FYI I'm sure you are all familiar with all this but.. ( PR just received from Paul Cowland on behalf of Toyo Tires ) Toyo Tires dispel track day tyre myths In the current climate of uncertainty that surrounds the important track day semi-slick tyre market, Japanese manufacturer Toyo Tires has endeavoured to add a little clarity to proceedings with an unequivocal statement regarding the ongoing road legality of both its Proxes R888 and R888R products in the UK. Put simply, both products can continue be used on the highway with impunity The need to clarify this position comes in the wake of confusion from both end-users and retailers alike regarding the legislational changes governing semi-slick tyres. Following significant changes put into place in the UK on November 1, 2014, many so-called track day tyres which offer greater grip thanks to their semi-slick design were effectively outlawed for road use. Conforming to all the new labelling requirements however, the Proxes R888 and R888R were granted full E mark status, making them totally acceptable for British highway use and eligible to pass an MoT, subject to the usual minimum tread depth requirements. It is widely believed that some of the confusion in motorsport circles may have arisen from the sports governing body, the MSA, having previously earmarked the R888/R888R pairing as due for future removal from the all-important List 1b which denotes road-legal tyres approved for competition use. As the backbone of many British Club Championships, this approval is vital. However, having noted both tyres conformity to the new road legislation, the MSA has since announced that it will be reinstating the tyres Ib status in the next issue of the sports handbook the Blue Book. Commenting on this unusual situation. Toyo UKs Motorsport and Technical Director Alan Meaker said, Its clear to many tyre companies that there is a huge amount of confusion in this important market. Therefore, it is important for us to put some facts back into the marketplace to reassure both retailers and end-users alike. They are that, along with a handful of other quality designs, the Toyo Proxes R888 and R888R will retain their E-marking, full road legality and MSA Blue Book eligibility. From our point of view, and thanks to the quality of our design, the new legislation hasnt changed a thing. Its important for consumers to check what they are buying though as not all brands and products have been able to conform as we have. Certain other tyres, if produced after the 2014 cut-off date, may be illegal to use on the highway, or for club competition. For more information on Toyo products, visit www.toyo.co.uk
As long ago as 2004 the Lotus Exige had the Yokohama A048 on as std out of the factory, these were often replaced by R888 as the Toyo was a better value tyre, the early S2 Elise has the special dot code Bridgstone tyres and again a lot of people replaced with the Proxies or the R888. Whilst they're legal they can be interesting in the wet
