GRP Tyres for 1/8 Buggy — What's Working at UK Club and National Level

GRP tyres are relatively new to the UK 1/8 buggy scene, but they've made an immediate impact at the highest level. Multiple UK and European champion Elliott Boots won Round 1 of the UK Nationals at Herts on GRP, with Lewis Jones taking third on the same rubber. If that's not a statement of intent, nothing is.

At RC Pit Box we stock the full GRP range: Flexy, Triky, Micro, Block, Pixel and Prime, in every compound. Here's what's working at the tracks we know best.

Understanding GRP Compounds

GRP compounds come in two families, each with five hardnesses. The letter tells you the surface and the number tells you how soft it is: the lower the number, the softer the rubber.

• N compounds (Clay): for oiled clay and high-grip prepared surfaces. N15 Ultra Soft, N25 Super Soft, N35 Soft, N45 Medium and N55 Hard.
• S compounds (Dirt): for outdoor dirt and looser surfaces. S15 Ultra Soft, S25 Super Soft, S35 Soft, S45 Medium and S55 Hard.

As a general rule, oiled clay tracks like Herts and Brookthorpe call for N compounds, and outdoor dirt tracks like Shrewsbury call for S compounds. Go softer when it's cold or grip is low, and harder as temperatures and grip climb.

Herts and Brookthorpe: Outdoor Oiled Clay

GRP's Flexy is the standout choice for oiled clay. Its flexible connected tread generates excellent surface contact, and it's what Elliott Boots and Lewis Jones were running when they took two of the top three spots at Round 1 of the UK Nationals.

• Flexy N35 Soft: the go-to choice once the track has grooved in and a clean racing line is established. This is where the Flexy really excels, delivering consistent drive and predictable steering.
• Flexy N25 Super Soft: for colder conditions, or when you need more grip from a fresher, less-prepared surface. On a really cold winter day, N15 Ultra Soft goes softer still.
• Flexy N45 Medium: worth trying on warm summer days when the track is high-grip and N35 starts to feel too soft.
• Triky N35 or N25: for when the line isn't quite there yet. The Triky's more open tread handles a less-prepared or dustier oiled clay surface better than the Flexy. Once rubber goes down and the line grooves in, consider switching to Flexy for finals.

A useful approach on race day at Herts or Brookthorpe: if it's early and the track is still building, start on Triky. Once the line grooves in through practice and heats, move to Flexy for finals.

Shrewsbury (Hadnall): Multi-Surface Outdoor Dirt

Shrewsbury's multi-surface outdoor track suits a different approach. This is where the GRP Micro has been turning heads.

• Micro S35 Soft and S25 Super Soft: the Micro has a very similar character to the Hot Race Bangkok v2 on this type of surface, delivering excellent traction across the varied sections of the Hadnall circuit. S35 Soft is the most popular choice, with S25 Super Soft for colder or damper days. On hot, dry summer days, S45 Medium is worth a try.
• Triky S35 Soft: also very fast at Shrewsbury. Its self-cleaning open tread handles the looser sections well and has shown strong pace at this circuit specifically.

Pricing and Availability

One of GRP's key advantages is price. At £8 per pair for tyre-only, they're significantly cheaper than other well-known brands while delivering competitive performance at national level. Pre-glued options on white or yellow GRP wheels are also available if you'd rather arrive ready to run.

Shop GRP tyres

Find Your Compound

Not sure which GRP tyre and compound suits your track? Use our Find Your Tyre wizard. It checks the live Met Office forecast for Herts, Brookthorpe, Shrewsbury and other UK tracks and recommends the right GRP option automatically, alongside the full Hot Race and VP Pro range.

All GRP tyres are in stock at RC Pit Box with UK next-day delivery.