Mickey Thompson Tires: Then and Now

If you’re looking for an automotive racing legend, look no further than Mickey Thompson. This pioneer has been inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and the Automotive Hall of Fame. He’s also ranked number 11 on the National Hot Rod Association Top 50 Drivers list. Even after his death, Thompson’s legacy lives on through Mickey Thompson tires, which are used by off roaders around the world.

Born in Alhambra, California, Marion Lee Thompson has been known as “Mickey Thompson” for almost his whole life. When drag racing first emerged as a sport, Mickey Thompson was at the forefront, driving and designing the latest race cars. It was 1960 when Mickey Thompson achieved international stardom by becoming the first American to break the 400 mph barrier. With 485 speed and endurance records both nationally and internationally, Mickey Thompson holds more automotive records than any other man in history.

In 1963, Thompson brought his racing genius to the people by launching his line of Mickey Thompson Performance Tires. These Mickey Thompson tires were the first brand made specifically for use on street, strip, track, and off road terrains. To this day, the company is one of the top innovators in the industry, developing the latest and greatest in wide, low-profile street tires and aggressive tread patterns.

Some of the latest Mickey Thompson tires to be introduced in 2011 are:

Mickey Thompson Baja STZ Tires The Baja line has been a staple of Mickey Thompson tires for many years, and the company is constantly working to improve on an already great product. With the new STZ tires, they’ve included the following upgrades:

• Variable density nylon for improved ride comfort, handling, and uniformity
• Serrated tie bars and shoulder scallops for better self-cleaning
• Multi draft lug angles for increased lug stability
• Additional siping for improved wet traction

Mickey Thompson Baja Claw TTC Radial Tires Off roaders have an extreme sense of adventure that spurs them to tackle bigger and greater off road terrains, and Mickey Thompson tires will be there every bit of the trek. The Baja Claw TTC Radial is the ultimate in extreme traction tires. Some of the most useful features include:

• Directional, 23 degree tread pattern for extreme traction
• Mud scoops for better self-cleaning in snow and mud
• Tread and sidewall decoupling grooves, so tires will flex and conform

With these new, innovative tires, Mickey Thompson proves that the brand’s aftermarket accessories are just as relevant and useful as they were 50 years ago. The same passion that drives the company to innovate ensures that Mickey Thompson’s legacy will live on for years to come. Look for Mickey Thompson tires to continue to lead the off road industry.