A Regular Guy’s Take on the Vitour P1 After 6,000 Miles
Hi everyone! My name is Ryan Suydam, and I’m just a regular car enthusiast who loves driving, autocrossing, and squeezing the most performance out of my setup. I daily drive a K-swapped Toyota MR2 Spyder and also compete in autocross—not to win, but well enough to coach novices (and sneak a rare top-10 finish!).
I recently made a big change to my tire setup that’s been a game-changer for both my street and autocross performance. Here’s how the Vitour P1 has held up after 6,000 miles and 20 autocross laps.
Why I Switched to the Vitour P1
I’ve always struggled with oversteer on my Spyder. My previous setup, running 225/245 BFGoodrich Rivals on 15x9 wheels, just wasn’t cutting it. I decided to upgrade to a 245/305 setup using Vitour P1 tires, paired with KE Motorsport T12 wheels (15x9.5 fronts and 15x11 rears). The results were immediate and impressive.
Performance Gains on the Track
Compared to the competition I’m chasing, the P1s helped me shave 1.5 to 2 seconds per lap—a massive improvement in autocross. The handling is noticeably crisper and more progressive. Unlike my old Rivals, the P1s offer a forgiving slip point, making it easier to push hard with confidence. In fact, they remind me of the classic Bridgestone RE-71R in how easy they are to drive fast.
Durability That Exceeded Expectations
With an aggressive alignment setup (-3.5° camber and 0.1° toe in front, -3.0° camber and 0.07° toe out rear), I expected these tires to wear out quickly. But after 6,000 miles of aggressive street driving and 20 autocross laps, the wear has been shockingly minimal.
The lightly engraved logos on the tread blocks (from the factory) are still visible despite the miles, and the tread depth has barely budged. Originally, I hoped to get 10,000–12,000 miles, but at this rate, I think I’ll hit closer to 20,000 miles. That kind of longevity for a performance tire is unheard of in my experience.
Daily Driving Comfort
Despite their incredible performance, the Vitour P1s are surprisingly quiet and comfortable for daily use. They don’t feel overly harsh and even handle rainy conditions with ease. I drive on them every day without giving it a second thought.
Unique Sizes, Perfect Fit
One of the biggest draws for me was the P1’s availability in unique sizes. The 305s fit beautifully on my 15x11 wheels, sitting square with well-designed rim guards that protect the wheels. I was initially concerned they might look pinched but was relieved by how well they fit.
Final Thoughts: Highly Recommended
I bought the Vitour P1s for their unique sizing, but I’d now recommend them even in more common sizes. They’ve transformed my car’s handling, improved my lap times, and held up remarkably well under aggressive use. I’m already planning to buy another set when the time comes.
If you’re looking for a tire that delivers performance, longevity, and comfort at a great value, the Vitour P1 should be at the top of your list.
