Hopefully this isn't a repost cause I just came across it.

However Hankook just came out with their first R-compound race tire. Ventus Z211 R-Compound Racing Tire



<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Hankook’s New Ventus Z211 R-Compound Racing Tire Is Unveiled and Is Selected as Spec Tire for the 2003 Mazdaspeed Miata Cup Presented by Hankook Tires Race Series.
WAYNE, NJ; (March 13, 2003) — Hankook Tire America Corp. is continuing its aggressive pursuit of the ultra-high performance market with the introduction of the Ventus Z211 R-Compound Racing Tire.
The Ventus Z211 R-Compound Racing Tire was a dual development effort of engineers and compounders at Hankook’s R&D facilities in South Korea, and in the U.S. at Hankook’s Akron Technical Center. Engineers at the Akron facility were responsible for coordinating and overseeing the testing of the new racing tire. The Ventus Z211 R-Compound Racing Tire was designed and built specifically for the growing racing and tuner markets.
Engineers in the U.S. and in Korea set out to create a tire formulated specifically to provide exceptional grip for racetrack driving. R-compounds, often described as “sticky” compounds, were incorporated into the tire to provide the “stick” or “grip” that racers look for in a tire. At the same time, the new Ventus Z211 R-Compound Racing Tire features a UTQG rating of 50/AA/A.
Another advantage of the Ventus Z211 R-Compound Racing Tire is that it provides solid grip on both wet and dry surfaces — unusual for tires developed for the racetrack. Designed and molded at 7/32" skid depth, the Ventus Z211 performs exceedingly well in the rain. For racing teams looking for a slightly better edge on dry tracks, the Ventus Z211 tire can be shaved to a depth of 3/32" to provide an even tighter grip.
The Sports Car Club of America has designated Hankook to supply the Ventus Z211 as the spec tire for the SCCA’s Mazdaspeed Miata North American Cup Series, presented by Hankook Tires. Hankook will provide the Ventus Z211 R-Compound Racing Tire to all competitors in the Series, which includes competition on the East and West Coasts, as well as a final competition between the winners in each venue. The competition pits identically prepared Mazda Miatas against each other in rigorous tests of speed, handling and endurance.
The Ventus Z211 R-Compound racing Tire will initially be available in a 15” size: 205/50ZR15. Eleven sizes are currently in development. They are:

• 205/60VR13
• 195/55VR14
• 205/55VR14
• 225/50VR14
• 225/50ZR15
• 215/40VR16
• 225/50ZR16
• 245/50ZR16
• 255/50ZR16
• 275/40ZR17
• 335/35ZR17

“The development of the Ventus Z211 R-Compound Racing Tire marks an important development in our effort to capture a larger share of the high performance market, and in our drive to create products for the growing racing enthusiast market,” states Mr. Young Moon Park, Marketing Manager at Hankook Tire America Corp. “Being chosen by the SCCA to provide our new racing tire is a huge step forward for our high performance program. We’re committed to this market, and we’re enthusiastic that the new Z211 racing tire will meet and exceed drivers’ expectations at the Mazda Miata Cup Series this year.”
The Ventus Z211 R-Compound Racing Tire is available now at Vilven Tire, Royal, Illinois: 800-251-0017.
For more information on the new Ventus Z211 R-Compound Racing Tire and on Hankook’s complete line of high performance tires, contact Doug Reed, Motorsport Manager, Hankook Tire America Corp., at (303) 841-2309, or via email at derrpm@earthlink.net or dreed@hankooktireusa.com. Visit Hankook’s Internet site at http://www.hankooktireusa.com.
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This could mean more money for SCCA drivers at the next nationals and at the Run-offs.

 

Yeah, Doug Reed previously of SCCA HQ is their new head of motorsports. He sauy the tire is cheaper than the Toyo Proxes even after the rebates and grippeir than a Toyo or Kumho. Said it is also supposed to the better of those in wet conditions too. They have been involved in racing in Asia and Canada but are just this year breaking into the US club racing scene.

 

Grippier than a Kumho, eh? hrm...

 

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=445245
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=461949

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JeffS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=445245
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=461949</TD></TR></TABLE>

I already said I was sorry if this was a repost , however mine did have more information about them.