Controversy surrounding the “tire rule” has been the talk of the karting industry lately - but Maxxis may have come up with the perfect solution. Maxxis has developed the EL Series tire to combat the continuing chemical warfare among kart racers, which has been especially prevalent in the southeastern US.
The EL is in the testing stage in two divisions in the WKA Heartland Series. In addition, Billy Lineberger has joined forces with Goldspeed USA, the sole US importer of Maxxis karting tires, to present the Maxxis Tires Saturday Night Showdown on the asphalt oval in Concord, North Carolina. The EL is the Saturday Night Showdown’s spec tire.
Lineberger has promoted asphalt racing at the Concord facility for several years. Always eager to try something new to promote his sport, he considered the Showdown idea a no-brainer.
Early feedback from racers has been overwhelmingly positive. After two events, many drivers are eager to show off tires that still show the center seam, with nearly no wear. Of course, that’s with a kart set-up that is somewhat close: As one racer commented, “It’s in my hands now. I gotta set this thing up right to be fast. I can’t buy speed in a bottle for this series. I love it!”
Goldspeed’s Chester Hester also weighed in on the EL: “This is a true spec tire. It’s perfect for a track tire rule or club racing.”
For more information on the Maxxis Saturday Night Showdown, please visit karttv.com.
