Reviewing the Maxxis RC-1 R2
A popular option for the focused trackday driver, the Maxxis RC-1 R2 has an few traits which might entice drivers of differing styles and vehicles. Sticky and very cost-effective, it works well for most. However, the tire works within a specific window and, like a couple other popular tires at this moment, the performance of the RC-1 varies depending on the weight of the car it’s used on—both static weight and the weight downforce places on them.
Strong on Lighter Cars
David Fitz-Randolph tried a set on his Miata and was immediately thrilled. “In comparison to the Toyo RR, the RC-1 has a similar level of dry-weather grip,” he begins. The breakaway on a sun-baked track is very smooth and progressive, though not accompanied by much of that telltale squeal before letting go. For novices less sensitive to subtle changes in yaw, not having this auditory warning might make it trickier to feel comfortable using the RC-1. Only on the very last laps of a twenty-minute session does he really notice a dropoff in performance.
Unquestionable is the RC-1’s superiority in the wet. David describes it as “astonishingly good for a full slick. Especially in greasy and damp conditions, I had much more traction than I expected.”
On this stripped NA-generation Miata, a low-power machine which weighs in at just a little over 2,000 pounds, the RC-1 lasts a reasonably long time. With just 130 horsepower at the driven wheels, the rears aren’t that stressed in power-down situations, but a full aero kit does put his tires under some added strain. After about 6-8 track days with 5 sessions each, the tires are due for a refresh.
Interestingly, this is not the same wear rate as with his girlfriend’s Miata, another track-oriented car with similar power and weight on the same rubber. This particular car fares far better on this tires as it doesn’t have the big wings and splitters. Granted, he doesn’t track this car nearly as much, but David hasn’t noticed any discernible dropoff in the RC-1’s performance in this lower-spec car during casual track days. In short, downforce will wear these tires down much faster.
Performance on a Porkier Car
Kevin Schweigert has tried this tire on two of his cars. “I felt the RC-1 really suited my BRZ. Everything felt so precise and happy with the sort of slip angle I like to drive with,” he chirped. “It was so forgiving—not spiky at all. That was what encouraged me to push hard. It didn’t fall off sharply, so I never felt like it’d ever surprise me.”
A big part of the blistering laps he could achieve with this car was its willingness to move around without surprise.
That was the behavior of the tire on his 2,700-pound Subaru BRZ, a car which he’s been using less and less of lately due to a spate of supercharger-related issues. For a challenge and a little more peace of mind, he recently picked up an A90 Supra is also a little heftier. On a car weighing 600 pounds more, the RC-1’s performance isn’t quite the same—but not terribly different.
“During a morning session when the tires are fresh and the temperatures are cool, they’re so sticky from the get-go. Those first few laps are sensational—especially since I don’t have to warm them up like some of the others,” he adds. “After that, lap times might fall off by a couple tenths or so.”
Furthermore, they enjoy a reasonably long life for the Supra’s weight and power coupled with Kevin’s aggressive, tail-out style. “I find they’re at their best for about 9 or 10 heat cycles, then they’re not quite as strong.” So, 4-5 track days of consistent, accessible performance with minimal dropoff at a good price.
If he’s experienced any shortcomings on the Supra, it’s that it doesn’t feel quite as sharp and incisive as the BRZ, though he attributes that more to the chassis than the tire. “The grip is there and you can hear a slight tone change when they’re near the edge, but I just can’t drive as accurately as I could with the BRZ on these tires,” Kevin concludes.
Conclusion
For the money, the RC1 is hard to argue with. It’s proven itself more than capable on light cars and still impressive on tubbier, torquier machines. True, the RC-1 isn’t right for all seasons and all conditions, but it’s surprisingly versatile for a slick and its performance is accessible from the first lap. These qualities make it a strong choice at this price point, especially for those who enjoy driving with a little more slip angle than some.