16" tyres for NC 2.0 track day use

  1. My model of MX-5 is: NC 2.0
  2. I’m based near: Reading
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Trackday tyres

I know, I know, I’m sorry, there are millions of threads on tyres, but as I’m looking for 16" tyres it’s a little different…

Anyway. The NC will be a part-time track car. I’ve just picked it up, and am trying to work out what to do in terms of multiple wheels or one set and compromise on the tyres. The options are as follows:

  1. PS4s in 205/55/16 (I can get XL if needed) for £80ish a corner from Camskill
    vs
  2. Nankang NS-2R 205/45/16 XL for about £80ish again from Demon Tweeks

The idea is that the Nankang would be run on a track day wheel and I’d have another set for daily use / wet track days.

The questions are. Is 205/55 too tall for a track tyre, even in XL?
Is something like an Avon ZV7 a false economy on track as I’ll just wear through them quickly?

Thanks in advance!

205 55 16 is the most common size of tyre in Europe

55’s will be absolutely fine for track use.

Avon ZV7 is just wet bias road tyre, the fact they are used on MK1 MX-5’s is because Avon paid for it to be there, not because it was the best or even close to it. The tyres are also run at high PSI to stop destroying the shoulders.

Lovely, thanks for that. I do like the PS range and people seem to rave about them.