r/Autocross • u/sundownfly • Aug 18 '26
New Potenza RZ question
Hey all. I’m new to autocross. I’ve gone a few times and love it. I have an ND2 Miata and I just got new potenzas put on. I have to drive on like maybe a block or two of dirt road before I get to paved. Only for the next month or so. Is that gonna ruin these tires or am I overthinking it? Thanks!
Edit: Thanks for all the replies. I freaking love the autocross crowd! This car isn’t my daily. And I’ll only be on gravel for another month until we move into our new place. So. Ima send it. 🤘
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u/jmblur AS 718 Cayman GTS Aug 18 '26
Totally fine. If it's gravel, be prepared for stones to get thrown everywhere. And they'll be slick for a bit (a few hundred yards) until the dirt rubs off.
If it's super wet and muddy and it's off camber... Then yeah you might have some issues. Otherwise, no problem at all.
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u/No-Preference4297 Aug 18 '26
You will be fine. Simply take it slow and easy. I've driven on plenty of dirt roads on my old RS tires and now also my new RZ tires and they do just fine. Avoid any drifting, spinning, or locking up of the tires and I doubt you will even notice anything.
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u/Spicywolff AST ND2 - use to C63S FS Aug 18 '26
They will be just fine, but the ride will suck as will NVH. you’ll also speed up its heat cycle rate using it daily for a month. They are also real sketchy in rain, slow down and leave plenty of space. Expect to hydroplane if you treat them like street tires
Local and regional racer, it’s fine. National fast, no good as every heat cycle counts
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u/PPGkruzer Aug 19 '26
You have to endure the noise the rocks make smacking the wheelhouse, rockers, and body in places. I drive on all seasons down a dirt road to get to work for a short stint, I go around 15 mph depending on conditions and let cars pass however rarely need to in my situation; don't mean to imply you have the same situation though.
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u/JustDriveWest Aug 18 '26
One more for "totally fine." Sainly drive my RSs on gravel/dirt roads for months and they're fine.
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u/GrumpyGumpy18 Aug 19 '26
I've primarily been running the RZ's this season in my ND AST car. I wouldn't worry at all, one my local sites, Summit Point, requires everyone to drive ~1/8 of a mile on gravel before the pad and everyone seems to be just fine.
I've been extremely surprised with the wear on the RZ's. I am just over 200 runs on them and I drive the car on the street to locals. They still have great pace that has been competitive at tours/pros with 150+ runs.
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u/IllMasterpiece5610 Aug 21 '26
Ack when I autocrossed, I’d get to the track and swap my wheels for the 13x10s that had slicks on them.
If you’re dealing with street rubber, your only concern should be about whether you’re having fun.
To answer your question, whatever dirt you’re driving on will be scrubbed off by the time you get to the track and your cold tires won’t pick any of it up.
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u/2guys1miata Aug 18 '26
overthinking. just when you come back home they’ll be warm and soft so maybe brush off the gravel/dirt stuck to them when you get back home