There is no universal best street tire for drag racing: the right choice depends on your car, wheel, fitment, and how much street use you expect. Manufacturer descriptions position the Mickey Thompson ET Street R as the more strip-focused option, the ET Street S/S as street-to-strip, and the Nitto NT555RII as a competition drag radial with some street-oriented design features. Those descriptions are not independent head-to-head test results.
How the three drag radials differ
| Tire | Manufacturer positioning | Consider it if… | Verify before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mickey Thompson ET Street R | Mickey Thompson describes it as a DOT street-legal drag tire with race compounds and a traction-oriented tread with minimal void. | Drag-strip traction is your priority and you accept a more competition-oriented design. | Exact size, approved rim width, vehicle clearance, warnings, and intended road use. |
| Nitto NT555RII | Nitto describes it as a DOT-compliant competition drag radial with a high-grip compound and circumferential grooves intended to aid wet handling. | You are comparing a competition radial with more street-oriented design cues. | Exact size and fitment, approved rim range, manufacturer pairing guidance, and use limitations. |
| Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S | Mickey Thompson positions it as a street-to-strip radial; its technical bulletin describes street use and mild wet conditions. | You give more weight to street use than the ET Street R positioning. | Current specifications, fitment, and the conditions described by the manufacturer. |
These are manufacturer descriptions, not proof that one tire is faster or safer in every application. No independent comparative test or overall winner is established by the available sources.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nitto 315/35R20 106W SL NT555RII BW | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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Nitto NT555RII 245/45R17 99W XL, 245/45R17XL | $286.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nitto NT555RII P315/40R18 102W LL | $503.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Nitto 275/40ZR20 106W XL NT555 G2 BW | $286.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Nitto NT555 G2 315/35ZR20 110W | $363.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Which tire suits your priorities?
For a more strip-focused setup: ET Street R
Mickey Thompson calls the ET Street R a “D.O.T. street legal drag tire with proven race compounds and incredible traction.” That is the manufacturer’s product language, not independent validation. Its minimal-void, traction-focused description makes it the clearest strip-oriented choice among these three, but suitability for your road use and local rules still needs checking.
For a street-to-strip balance: ET Street S/S
The ET Street S/S is the option to compare when street use matters more than the ET Street R’s strip emphasis. Mickey Thompson’s technical bulletin describes street use and mild wet conditions; do not read that as a guarantee for all weather or everyday conditions.
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#1 Best Overall
- Ideal for use on the drive axle when paired with the NT555G2 on the non-drive axle
- Sidewall construction has been modified to improve launch
- Large twin center ribs provide a continuous contact patch for dry traction.
For a competition radial with street-oriented cues: NT555RII
Nitto describes the NT555RII as a competition drag radial and says its circumferential grooves are intended to aid wet handling. That feature alone does not establish suitability for all wet-weather driving or routine daily use.
What to check before choosing a size
Choose for the specific vehicle and wheel, not just the tire model. Confirm the following using current manufacturer fitment information and the tire’s warnings:
Rank #2
- Product Type:Vehicle Tire
- Item Package Dimension:25.67 " L X9.57 " W X25.67 " H
- Item Package Weight:24.91 lbs
- Country Of Origin: United States
- Fit type: Universal Fit
- Vehicle, driven axle, and intended street and track use.
- Exact tire size and whether it is available for your application.
- Wheel diameter and approved rim-width range for that exact size.
- Clearance at the fender, suspension, and other nearby components.
- Required load and speed ratings for the vehicle and how it will be used.
- Any manufacturer pairing guidance, installation instructions, and warnings.
Nitto’s product table lists size-specific dimensions and approved rim ranges. Mickey Thompson’s ET Street R page includes use and installation warnings. Check those details for the exact size rather than assuming specifications carry over across a model range.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does DOT language mean a drag radial is a normal street tire?
No. “DOT-compliant” or “street legal” manufacturer wording does not settle every jurisdiction’s road rules, nor does it make a competition-oriented drag radial a general-purpose tire. Check applicable local requirements and follow the tire maker’s use limitations. The available product descriptions do not establish a universal wet-weather guarantee or a safe choice for every daily-driving situation.
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Best Value
- Circumferential grooves channel water out of contact patch for better traction
- Reinforced shoulder treads improve durability and cornering grip
- Silica compound provides high stiffness for rigidity in wet and dry cornering
Rank #4
- Circumferential grooves channel water out of contact patch for better traction
- Reinforced shoulder treads improve durability and cornering grip
- Silica compound provides high stiffness for rigidity in wet and dry cornering
Rank #3
- Nt555Rii
- Fit type: Universal Fit
- Summer
- Item Package Weight: 31.57 Pounds
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
