245/40R18 NANKANG AR-1 97Y XL Motorsport Tyres Road Legal (sold individually)

Size: 245/40 R18 | Load: 97 XL | Speed: Y | Sold: individually

Looking for a street-legal semi slick that dominates track days and still gets you home? This 245/40R18 AR-1 delivers serious circuit pace with the durability and consistency enthusiasts demand. It is E-marked for the road yet tuned for extreme grip and fast lap times, making it a go-to choice for time attack, sprints, club racing and regular trackday use.

Built for lap-time hunters

Engineered for drivers who run frequent events, this competition-focused tyre features a single compound and 5.5 mm tread depth from new for dependable performance run after run. From 2019 production onwards, 17 inch and larger sizes use a kevlar cap ply on the 100TW construction to enhance stability and keep performance repeatable on demanding venues such as Nurburgring and Spa-Francorchamps.

Why drivers choose it

• Street legal semi slick with track-first performance, ideal for fast road to predominantly circuit mileage.
• Predictable handling, strong lateral grip and quick warm-up for confidence on push laps and long stints.
• Consistent feel across heat cycles, helping you chase PBs and maintain pace in open pit lane days.
• Proven in competition as a control tyre in series including the M3 Cup, 330 Challenge and Classic VW Cup, plus podiums in CSCC New Millennium and 750MC Club Enduro.
• MSA List 1B approved with EU labelling. EU noise, efficiency and wet grip data available on request.

Key specifications

• Size: 245/40 R18
• Load index: 97 Extra Load
• Speed rating: Y
• Construction: single compound, 5.5 mm moulded tread depth
• E-marked for public road use, track-optimised

Set-up guidance

For best results on circuit:

• Operating temperature window: approximately 71 to 104 degrees Celsius.
• Target camber: around negative 1.0 to negative 3.0 degrees depending on vehicle and circuit.
• Hot pressure guidelines:
  • Under 800 kg: 23 to 27.5 psi
  • 800 to 1000 kg: 24 to 32 psi
  • 1000 to 1400 kg: 27.5 to 37 psi
  • Over 1400 kg: 34 to 42 psi
• Mounting tip: align the yellow balance dot with the valve stem to aid wheel and tyre balance.

Real-world results

We run these on our own cars and customer builds and the feedback is consistently strong: rapid dry grip, dependable road manners to and from the track, and impressive consistency over a full day. If you want an 18 inch semi-slick that just works, this is a brilliant choice.

Perfect for

Track day drivers, time attack competitors, club racers, fast-road builds and performance saloons, coupes and hot hatches needing 245/40R18 competition rubber that remains street legal.

Fitting and alignment

Professional fitting and geometry make a big difference. Book installation and a track-focused alignment with MJ Modifications in Warwickshire. Request a quote at info@mjmodifications.co.uk.

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