Hot Race Sahara Compound Guide — Which to Choose for UK Tracks

The Hot Race Sahara is the most popular 1/8 buggy tyre in the UK — and for good reason. But with six different compounds available, choosing the right one can be confusing. This guide explains exactly which Sahara compound to use at UK club tracks, based on temperature and track surface.

The Six Sahara Compounds

Hot Race produce the Sahara in six rubber compounds, each optimised for a specific range of conditions:

• Super Soft (SS) — Extreme cold, very high-traction oiled surfaces
• Soft — Cold to mild (10–18°C), oiled clay and high-grip outdoor
• Medium — Moderate (18–24°C), oiled outdoor clay and packed dirt
• Clay — Warm to hot (20°C+), the UK best-seller for summer club racing on oiled clay
• Clay Hard — Very hot (28°C+), maximum-grip circuits at peak summer
• White — Specialist compound for very high-traction oiled surfaces in cold weather

Compound by UK Track

Herts RC (Hertford) — Outdoor Oiled Clay

Herts runs a consistently prepared outdoor oiled clay surface. White or Soft are the typical winter choices. Through spring and autumn, Clay is most popular. On hot summer days, Clay Hard can come into its own. The Sahara is one of the most-used tyres at this circuit.

Brookthorpe RC (Gloucester) — Outdoor Oiled Clay

Similar surface preparation to Herts. Clay compound works well for most of the year. Soft or White in winter. Clay Hard for genuine summer heat.

NWN (Blackpool) — Outdoor Dirt

NWN is an outdoor dirt track, so the Amazzonia or Bangkok v2 tend to suit better. However, the Sahara SS or Soft can work well on damper or colder race days.

Slough — Outdoor Dirt

Primarily an outdoor dirt circuit. Sahara Soft or Medium can work in the right temperature range, but the Amazzonia and Bangkok v2 are more commonly used.

Shrewsbury (Hadnall) — Outdoor Dirt

Outdoor packed dirt track. Sahara SS or Soft for cold days. Sahara Medium for mild summer days. Amazzonia and Bangkok v2 tend to be preferred by most drivers here.

Quick Reference: Temperature to Compound

• 0–10°C: White or Super Soft
• 11–15°C: Soft
• 16–20°C: Soft or Medium (oiled clay: Clay)
• 21–25°C: Clay (oiled tracks), Medium (outdoor dirt)
• 26–30°C: Clay or Clay Hard
• 31°C+: Clay Hard

Not Sure? Let the Weather Decide

RC Pit Box offers a Find Your Tyre wizard that checks the live Met Office forecast for your specific track and automatically recommends the right compound. It covers Herts, Brookthorpe, NWN, Slough and Shrewsbury.

All Sahara compounds are in stock at RC Pit Box with UK next-day delivery. We have been the official UK Hot Race distributor since 2017.