From Jim Hanks
HOLLY, Mich. – As the TruFuel Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series prepares for their highly
anticipated visit to Kalamazoo Speedway this coming Saturday night, series officials would like
to clarify their stance with regard to tires.
At this past weekend’s event at Oswego Speedway, several XSS competitors shattered the track
record during time trials, led by Jason Cox of Park City, Ill. with a time of 15.125 seconds.
Following time trials, spectators heard several incorrect statements regarding the tires utilized
by XSS competitors.
While it was asserted that the XSS utilizes trick “gumball” tires, this is far from reality. The
American Racer right rear tires used in XSS competition is an American Racer 132, considered
within the industry to be in the range of a “hard” tire. XSS officials provided sharp and
unwavering oversight of the qualifying process and every car present was using the proper
American Racer tire as required by series rules. Every XSS competitor at Oswego raced the full
30-lap feature with the same right rear tire on which the car qualified, consistent with series
rules. At the conclusion of the feature race the durometer reading of the right rear American
Racer tire of event winner Jimmy McCune was 65.
“When we selected American Racer tires for our series beginning with the 2011 season, we
were guided by three principles,” said series president Jim Hanks. “We wanted a safe tire; we
wanted a level playing field with a durable tire that could repeat through multiple heat cycles
and a major tire cost savings for all of our competitors;. Through 20 series events the tire has
proven itself on all counts: safety, quality, durability and affordability.
“Setting speed records was not, and has never been, part of the consideration for our choice of
a series tire. However, the fact that one of the most durable and stable tires in our sport has
shattered speed records at six of eight venues thus far this year is a testament to the dogged
competitiveness of our teams, and to the overall quality of the American Racer product.
“There is intense competition within the racing community that encompasses tracks, types of
cars, and tire manufacturers. However, in the heat of such competition it is important for the
integrity of the sport that the facts be maintained.”
Hanks and officials with the Xtreme Sprint Series welcome any inquiries and would invite all
interested parties to contact the series office at (248) 762-1732.