Mods:
NineLivesRacing Splitter and Wing
Apex VS5RS 18s
Camber Plate
Others STOCK
Switched from the old RR tires (which I used for 10 days and are still usable) to the new Toyo R tires, and there’s barely any info about them online, so here’s my personal experience.
First Impressions:
Compared to the old RR and the Rival S 1.5 (another 200tw I used this year), the Toyo R is on a whole different level—much faster. If I had to guess, it’s somewhere between top-tier 200tw tires and R7s.
The steering feels a lot sharper than the old RR, which had very soft sidewalls and a vague feel. The new R has a much smaller slip angle, giving more confidence, similar to the RE71RS but without the sudden loss of control you get with full slicks. It also takes a bit longer to warm up, but after a lap at WGI, you’re good to push.
Lap Times:
On the old RR, I ran a 2:06.4 at WGI, and with the Rivals (without a front splitter), I did 2:05.8. After getting more used to the RR, I think I could’ve hit the low 2:05s or even 2:04s.
But with the Toyo R, on my first session (with TC still on), I hit 2:03.7, and on the second session, with one single clean lap, I got 2:02.3. I think with more tries, 2:01 is def there.
I’ll be watching how long they last. If they’re as durable as the RR, they’ll be a great value tire.