Printed with permission from Dirt Sports Magazine from the 2009 January/February issue.

Never has there been a more exciting time for tires in off-road motorsports. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock (as opposed to charging through them or crawling over them), you know that the last few years has seen a lot of new players emerge in terms of competition. The result is that some of the established champions were knocked off of their pedestals (or podiums, as the case may be). And whether it was innovative design or just clever marketing that got the proverbial ball rolling, the competitive universe forced many manufacturers to go back to the drawing board. This means there are stronger, better performing tire designs from more manufacturers than ever before for you to choose from, and ultimately have fun and/or win with!

For this story, Dirt Sports has provided a sampling of what 2009 has to offer. Some tires are strictly for competition, some are suitable for your tow rig or pre-runner, and some are proving to be worth their salt in all aspects. Don’t hesitate to use the provided contact information, as these manufacturers are constantly expanding and changing their line of products with new designs, sizes, and fitments. 

General Tire Grabber Competition Designed with a tough, three-ply Duragen-reinforced body construction to stand up to the rigors of off-road conditions, the Grabber features a newly-developed, competition-specific tread compound. The Grabber competition tires are designed in size 37x12.50R17 for Class 8 and Trophy-Ttruck/Trick-Truck and 35x12.50R17 for Class 1, 6, 7, 7S, Stock Mini and Protruck. Also available is the Grabber DOT-approved off-road tire in a variety of sizes.Contact: www.generaltire.com, 800.847.3349.

Goodyear Wrangler MT/R This Rugged, tried and true off-road tire features “Durawall” technology for enhanced sidewall strength, three-ply sidewall construction, aggressive wraparound tread, and high-tensile steel belts. We know that this one has been around a while, but rumor has it Goodyear is about release a whole new design. You heard it here first! Sizes range from 30x9.50R15 to 40x13.50R17. Contact: www.goodyeartires.com, 800.231.2136.

Kumho Road Venture MT The latest in KUMHO technology has created a true mud terrain tire with great street manners and very low noise levels. The Road Venture MT KL71 is the perfect choice for the street bound 4X4 that wants the ultra aggressive look of an off road tire with large rim diameters. At home in mild or wild off road conditions, from tame gravel roads to deep mud, the Road Venture MT KL71 provides excellent off road traction. Sizes range from 31x10.50R15 to 38x14.00R24. Contact: www.kumhotireusa.com, 800.445.8646.

General Tire Grabber AT2 General’s newest All Terrain features a five-row lug pattern with strategically-placed sipes that result in many biting edges. Computer-optimized contouring gives the Grabber AT2 a wider, flatter tread contour with a squared shoulder, enhancing performance and aggressive good looks.  Additionally, the Grabber AT2 has been chosen as the spec tire for the 2008 Trophylite racing series.  With 44 sizes, in 14 to 20-inch rim diameters and Q through H speed ratings, the Grabber AT2 tire is available for most light truck applications. Contact: www.generaltire.com, 800.847.3349.

Mickey Thompson ATZ Radial The new ATZ Radial is an all-terrain radial with a tough four-rib tread design for better traction and a bold, stylish appearance.  High load ratings and extra deep tread make it a tough, dependable tire for towing. The extra wide footprint provides for even wear and better traction, while tread lug sipes provide stability and grip on smooth, hard surfaces and in icy conditions. All light truck sizes feature cut-resistant three-ply sidewalls and a full six-ply tread for additional strength, durability and bite, on or off-road. Sizes range from 32x10.50R16 or 33x12.50R15 to 40x13.50R20. Contact: www.mickeythompsontires.com, 800.700.0394.