If you’re serious about traction, performance, and getting the most out of your build, chances are you’ve come across the ET Street SS. Known for its impressive balance between street drivability and track-ready grip, this tire has become a go-to choice for enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds.
At McCormack Racing, we work with performance-driven drivers every day, and the ET Street SS consistently stands out as one of the most versatile drag radials on the market. In this guide, we’ll break down what makes it special, how it compares to similar tires, and whether it’s the right fit for your setup.
What Is the ET Street SS?
The Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S Tire is a DOT-approved drag radial designed for both street and strip use. That means you can legally drive it on the road while still getting serious traction at the track.
Key features include:
- R2 compound for maximum grip
- Minimal tread void for better contact patch
- Radial construction for stability at speed
- Improved wet performance vs traditional drag radials
This combination makes it ideal for:
- High-horsepower street cars
- Weekend drag racers
- Enthusiasts who want reliable launches without sacrificing daily usability
Why the ET Street SS Stands Out
1. True Street + Strip Balance
Many drag tires lean heavily toward track performance, sacrificing comfort and drivability. The ET Street SS is different.
It offers:
- Predictable handling on the street
- Strong straight-line traction at the track
- Better longevity than full race tires
This is what makes it such a popular “dual-purpose” tire.
2. Excellent Hook for High Horsepower Builds
If you’re running serious power, traction becomes your biggest challenge.
The ET Street SS:
- Hooks hard off the line
- Reduces wheel spin
- Improves 60-foot times
For many builds, this translates directly into faster and more consistent passes.
3. More Forgiving Than Full Drag Tires
Unlike pure drag radials, the ET Street SS doesn’t require perfect conditions to perform well.
You still get:
- Some wet traction
- More stable highway driving
- Less aggressive wear
How ET Street SS Compares to Other Popular Tires
Let’s look at how it stacks up against some common alternatives.
ET Street SS vs Nitto NT555RII
Nitto NT555RII Tire
The Nitto NT555RII is another popular drag radial, especially for street-driven performance cars.
Key Differences:
- NT555RII: Better daily drivability, slightly longer tread life
- ET Street SS: Superior traction and launch performance
If you prioritize comfort → Nitto
If you want maximum grip → ET Street SS wins
ET Street SS vs ET Street R
Mickey Thompson ET Street R Tire
This is the more aggressive sibling in the lineup.
Key Differences:
- ET Street R: Track-focused, less street-friendly
- ET Street SS: More versatile, better for regular driving
ET Street R is for dedicated racers
ET Street SS is for real-world performance builds
ET Street SS vs Toyo Proxes R888R
Toyo Proxes R888R Tire
The R888R is more of a road course / track-day tire than a drag radial.
Key Differences:
- R888R: Better cornering and road handling
- ET Street SS: Better straight-line traction and launches
If you drag race → ET Street SS
If you road race → R888R
Which Tire Should You Choose?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Daily driver with occasional pulls: Nitto NT555RII
- Track-only drag car: ET Street R
- Street + strip performance build: ET Street SS (best balance)
For most enthusiasts, the ET Street SS hits the sweet spot.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Even though the ET Street SS is versatile, it’s still a performance-focused tire.
Keep in mind:
- Not ideal for cold weather driving
- Tread life is shorter than standard tires
- Best performance comes with proper tire pressure setup
Working with a shop like McCormack Racing ensures you get:
- Proper sizing
- Correct fitment
- Setup recommendations
Why McCormack Racing Is the Right Choice
Choosing the right tire is only part of the equation, the shop you work with matters just as much.
At McCormack Racing, we specialize in:
- High-performance builds
- Drag and street-strip setups
- Precision fitment and installation
Unlike general tire shops, we understand:
- Power-to-traction balance
- Real-world performance needs
- How to match tires to your exact build
That means you’re not just buying tires, you’re getting a setup that actually works.
Where Performance Meets Real-World Driving
If you’re looking for a tire that can handle daily driving and deliver serious performance at the track, the ET Street SS is hard to beat.
It bridges the gap between:
- Comfort and control
- Street legality and track dominance
- Everyday usability and peak performance
Compared to alternatives, it consistently delivers the best overall balance, which is why it remains a top recommendation for performance enthusiasts.
If you’re ready to upgrade your traction and take your build to the next level, McCormack Racing can help you dial in the perfect ET Street SS setup for your vehicle.
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