The best street tires for drag racing are DOT-marked drag radials, and four brands on this page fit that description: Nitto NT555RII, Atturo AZ850DR and two Mickey Thompson ET Street tires. The other picks are not street-legal car tires: four are motorcycle tires, three are race-only drag tires, and two are RC scale tires. We keep them listed, with honest labels, so you can see which ones to skip.
Disclosure: some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Which Drag Tires Fit a Street Car
| Tire | Size | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Nitto NT555RII | P305/45R17 | DOT street-performance drag radial |
| Atturo AZ850DR | 315/35R20 | DOT street-legal drag radial |
| Atturo AZ850DR | 275/60R15 | DOT drag radial, 15-inch |
| Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S | P275/40R17 | DOT street drag tire |
| Mickey Thompson ET Street R | P275/50R15 | DOT street drag tire |
| Shinko Hook-Up and 003 Stealth (4 listings) | Motorcycle sizes | Motorcycle tires, not for cars |
| Hoosier slicks (2) and Mickey Thompson ET Drag | 15-inch and 13-inch | Race-only, not street legal |
| J Concepts and Pro-Line | 1/10 scale | RC tires, not for cars |
Drag radials are summer-oriented tires with a soft compound, so they wear fast on the street. Check your local tire laws and your track rules, and match the load index and speed rating to your car. If you want a more general performance tire, see our street racing tires and ultra-high-performance all-season tires guides.
| SHINKO 87-4651P 190/50ZR17 HOOK-UP PRO |  | Motorcycle tire, not for cars | Tire Type: DOT radial drag tire | Rim Size: 17 inches | Construction: Aramid radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Shinko R003A Hook-Up Drag Rear 180/55ZR17 73W Radial TL Tire |  | Motorcycle tire, not for cars | Tire Type: Drag racing motorcycle tire | Rim Size: 17 inches | Construction: Aramid radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| NITTO P305/45R17 102W NITTO NT555RII BW |  | DOT drag radial, 17-inch | Tire Type: Street-performance drag radial | Rim Size: 17 inches | Construction: Radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Drag Tire 28.0/10.5R15 |  | Race-only slick, not street legal | Tire Type: Drag racing slick | Rim Size: 15 inches | Construction: Radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Hoosier Racing Tires Drag Tire 26.0/10.0R15 |  | Race-only slick, not street legal | Tire Type: Drag racing slick | Rim Size: 15 inches | Construction: Radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Atturo AZ850DR DOT Street-Legal Drag Radial Tire 315/35R20 110Y XL |  | DOT drag radial, 20-inch | Tire Type: DOT street-legal drag radial | Rim Size: 20 inches | Construction: Radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Atturo AZ850DR DOT Street-Legal Drag Radial Tire 275/60R15 107W | | DOT drag radial, 15-inch | Tire Type: DOT street-legal drag radial | Rim Size: 15 inches | Construction: Radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Shinko 003 Stealth Radial Rear Tire – 200/50ZR-17 |  | Motorcycle tire, not for cars | Tire Type: Drag/sport radial | Rim Size: 17 inches | Construction: Aramid radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S P275/40R17 SL |  | DOT drag radial, 17-inch | Tire Type: D.O.T. street drag tire | Rim Size: 17 inches | Construction: Radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Shinko 003 Stealth Ultra-Soft Front Tire – 120/70ZR-17/– |  | Motorcycle front tire, not for cars | Tire Type: Front motorcycle tire | Rim Size: 17 inches | Construction: Aramid radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Mickey Thompson ET Street R P275/50R15 SL |  | DOT drag radial, 15-inch | Tire Type: D.O.T. street drag tire | Rim Size: 15 inches | Construction: Radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Mickey Thompson ET Drag 24.5/9.0-13 |  | Race-only, not street legal | Tire Type: Race-only drag tire | Rim Size: 13 inches | Construction: Bias | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| J Concepts Hotties Street Eliminator SCT Drag Tires |  | RC scale tires, not for cars | Tire Type: SCT drag tires | Rim Size: RC scale | Construction: Belted | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Pro-Line Racing 1/10 Drag Tires (PRO1017003) |  | RC scale tires, not for cars | Tire Type: No-prep drag tires | Rim Size: RC scale | Construction: Belted | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
SHINKO 87-4651P 190/50ZR17 HOOK-UP PRO
The Shinko Hook-Up Pro 190/50ZR17 is a motorcycle tire. Its size is a 17-inch motorcycle rear size. It will not fit a car, so skip it for a street car build. It appears here because it comes up in drag tire searches. Check the Amazon listing for the DOT status, load index and speed rating before you buy for a bike.
