In 2024, Spec MX-5 (SMX) became a National Championship Runoffs® eligible class for SCCA® Road Racing competition, largely retaining the ruleset that drivers were familiar with when the series raced as its own Mazda-led class. That year witnessed ultracompetitive competition throughout all of Summit Racing Equipment SCCA Road Racing, with many Hoosier Racing Tire SCCA Super Tour and U.S. Majors Tour® races coming down to the wire. SMX closed 2024 third in U.S. Majors Tour participation, bested only by Spec Miata and Spec Racer® Ford Gen3. The class certainly came out of the gates blazing, with a solid 2025 competition season cementing the class as one of SCCA’s best.
Since 2024, the Sports Car Club of America™ has worked closely with Mazda Motorsports to evaluate the SMX parts, rules, and performance envelope, with the two most recently coming together to assess whether it was time for the class to move to another tire.
With tire testing complete, it was determined that starting with the 2026 competition season, Spec MX-5 would move from the current Toyo RR dry and Toyo RA1 wet, to the Hoosier brand.
What to Know
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, new SMX Hoosier tires will be used in all Hoosier Super Tour, U.S. Majors Tour, and Regional SCCA events for Spec MX-5 competition. The 2025-spec Toyo Tires may also be used at Conference Majors and Regional events through April 30, 2026. The current agreement places Hoosier as the exclusive tire supplier for the Spec MX-5 class for the 2026 to 2028 Summit Racing Equipment SCCA Road Racing seasons.
“Hoosier’s long-term commitment to amateur motorsports is well known, and we’re pleased to have them as a partner to help drive the Spec MX-5 class into the future,” said SCCA Vice President of Road Racing Eric Prill. “The transition plan from Toyos to Hoosiers mimics spec tire transitions that have been done within other classes, allowing drivers and teams the opportunity to use up any existing tires they may have before moving onto the new tire.”
The new 225/40ZR17 SMX dry compound Hoosier has a cold durometer of 60. Its unique rubber formula accepts temperature quickly, has a wide operating range, and delivers a consistent performance curve throughout a race stint.
“We’re proud to expand our partnership with the SCCA through the development of a purpose-built tire for Spec MX-5 competition,” said Paul Menting, VP Sales, Hoosier Racing Tire. “Our engineering team worked to design a compound and construction that delivers consistent performance, durability, and predictability, which are key for a competitive spec platform. This collaboration represents our continued commitment to supporting grassroots motorsports with a cost-effective tire that delivers the consistent performance and reliability racers expect from Hoosier.”
Testing showed that the structure of the Hoosier SMX tire translates to an intuitive feel behind the wheel, with test drivers noting a distinct level of confidence, underscoring the SMX tire’s exceptional handling characteristics over curbs and predictability at the limit.
The accompanying 215/40R17 SMXW wet tire is tread-molded for rain use and fitted with the same compound as the well-respected and race proven SMW rain used in Spec Miata competition.
The Selection Process
The new Hoosier SMX tire was selected following an extensive evaluation process that began with a request for proposal (RFP) from multiple tire manufacturers in early 2025. After evaluating the submissions, a track test was conducted with the three tire finalists before the ultimate recommendation was made via SCCA’s Club Racing Board and SCCA staff, being approved by the SCCA Board of Directors.
The on-track evaluation process involved multiple top-tier test drivers in a controlled test that simulated typical SCCA race weekends. Data and driver feedback were gathered and evaluated to compare the tire options. Beyond on-track performance, tire pricing, distribution methods, and competitor support were also considerations.
“There were several good options to consider and, ultimately, the characteristics of the Hoosier tires best fit the needs of the SMX cars and class, which includes drivers coming directly from karting all the way through seasoned veterans,” Prill noted. “Combined with the price point, contingency program, and at-event support, Hoosier will make for a great partner for the SMX drivers and teams.”
Pricing and Contingency
The MSRP for the SMX and SMXW tires for 2026 are $290 and $305, respectively, plus tax and shipping costs.
Hoosier will support the class in a variety of ways, including a contingency program that will see payouts for drivers in Hoosier Super Tours, U.S. Majors Tours, Conference Championships, and at the National Championship Runoffs®.
Details will be posted at a later date.
The new SMX and SMXW tires are in stock and available for purchase through Hoosier Racing Tire’s distributors. A complete list of locations can be found at hoosiertire.com.
Photo by Jon Krolewicz
