Tyre compounds, tread patterns, inserts, and setup for every rally condition.
Tyre Types & Compounds
Tarmac / Carpet (High Grip)
- Medium or hard‑compound slicks / semi‑slicks
- Minimal tread for maximum contact patch
- Firm inserts for stability under load
- Prioritise sidewall stiffness and even wear
Gravel / Loose Dirt (Low Grip)
- Soft‑compound rally tread tyres
- Open block pattern for bite and debris clearing
- Medium‑soft inserts for compliance
- Clean tread after each run to maintain grip
Mixed Surface (Variable Grip)
- Medium compound with shallow tread
- Balanced insert density for predictable transitions
- Aim for consistent behaviour between hard and loose sections
- Maintain consistent tyre temperature to avoid sudden grip changes during transitions
Tyre Preparation
- True Tyres Ensure concentric rotation for stable high‑speed handling.
- Break‑In Lightly scuff new tyres for predictable initial grip.
- Sidewall Bonding Apply a minimal CA bead to prevent lifting under lateral load.
- Storage Keep tyres sealed in bags to maintain compound consistency.
Surface‑Specific Tuning
Tarmac
- Low ride height
- Minimal droop
- Firm damping
- Maximise chassis stability
Gravel
- Higher ride height
- Long droop for terrain absorption
- Softer damping
- Prioritise compliance and traction
Mixed
- Mid‑height
- Balanced droop
- Medium damping
- Aim for predictable transitions
Wheel Selection
- 90s / 2000s Rally Cars White multi‑spoke rally wheels (classic WRC look)
- Modern WRC / Rally2 Cars Black or dark grey multi‑spokes (current M‑Sport / Toyota style)
Quick Reference Table
| Surface | Tyre Type | Compound | Insert | Ride Height | Droop | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarmac | Slick / Semi‑slick | Medium / Hard | Firm | Low | Minimal | Max stability |
| Carpet | Slick | Medium | Firm | Low | Minimal | High grip, consistent |
| Gravel | Rally Tread | Soft | Medium‑Soft | High | Long | Best compliance |
| Loose Dirt | Rally Tread | Soft | Soft | High | Long | Maximum bite |
| Mixed | Shallow Tread | Medium | Medium | Mid | Mid | Balanced behaviour |
Recommended Tyre Sets for RC Rally
- Tarmac: Sweep Racing / Ride / Contact slicks
- Gravel: Rally‑block tyres (Tamiya, MST, Yeah Racing)
- Mixed: Medium compound hybrid tread tyres
Setup Notes for XV‑01 / XV‑02 / TT‑02 Rally
- XV‑01 Front‑motor layout benefits from softer rear tyres for rotation.
- XV‑02 Adjustable diffs allow fine tuning for surface transitions.
- TT‑02 Rally Use medium compound tyres to compensate for chassis flex
