What started as a simple display turned into a real-world proof point for MatraX URCOLA+. A driver brought a Porsche Boxster to Lihpao Raceway in Taichung, Taiwan for brand photos—no special setup, no expectations—and left with a class win on a 380-treadwear street tire.
From photo op to time attack
The plan was just to roll for cameras. But with friends watching from the VIP room, the driver decided to push. Stability control off, throttle down—and then the reality check: you can’t drive a street tire like a semi-slick. Heavy brake stabs and greedy throttle produced slides.
That’s when URCOLA+ surprised. Unlike many street tires that feel mushy at the limit, the Boxster showed real cornering support. The driver adjusted technique—earlier braking, smoother inputs, later throttle—and the lap time dropped.
“After two timed runs, my best lap was 1:58 on the full 21-corner layout.”
The result
With a smooth, progressive driving style, the Boxster posted 1:58 on Lihpao’s full layout and took P1 in class. Post-session inspection showed even wear, no sidewall folding, and no chunking—impressive for a tire designed to balance comfort, quietness, and mileage.
“Checking the tires afterward, the wear was excellent — no folding of the sidewall like most street tires under hard driving, and no chunking issues either.”
Test setup (as run)
- Location: Lihpao Raceway, Taichung, Taiwan
- Contributor: 余育儒 (Kevin Yu) — EUROWAY (優路威國際有限公司)
- Car: Porsche Boxster (stock suspension)
- Alignment: Camber 1° front / 1.5° rear; Toe 0 front / 10’ rear each side
- Tyre: MatraX URCOLA+ (treadwear 380)
- Sizes: 255/35R19 (front), 275/35R19 (rear)
- Cold pressure: 30 psi
- Circuit: Full 21-corner layout
- Best lap: 1:58 • P1 in class
Driver takeaways for tracking on street tires
- Smooth is fast: earlier brake points and progressive throttle improve stability and speed.
- Let the structure work: URCOLA+ sidewall support helps the car settle mid-corner.
- Mind pressures: start conservative (e.g., 30 psi cold) and adjust based on hot readings and shoulder wear.
- Inspect after each session: confirm even wear; watch for folding or chunking; rotate if needed.
URCOLA+ is engineered for daily comfort and mileage without giving up confidence when the road—or track—demands more. This Boxster’s day at Lihpao is proof that with the right inputs, a street tire can deliver a genuinely rewarding lap.
Grateful to 余育儒 (Kevin Yu) of EUROWAY (優路威國際有限公司) for the firsthand feedback and photos from Lihpao, Taichung, Taiwan.
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