What Tire Setup Do Pro Drivers Actually Run?
In drifting, tire setup is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, especially when grip, predictability, and heat management all affect how you drive. And when it comes to competition, the right front/rear compound pairing can give you a critical edge.
Zestino drivers in both Pro and Pro-Am categories often run mixed compound setups, tuned specifically to their driving style, chassis balance, and power level. Here’s how it breaks down.
READ
Rear: Gredge 07RS – 140 Treadwear
Front: Accrova 07A MAX – 240 Treadwear
This pairing gives you maximized grip and predictability out back, with firm, responsive steering up front. It’s the go-to configuration for drivers running anywhere from 400–1000+ HP, especially in tandem competition.
Why this works:
The 07RS rear compound heats up quickly and holds consistent traction throughout a run — even with heavy throttle inputs and fast transitions.
The Accrova 07A MAX front tire features a reinforced sidewall and higher treadwear rating, which resists deformation under high angle and keeps steering input direct.
Together, these tires offer balance, bite, and reliability — especially when you’re entering at speed or chasing closely.
Lower Power Builds (<450HP):
Rear: Accrova 07A (300 TW)
Front: Accrova 07A (300 TW)
For grassroots and dual-purpose street builds, the standard Accrova 07A provides solid grip and longer wear life. It’s a solid choice when you need to get more events per set, or you want to keep cost manageable without sacrificing performance.
High Grip, High Power:
Rear: Accrova 07A PRO (140 TW)
Front: Accrova 07A MAX or PRO
The 07A PRO is designed specifically for high-powered competition builds. With increased lateral and forward grip, it’s ideal for 600–1000HP+ cars in Pro-Am and FD Pro-Spec. These tires provide sharp breakaway zones and aggressive bite, but wear faster due to their ultra-soft compound.
Even Setup for Circuit / Time Attack:
Rear + Front: Accrova 07A MAX or Circuit 01S
For time attack or balanced chassis builds where you’re looking for even tire behavior front-to-rear, running the same compound on all corners makes sense. The 07A MAX offers mid-level grip with enhanced sidewall integrity — ideal for heavier cars or precision driving where steering stability is key.
How the Pros Tune Tire Behavior
Drivers often tune front vs. rear grip to fit their style:
Understeer-prone chassis? Use a softer front compound or increase front pressure.
Too snappy on transition? Soften rear pressure slightly or go to a higher treadwear compound in the rear.
Fast tracks with wide entries? A high-grip 07RS rear keeps your foot in it through the entire corner.
What the Data Says
Zestino-supported drivers across Formula Drift, Hotpit, and regional Pro-Am events consistently run 07RS rear + 07A MAX or PRO front. This setup has been used to win podiums in:
Formula Drift Pro-Spec
Holley LS Fest
Hotpit Drift Championship
Riverside Drift
Vegas Drift
… and countless licensing events across North America.
Final Takeaway
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But if you want a starting point, take a cue from the drivers winning events:
07RS in the rear, 07A MAX or PRO up front.
It’s predictable. It’s repeatable. It works — and it’s what real drivers run when it counts.
