier Quick Time DOT Drag Radials 2 have a larger contact patch to prevent spinning, and a sturdy sidewall will ensure a smooth ride, transferring less shock to the drive train.  In 15” through 18” wheel diameters, the Hoosier company has created a versatile radial that can be a choice product for models ranging from Corvette to the Mustang Shelby. However, they may need to be trial run to check for potential ABS sensor issues due to the overall diameter of the radial.

The symmetric nylon cord casing and five dash circumferentially oriented grooves that alternate outboard and inboard ensure connection with the track.  Dead hooks and precision handling are not a problem with this radial, and the lighter overall tire, you won’t find yourself sacrificing stability for speed.  The 4/32’s beginning tread depth aid in reduced rubber throwback onto quarter panels. Five dash circumferentially oriented grooves alternate between outboard and inboard.

Seasoning these radials is best performed by three to eight track passes to remove the directional patterns.  Performing extended burnouts on the Hoosier DOT Drag Radial 2 is not necessary or recommended. These radials are designed to simply scuff in and race. The Hoosier DOT Drag Radials are designed to be rotated on each side of the vehicle after each drag event in order to keep the wear patterns even and ensure peak performance. Side to side tire swapping allows the tires to run in both directions, as it will cause the tire to wear differently and help to clean up the tread.

DOT Labeled Hoosier Racing Tires meet DOT requirements for marking and performance only.  They feature a special compound to provide good traction, making them perfect for classes that require street legal style tires. The drag radial compound is key to track performance because the tire compound gets gummy once it is heated.  Bringing the compound to the surface increases the tires stickiness to improve tire grip and help your vehicle stay on the track. The Hoosier DOT Drag Radials are not intended for street use or for use on public roads.

In the case of all racing radials, to store these tires you need to release the air pressure and store indoors in a cool, dark room.  It is also best if you lay them on their side to store them.

Hoosier DR2 Drag Radial Features & Benefits

Hoosier DOT Drag Radials 2 are manufactured to have a softer and more pliant overall feel than some of the competitors comparable drag radials.  A key feature of the DR2 is that a long, smokey burnout isn’t needed to get the tires warm. This was specifically designed by Hoosier to preserve the tire tread and allow for more passes.

 

Weighing in much lighter than the radials offered by the competition, the Hoosier Quick Time DOT Drag Radials 2 won’t rob power from your launch by unnecessarily weighing your car down.  In addition, with the smaller diameter giving more power at higher revolutions, you’ll see less overall vehicle drag while maintaining grip.

 

 

At A Glance Features:

  •     Beginning at 4/32” molded tread depth, they are realistically manufactured to scuff in and ride.
  •     Sturdy sidewall construction for a smooth ride and stabilized cornering
  •     Special tread compound that is molded to slick tread design with five dash circumferentially oriented grooves
  •     Symmetric nylon cord casing, reinforced by lightweight belts and spirally wrapped nylon reinforcement under the tread
  •     Great for hooking in, leading to a clean, efficient and quick run
  •     Improved tread profile over the first design to deliver best performance.

 

Pros:

 

  •     The Hoosier Quick Time DOT Drag Radials 2 offer the ability to handle and hook up without issue on the track
  •     Minimizes the amount of rubber throwback onto your quarter panels because the tread is 4/32” start depth
  •     Solid white lettering adds a clean finish to this solid radial tire. Conversely, blackwall finish is featured on the opposite side.
  •     Five dash circumferentially oriented grooves alternating outboard and inboard on this improved design

 

Cons:

 

  •     These tires are not legal for highway applications, and are for sanctioned race applications only.  However, the R6 and A6 series of Hoosier DOT Drag Radials are the approved road racing radials, and these are available in the same size selections as the non highway approved radials.
  •     A concern with some racers has been with the stiffer sidewall in regards to the ability to hook and handle as well as some other radial designs.  However, it has been shown in track applications that the stiffer sidewall has allowed for a lower tire pressure without decreased accuracy or the issue of sidewall rollover occuring.

Hoosier DR2 Drag Radial Sizes

Hoosier DR2 Drag Radial Launch - Drag Tire Buyer

The Hoosier DR2 drag radial comes in a variety of common sizes designed to fit everything from all out drag cars to high performance street cars on 18″ wheels. You can find the DR2 drag radial in the following sizes: 

15″

16″

17″

18″

15″ Hoosier DR2 Drag Radial

Hoosier DR2 Drag Radial - Drag Tire Buyer

Hoosier DR2 225/50R15

  • Weight: 18 lbs
  • Diameter: 23.9″
  • Width: 8.5″
  • Approved Wheel: 7.0″ – 9.0″
Hoosier DR2 Drag Radial - Drag Tire Buyer

Hoosier DR2 235/60R15

  • Weight: 18 lbs
  • Diameter: 23.9″
  • Width: 8.5″
  • Approved Wheel: 7.0″ – 9.0″
Hoosier DR2 Drag Radial - Drag Tire Buyer

Hoosier DR2 275/50R15

  • Weight: 22 lbs
  • Diameter: 25.7″
  • Width: 9.5″
  • Approved Wheel: 8.0″ – 10.0″

Hoosier DR2 Air Pressure

After mounting and balancing your new Hoosier DR2’s it is recommended to start with a cold tire inflation of around 18 psi. Based on this, adjust the tire pressure 1 psi up or down until you achieve your desired results. 

As always, it is best to use the highest tire pressure you can without any tire spin. This will help with tire stability and reduce rolling resistance down track. 

Hoosier DR2 Reviews

While the Hoosier DR2 has plenty of competition in the marketplace, it has been one of a top performing drag radial at local tracks with the street/strip crowd. With its competitive price point, phenomenal grip, and light weight design, the DR2 is a great option for the average weekend racer.

"They hooked perfectly at the track, no spinning at all running 18psi and handle great on the street"
Hoosier DR2 Drag Radial Tread Pattern - Drag Tire Buyer
Tire Rack
"My 60ft increased and I run more air pressure than the tires I used before which helps my mph"
Hoosier DR2 Drag Radial Tread Pattern - Drag Tire Buyer
Summit Racing
"These tires dead hook and handle as good as any tire I’ve run on my car"
Hoosier DR2 Drag Radial Tread Pattern - Drag Tire Buyer
Summit Racing
"I have high hp vette and these tires hook good from a roll or dig"
Hoosier DR2 Drag Radial Tread Pattern - Drag Tire Buyer
Jegs