Nitto Tire recently introduced a new drag radial based off its NT05 tire. Unlike the company's old 555 drag radial, the NT05 drag radial is a zero treadware tire. Its main purpose in life is to be more competitive in radial tire drag classes, not to mention to gain market share in the ever-more-competitive modern musclecar arena. In the April 2010 issue of Super Chevy, we'll have a test of the NT05 drag radial, comparing it to what may be the standard-bearer in the category, the Mickey Thompson drag radial.

The NT05s are geared more towards owners of late-model performance cars or early ones with 17-inch diameter tires or larger. Sizes range from 235/40ZR17 to 315/35ZR20, though our sources tell us 15- and 16-inch versions will eventually be offered.

In our comparison, we used Tommy Herrschaft's '99 Camaro SS, a T56-equipped LS3-based street/strip machine that runs low 11s naturally aspirated on street tires. The Mickey Thompsons he brought to the comparison were 315/35ZR17s on 17x11-inch wheels. We felt this could give the Mickey Thompsons an advantage since the only Nittos we could procure for the test were 275/40ZR17s, though 315/35s are now are now available.

How'd our test go? You'll have to get the April issue of Super Chevy to find out, but let's say the results were close. Very close.