- Tire Type:DOT radial drag tire
- Rim Size:17 inches
- Construction:Aramid radial
- Tread Type:Directional
- Season:Year-round
- Load Capacity:805 pounds
- Additional Feature:Aramid belted radial
- Additional Feature:Larger contact patch
- Additional Feature:Constant footprint under stress
Pros
- Drag-focused motorcycle radial, per the listing
- Aramid-belted construction, per the listing
Cons
- Motorcycle tire, will not fit a car
- Check fitment on the listing for your bike
Shinko R003A Hook-Up Drag Rear 180/55ZR17 73W Radial TL Tire
The Shinko R003A Hook-Up Drag Rear 180/55ZR17 is a motorcycle tire. The listing calls it a drag racing motorcycle tire with a 73W rating. It will not fit a car, so skip it for a street car build. It appears here because it comes up in drag tire searches. Check the Amazon listing for the DOT status, load index and speed rating before you buy for a bike.
- Tire Type:Drag racing motorcycle tire
- Rim Size:17 inches
- Construction:Aramid radial
- Tread Type:Directional
- Season:Year-round
- Load Capacity:805 pounds
- Additional Feature:Maximum pressure 42 PSI
- Additional Feature:Best with 003 Stealth front
- Additional Feature:Lightweight drag racing construction
Pros
- Drag-focused motorcycle radial, per the listing
- Aramid-belted construction, per the listing
Cons
- Motorcycle tire, will not fit a car
- Check fitment on the listing for your bike
NITTO P305/45R17 102W NITTO NT555RII BW
Nitto’s NT555RII is a DOT street-performance drag radial for harder launches. You’ll want this P305/45R17 102W tire on the drive axle, especially when you pair it with an NT555G2 on the non-drive end. Its modified sidewall helps you plant harder at launch, while the large twin center ribs keep more rubber on the road for stronger dry traction. With a 1,874-pound load capacity , it is a performance-focused option for street use and aggressive launches. Check fitment for your wheel.
- Tire Type:Street-performance drag radial
- Rim Size:17 inches
- Construction:Radial
- Tread Type:Symmetrical
- Season:N/A
- Load Capacity:1874 pounds
- Additional Feature:Drive-axle use
- Additional Feature:Modified sidewall construction
- Additional Feature:Large twin center ribs
Pros
- Modified sidewall helps plant harder at launch
- Large twin center ribs keep rubber on pavement
- Wide 305/45R17 profile suits wide-body drag setups
Cons
- Pairs best with different tire on non-drive axle
Drag Tire 28.0/10.5R15
This is a 28.0/10.5R15 drag slick sold under the Hoosier name. Slicks are not street legal, so use this only on a dedicated or trailered drag car. Confirm sizes, load index and speed rating on the listing and the maker site before you buy.
- Tire Type:Drag racing slick
- Rim Size:15 inches
- Construction:Radial
- Tread Type:Slick
- Season:Year round
- Load Capacity:Not listed
- Additional Feature:Hoosier Racing Tires brand
- Additional Feature:Slick tread
- Additional Feature:Load range LL
Pros
- Slick tread for maximum strip grip
- 15-inch wheel fit, per the listing
Cons
- Not street legal
- Race-only, so not for daily driving
Hoosier Racing Tires Drag Tire 26.0/10.0R15
This is Hoosier’s 26.0/10.0R15 D06 drag tire. Slicks are not street legal, so use this only on a dedicated or trailered drag car. Confirm sizes, load index and speed rating on the listing and the maker site before you buy.
- Tire Type:Drag racing slick
- Rim Size:15 inches
- Construction:Radial
- Tread Type:Symmetrical
- Season:N/A
- Load Capacity:1984 pounds
- Additional Feature:Approximate diameter 26.2 inches
- Additional Feature:Approximate circumference 82.0 inches
- Additional Feature:Load range J
Pros
- Slick tread for maximum strip grip
- 15-inch wheel fit, per the listing
Cons
- Not street legal
- Race-only, so not for daily driving
Atturo AZ850DR DOT Street-Legal Drag Radial Tire 315/35R20 110Y XL
If you run a street-driven performance car, Atturo’s AZ850DR is a sharp street-strip pick. You get a DOT-legal 315/35R20 drag radial built for the rear axle, with a 4-ply radial carcass, 11-inch rim fit, and 28.7-inch diameter. The extra-wide center rib helps you track straight, while the sliced shoulders cut noise on the road. Its drag-focused compound bites hard off the line, and four main channels help control heat through repeated launches. Pair it with standard AZ850 fronts for a balanced setup.
