I'd go with SO3s if your budget will allow it, otherwise choose the Kuhmo Ecsta MXs. For the road, I'm running the MXs at 36 PSI rear and 40 PSI fronts on a WRX, and getting even wear. You can't find better grip for the buck than the MXs.

 

I've seen the Kumho MX's develop cracks in the sidewalls, scary stuff...

 

That's interesting... I've run my first set of MXs for nine months and 15K miles and the darm things are in near perfect shape. Looks like I'll be getting 30K miles before I buy my next set of MXs. This is first-hand information from someone who uses the tires for daily, albeit spirited driving.

Details mean a lot. Are you sure the Kumhos you saw were MXs and not one of their other models? What sort of usage was the tire subjected to? Was it run underinflated/overinflated or drifted? Go drifting on any near R compound tire and I expect it will do worse than develop cracks. How old was it and how many miles had it been run?

 

Hankook R-S2's are receiving rave reviews, too. Check them out. Very inexpensive tire.

 

I am running on the Poilot Sport Cups on my WRX and they work really well, they do need to heat up,, but once they do they become your best friend,, R compound + AWD,, is a good combo,, I am running the tires on the street and so far they have been good. They really stick to the road n little rocks that people behind you get to know very well.

 

The problem with running street tire on the track is the heat you can generate and the tires get gooey!!

I've run the 070, MX, and PS2 and have only gotten 6,000 miles with 2 track days from each. I think? the heat may increase the wear afterwards, ie the tires look fine after the 1st track day but quite worn before the second.

My next tire will be an R compound, probably the Toyo RA-1 unless I find a better street/track R tire.

If I still can't get more than 6000 miles it will be chaeper to buy a set of dedicated rims.

John