Hot Race Bangkok v2 vs Amazzonia — Which for UK Outdoor Dirt Tracks?

If you race 1/8 buggy at a UK outdoor dirt track, two Hot Race tyres regularly come up in conversation: the Bangkok v2 and the Amazzonia. Both work well on outdoor circuits, but they suit slightly different track conditions — and knowing which to reach for on race day can make a real difference.

Here's what we've found works at two of the UK's popular outdoor venues: Shrewsbury (Hadnall) and Slough.

The Key Difference

The Bangkok v2 has a more open, self-cleaning pin tread that handles loose and dusty surfaces very well. If the track is dry, dusty and the racing line is buried under loose dirt, the Bangkok v2 is usually the stronger choice — it keeps clearing and keeps biting.

The Amazzonia has a denser, more aggressive tread that generates excellent forward drive on a cleaner, more packed surface. It's fine on a dusty track but it really comes into its own when there's a defined, cleaner racing line — the kind that develops naturally as a meeting progresses and rubber goes down. Once a line forms, the Amazzonia tends to pull away from the Bangkok.

At Shrewsbury (Hadnall)

Shrewsbury is a packed outdoor dirt circuit that can be quite dusty early in the day, particularly in dry summer conditions. A useful starting point:

• Bangkok v2 Medium — works well in warmer conditions (18–26°C), especially early when the track is dry and loose
• Amazzonia Soft — comes into its own as the meeting progresses and a cleaner line develops, particularly in cooler conditions (10–18°C)

Some drivers run Bangkok v2 for qualifying and switch to Amazzonia for finals once the track has rubbered in. Worth gluing a set of each if you're serious about the result.

At Slough

Slough has a similar outdoor dirt character to Shrewsbury. The same logic applies — Bangkok v2 for the dustier, earlier conditions, Amazzonia when the track tightens up and a line forms. The compound choice mirrors Shrewsbury: Amazzonia Soft for cooler conditions, Bangkok v2 Medium for warmer days.

Quick Reference

• Track is dusty, loose, no clear line: Bangkok v2
• Track has a defined cleaner line, rubber going down: Amazzonia
• Cooler conditions (10–18°C): Amazzonia Soft or Bangkok v2 Soft
• Warmer conditions (18–26°C): Bangkok v2 Medium or Amazzonia Soft
• Hot summer day (26°C+): Bangkok v2 Medium or Hard

Not Sure on the Day?

Use our Find Your Tyre wizard — it checks the live Met Office forecast for Shrewsbury and Slough specifically and recommends the right tyre and compound based on the conditions. It takes about 30 seconds and could save you gluing the wrong set.

Both the Bangkok v2 and Amazzonia are in stock at RC Pit Box in all compounds, with UK next-day delivery. We have been the official UK Hot Race distributor since 2017.