- Tire Type:DOT street-legal drag radial
- Rim Size:20 inches
- Construction:Radial
- Tread Type:Directional
- Season:Summer
- Load Capacity:2336.9 pounds
- Additional Feature:Street-legal drag radial
- Additional Feature:Finely sliced shoulder blocks
- Additional Feature:Four main channels
Pros
- DOT-legal for street and strip use
- 4-ply radial carcass keeps weight moderate
- Extra-wide center rib tracks straight under load
Cons
- Lower grip than full racing slicks
Atturo AZ850DR DOT Street-Legal Drag Radial Tire 275/60R15 107W
The Atturo AZ850DR is a 15-inch drag radial for street-and-strip use. You get a DOT-approved, summer-only tire that fits rear axles on performance cars and keeps you legal on the street. Its drag-focused compound bites hard off the line, while four main channels help manage heat for repeatable launches. The sliced shoulder blocks cut road noise, and the extra-wide center rib keeps the tire steady at speed. At 275/60R15, it carries 2,149.5 pounds and pairs well with a standard AZ850 up front for a balanced setup.
- Tire Type:DOT street-legal drag radial
- Rim Size:15 inches
- Construction:Radial
- Tread Type:Symmetrical
- Season:Summer
- Load Capacity:2149.5 pounds
- Additional Feature:Universal fit
- Additional Feature:Heat-regulating channels
- Additional Feature:Consistent launch performance
Pros
- Street-legal allows driving between races
- Drag-focused compound bites hard off the line
- Four main channels manage heat for repeatable launches
Cons
- Specialized drag compound wears faster in street use
Shinko 003 Stealth Radial Rear Tire – 200/50ZR-17
The Shinko 003 Stealth 200/50ZR17 is a motorcycle tire. It is a rear motorcycle tire with a soft compound. It will not fit a car, so skip it for a street car build. It appears here because it comes up in drag tire searches. Check the Amazon listing for the DOT status, load index and speed rating before you buy for a bike.
- Tire Type:Drag/sport radial
- Rim Size:17 inches
- Construction:Aramid radial
- Tread Type:Symmetrical
- Season:N/A
- Load Capacity:507 pounds
- Additional Feature:Soft compound warm-up
- Additional Feature:DOT approved
- Additional Feature:Slick/dimple tread pattern
Pros
- Drag-focused motorcycle radial, per the listing
- Aramid-belted construction, per the listing
Cons
- Motorcycle tire, will not fit a car
- Check fitment on the listing for your bike
Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S P275/40R17 SL
Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S P275/40R17 SL is a street-legal tire for serious drag-strip traction. You get a D.O.T.-approved radial that’s built for summer use and 17-inch wheels, with a 275/40 profile that puts more rubber on the pavement. The listing describes an R2 compound that hooks with minimal burnout and a redistributed tread void for dry grip. The tubeless, symmetrical design boosts reliability, and the 44 PSI max lets you tune pressure for your setup. With 1,653-pound load capacity, it’s a strong street-and-strip choice.
- Tire Type:D.O.T. street drag tire
- Rim Size:17 inches
- Construction:Radial
- Tread Type:Symmetrical
- Season:Summer
- Load Capacity:1653 pounds
- Additional Feature:Proven R2 compound
- Additional Feature:44 PSI maximum
- Additional Feature:Leak-free tubeless design
Pros
- DOT-approved for street and strip use
- R2 compound, per the listing
- 275/40R17 profile optimizes drag launch geometry
Cons
- Requires proper staging technique for best results
Shinko 003 Stealth Ultra-Soft Front Tire – 120/70ZR-17/–
The Shinko 003 Stealth 120/70ZR17 front tire is a motorcycle tire. The listing describes an ultra-soft front motorcycle tire and says not to use it on a dynamometer. It will not fit a car, so skip it for a street car build. It appears here because it comes up in drag tire searches. Check the Amazon listing for the DOT status, load index and speed rating before you buy for a bike.
- Tire Type:Front motorcycle tire
- Rim Size:17 inches
- Construction:Aramid radial
- Tread Type:Non-directional
- Season:Year-round
- Load Capacity:340 kg
- Additional Feature:Ultra-soft compound
- Additional Feature:Non-directional tread
- Additional Feature:58 PSI maximum
Pros
- Drag-focused motorcycle radial, per the listing
- Aramid-belted construction, per the listing
Cons
- Motorcycle tire, will not fit a car
- Check fitment on the listing for your bike
Mickey Thompson ET Street R P275/50R15 SL
Need a street-legal drag tire that bites hard? You should look at the Mickey Thompson ET Street R P275/50R15 SL. This D.O.T.-legal, tubeless radial works on the street and at the strip, so you can drive there and launch hard. The listing describes an R2 compound, minimal tread void and a leak-free seal. You get a directional 275 mm tire with a 15-inch fit, 26.3-inch diameter, and 1,830-pound load rating. It’s a summer tire, 4-ply, and ready for serious rear-wheel traction.
