Many off-road race tracks around the country still offer a spec “run as out of the box” class for the Traxxas Slash, which requires you to run the original kit tires.  While realistic in appearance, unfortunately the stock tires suffer a bit of lack of traction due to its hardness of rubber compound and tread design.  One trick that seems to be acceptable under the “spec” rule is tire cutting.

Tire cutting helps generate more traction out of the tire by making more “edges” on the tires.  More edge means more traction and this can yield an advantage for you in “spec” rule racing.  This is done simply by taking a dremel with a cutting disc (kids should ask adult that are proficient with the dremel to do this task) and make symmetrical left/right cuts on the tires.   Be very careful in this process as the cutting disc at high rpm can cause serious injuries.

Usually start with the bigger knobs on the tires and cut those with a line down the middle, and continue around the entire tire.  Be sure to wear a face mask and goggle when performing this task as the Traxxas kit tires when cut generates an odor and leaves fine rubber dust in the air, definitely don’t want to breathe that in.

One you finish cutting the tire, try and cut the other tire as closely as possible.  Once finish, give the two tires a good wash and they are ready to go.  Spec racing is all about gaining a small advantage here and there, adding together to a significant yield of performance gain on the track.  These cut tires will surely provide that extra little bit more rear traction to go fast around the track.

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