Goodyear Eagle RS - Tire Review - Modified Magazine

Goodyear rejoined the DOT race tire game in 2011 with the Eagle RS, available in either an autocross (AC) or road race (RC) compound. Since we were planning to test these out on our old EG Civic time attack car, we opted for the RC compound because we wanted to be free to lap for extended periods of time without overheating the compound (autocross compound tires heat up quickly, but as a result they overheat and heat cycle out more quickly, too).

But since we sold the EG, we enlisted the help friend and fellow racer Andrew Lee and his seriously quick K24-powered DC2 Integra Type R. Exactly one month prior to this test, Andrew won the CSCS Time Attack Unlimited FWD class while running on Continental Grand Am–spec race tires with a best lap time of 1:19.3. Back at the same track with very similar conditions (dry and warm), we felt we’d get a good sense of just how quick the Goodyear Eagle RSes are compared with the Contis (which are basically a rebranded Hoosier R6).

| Goodyear Eagle RS+Tread

During the first practice session, we started with tire pressures in the mid-30s and aimed to collect some tire temp data and dial in the pressures accordingly. Andrew reported that the car was pushing a lot (meaning it had picked up some understeer), and it didn’t feel like the tires were making much grip, either, since he was sliding the car around more than usual.

After the second practice session, Andrew was still unhappy with the understeer, but grip did improve and lap times fell into the 1:20s. This was encouraging, and with some further tire pressure adjustments as well as some increased rear shock damping, we were hoping to see a 1:19-something on CSCS’s online live timing report during the official time attack session.

Andrew’s best time on the Goodyear RSes ended up being a 1:20.4, good for Third in class. We simply didn’t do enough to dial out the understeer issue, and based on feedback from Goodyear afterward, it’s clear we did not run enough tire pressure. Apparently on a FWD car like Andrew’s Type R, pressures in the low- to mid-40s work best with this compound, but we never got them up above 38 psi.

| Goodyear Eagle RS+Side Wall

That just goes to show that when testing a tire you’re new to, it pays to do your homework ahead of time rather than guessing at tire pressures and attempting to dial in the car’s setup during a busy time attack event with only a couple of test sessions at your disposal.

Nevertheless, we can say that the Goodyear Eagle RS is in the same ballpark as the Continentals (and their sibling Hoosiers), which is darn fast company to keep. It’s also worth noting that Goodyear has an excellent contingency program for racers in the SCCA, NASA, Solo, and 944 Cup series.

Specs & Details

Goodyear Eagle RS

Size 225/45ZR15
Type DOT Competition & Track
UTQG none

Key Features