- Tire Type:D.O.T. street drag tire
- Rim Size:15 inches
- Construction:Radial
- Tread Type:Directional
- Season:Summer
- Load Capacity:1830 pounds
- Additional Feature:Proven R2 compound
- Additional Feature:Minimal tread void
- Additional Feature:OEM equivalent 255600
Pros
- D.O.T.-legal for street and strip use
- Minimal tread void maximizes grip off line
- Leak-free seal maintains pressure during launches
Cons
- R2 compound less durable than all-season types
Mickey Thompson ET Drag 24.5/9.0-13
This is a race-only drag tire in 24.5/9.0-13, a small 13-inch size for lightweight drag cars. It uses bias construction, is not street legal, and the wheels are sold separately. Check the listing for fitment before you order.
- Tire Type:Race-only drag tire
- Rim Size:13 inches
- Construction:Bias
- Tread Type:Symmetrical
- Season:Summer
- Load Capacity:Not listed
- Additional Feature:Race use only
- Additional Feature:Little or no burnout
- Additional Feature:Bias construction
Pros
- Race-focused drag compound, per the listing
- Bias construction
Cons
- Not street legal
- Fits 13-inch wheels only
J Concepts Hotties Street Eliminator SCT Drag Tires
These are RC scale tires for 1/10 trucks, not car tires. The listing describes belted rear tires for 2.2 x 3.0 wheels and says to use them with Street Eliminator 2S power only. They are included only because they appear in drag tire searches.
- Tire Type:SCT drag tires
- Rim Size:RC scale
- Construction:Belted
- Tread Type:Symmetrical
- Season:All conditions
- Load Capacity:Not listed
- Additional Feature:Blue compound
- Additional Feature:Wide-body footprint
- Additional Feature:Fits SCT-sized wheels
Pros
- Made for 1/10 scale RC drag
- Fits 2.2 x 3.0 setups, per the listing
Cons
- Not a car tire
- Check RC model and wheel fitment
Pro-Line Racing 1/10 Drag Tires (PRO1017003)
These are 1/10 scale RC drag tires (PRO1017003) in a 2.2 inch / 3.0 inch belted slick setup. They are not car tires and are included only because they appear in drag tire searches. Check the listing for the RC wheels they fit.
- Tire Type:No-prep drag tires
- Rim Size:RC scale
- Construction:Belted
- Tread Type:Slick
- Season:N/A
- Load Capacity:Not listed
- Additional Feature:Ultra Blue compound
- Additional Feature:Herringbone weave belt
- Additional Feature:No-prep drag racing
Pros
- Made for 1/10 scale RC drag
- Belted slick design, per the listing
Cons
- Not a car tire
- Check RC model and wheel fitment
Factors to Consider When Choosing Street Tires for Drag Racing
- DOT marking and local rules: only tires with a DOT marking are intended for road use. Slicks and race-only tires are not. Check local tire and inspection rules.
- Size and wheel width: match the tire to your wheel width and fender clearance, using the tire maker’s approved rim range.
- Load index and speed rating: they must meet or exceed what your vehicle requires. Check the door jamb placard and owner manual.
- Construction: street drag radials use radial construction. Bias slicks are for race use.
- Compound and wear: soft drag compounds wear fast on the street, so many drivers keep a second set of wheels for daily driving.
- Season: treat drag radials as summer tires and avoid cold or wet roads unless the maker says otherwise.
Use a quality gauge, and see our portable air compressor guide if you adjust pressure at the track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are drag radials street legal?
Drag radials with a DOT marking, such as the Nitto, Atturo and Mickey Thompson ET Street tires above, are intended for road use. Local rules vary, so check yours. Slicks and race-only tires are not street legal.
Can I put motorcycle drag tires on a car?
No. The Shinko listings on this page are motorcycle sizes and fit motorcycle wheels only.
Should I choose radial or bias-ply?
Choose a DOT drag radial for a street-driven car. Bias slicks are race-only, and your track rules or car builder may call for them on a dedicated drag car.
What tire pressure should I run?
Follow the tire maker’s guidance. Drag radial users often run much lower rear pressure at the strip than on the road, so reset to the door placard pressure before driving home.
Do drag radials work in rain or cold?
They are summer-oriented tires with a soft compound and minimal tread, so grip drops in cold or wet conditions. Check the maker’s guidance before using them in those conditions.
What about the RC tires on this page?
The J Concepts and Pro-Line listings are 1/10 scale RC tires. They do not fit cars and are only here because they show up in drag tire searches.
Conclusion
For a street-driven car, shortlist the DOT drag radials from Nitto, Atturo and Mickey Thompson, and match size, load index and speed rating to your vehicle. Skip the motorcycle, race-only and RC listings unless they match your actual build.
