How do semi-slick tyres work?

Semi-slick tyres are designed to excel on a race track, but they do differ considerably from the race tyres usually seen in the highest echelons of professional motorsport. 

So what makes them different and how do they work?

Tread pattern

The appearance of semi-slick tyres is more akin to a road tyre than the smooth, slick tyres that are a common sight in the likes of F1. However, there are also clear visual differences between a UHP road tyre and a semi-slick. Semi-slick tyres have a minimal tread design which makes them more adaptable to wet and dry conditions, while still being built to achieve podium results. Slick tyres can only operate effectively in the dry, as the large contact patch provides maximum grip which allows the driver to navigate a race track at the highest speed possible. However, the lack of tread makes them ineffective in the wet as there are no channels to direct the water away. This is where semi-slicks offer a balance between high performance and grip in all conditions, so if it rains on race day, drivers can feel confident pushing their cars to the limit.

The Davanti Protoura Race has a directional tread pattern which helps to channel water away from the contact patch and prevent aquaplaning, giving superior control in the wet.

Softer compound

Semi-slick tyres are built with a softer compound than road tyres as this allows for optimum grip, enabling drivers to push the car to its limit with stronger acceleration, higher cornering speeds and better braking capabilities.

The nature of the softer compound also allows for better heat generation as the tyre travels, which is important in a race tyre as that too aids its sticking power.

In contrast to the soft compound, the tyre’s sidewall is much stiffer, which provides stability and control during cornering and hard braking, and an improved steering response.

Road legal

Another key difference between slick and semi-slick tyres is that semi-slicks can be driven on the road, unlike slicks which don’t have the wet weather grip. This makes them an ideal choice for amateur racers, track day enthusiasts and club-level motorsport, as drivers can drive to the track and back without having to change their tyres, saving money and time.

It’s important to note however, that not all semi-slick tyres are road legal. Protoura Race is certified for road use under the Motor Sports Association (MSA) List 1B. Whereas the MSA List 1C details semi-slicks that are for competition use only, not for road use.

Protoura Race

Our Protoura Race tyre excels in its capabilities as a semi-slick. It has all of the advantages of any other semi-slick tyre, and it goes above and beyond in its performance – so much so that it is now the control tyre in the  Swift Sport Challenge and the Mini Challenge Clubsport.

Feedback from the live racing has shown that Protoura Race provides excellent control in the wet and unlike other race tyres, it operates well even from cold, so it doesn’t need to be brought up to temperature in the same way as other racing tyres to achieve the desired grip.

It has also proven to withstand degradation well, which is typically a problem in racing due to the softer compound and the demands that the tyres are put under on track.

For more information about Protoura Race, contact your local Davanti dealer.