Burning rubber – the MA-Z1 Drift features a high temperature silicone rubber compound that delivers the “all-important smoke”

Last year’s European Drift Championship winner Mark Luney and former D1 Great Britain winner Phil Morrison are among more than 60 drift drivers out to claim the victor’s spoils in the 2010 Maxxis British Drift Championship. While reigning champion Steve Biagioni was forced to sit out the opening round at Silverstone after his new Cosworth-powered 500bhp Subaru Impreza WRX developed gearbox trouble, his Team Japspeed teammates Danny Eyles and Paul Smith – both in S15s running on Maxxis MA-Z1 Drift tyres – helped get the series off to a superb start by finishing third and fourth respectively.

The tyre used by Smith, Eyles and numerous other BDC competitors, sponsored by Maxxis since the start of the 2010 season, is based upon the road-going Maxxis MA-Z1. This is a tyre described as featuring an “aggressive unidirectional tread design, stiff sidewall and advanced silica compound for excellent cornering and handling stability and superior traction in wet and dry conditions.” Double-steel belts and a jointless spiral-wrapped full nylon cap are intended to ensure durability, while Maxxis has included an ultra-stiff bead filler and solid central rib to enhance manoeuvrability.  The MA-Z1 is available in almost 50 sizes up to 285/30 ZR20.

The MA-Z1 Drift incorporates a specially developed high temperature silicone rubber compound for long life and the all-important smoke required to score extra points in the high octane sport of professional drifting. Its credentials, says Maxxis, were put beyond doubt last season when Maxxis-sponsored drivers using the tyre scooped the British Drift Championship, the Prodrift Super Series, the Need for Speed European Drift Championship and Formula Drift, the top US drift series.

Drivers more interested in travelling forwards rather than sideways can still find a Maxxis product to suit their needs. The most recent asymmetric addition to the Maxxis high performance line up is the M36. Featuring four primary wide grooves designed to facilitate water dispersal, the M36 promotes outstanding wet and dry traction, says Maxxis.  A jointless spiral-wrapped full nylon cap gives added strength and stability while the continuous outside reinforced shoulder block design – which enhances cornering stability and reduces noise – combines with a multi-pitch design and variation arrangement – all of which, says the manufacturer, ensures a smooth, quiet ride. “Superb high-speed straight line stability comes from the centre-rib with incision and the large angle tapped groove wall design prevents block deflection during driving to improve grip in all conditions,” Maxxis adds. The M36 is currently available in a range of 15 to 19-inch sizes, with further sizes due to be introduced soon.

Or you could opt for the MA-Z4S, an all-season, unidirectional UHP tyre described by Maxxis as taking grip, fuel economy and handling to a new level.  Featuring a low aspect ratio, V-shaped tread design and silica tread compound, the MA-Z4S is available in sizes between 195/50 R15 and 255/35 ZR20.  “A solid centre rib plus reinforced casing and robust body ply structure ensure improved handling and stability, while a hard bead filler compound aids cornering,” states Maxxis. In addition, four high-void, circumferential main grooves are intended to expel water for enhanced traction on wet roads, and multiple grooves together with the placement and design of the tyre’s sipes are said to deliver improved grip in snow.  Maxxis adds that the five-pitch tread blocks and groove design also minimises noise for a quiet, comfortable ride.

Another option is the M35, available in a range of popular sizes from 195/50 VR15 upwards. This particular tyre features an asymmetric tread design with three outside ribs; Maxxis reports these deliver superb handling, stability and cornering response.  Describing the M35, Maxxis notes “the inside shoulder’s high void ratio aids water dispersal and the continuous circumferential tread block arrangement and pitch sequence combine to deliver impressive performance and uniform wear along with a smooth, quiet ride.  An innovative silica tread compound grips the road in all weathers, while a jointless spiral-wrapped full nylon cap provides uniformity and durability and a rim protector enhances puncture resistance.”

If the above-mentioned tyres aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, there’s always the MA-V1 and MA-P1. With a directional tread pattern said to aid cornering and overall handling and a compound designed to deliver outstanding traction, Maxxis claims the MA-V1 has established itself as the preferred choice of high performance drivers throughout Europe and North America.  This particular tyre is available in 76 sizes from 14 inch upwards. Qualities the manufacturer highlights in the MA-P1 are steering response, grip and handling stability and a quiet, comfortable ride at speed. Its tread design features four circumferential grooves to enhance traction and disperse water.  The MA-P1 is available in almost 100 size options from 175/70 R12 upwards.

Within the UK the Maxxis range of high performance tyres is available exclusively through Grouptyre.