Gateway Dirt Nationals promoter Cody Sommer shared an explanation for why he and his team decided to change its tire rule for the event.

Earlier this week, the Gateway Dirt Nationals announced it would no longer be requiring competitors to race with Hoosier tires, but would allow them to use American Racer tires as well. They announced, “For the first time ever, the Gateway Dirt Nationals will be allowing American Racer Tires to compete in both the SLM and OWM divisions. Event management has determined it is in the best interest of competitors to have an alternative, more affordable tire option. As always, Hoosier tires will be permitted as well.”

“The event will be conducting a private on track tire test later this fall which will properly compare both brands and determine if any additional rule changes are necessary,” they concluded.

❗️Competitors ❗️
For the first time ever, the @GatewayDirt Nationals will be allowing American Racer Tires to compete in both the SLM and OWM divisions. Event management has determined it is in the best interest of competitors to have an alternative, more affordable tire option.… pic.twitter.com/kfTCCBasB9

— GatewayDirtNationals | #DirtInDecember (@GatewayDirt) August 13, 2025

Specifically for the Super Late Models, competitors can use a Hoosier NLMT2, AR 44, AR 48, and AR PRO2 on the left front, left rear, and right front. On the right rear they can use a Hoosier NLMT3, AR 56, and AR PRO3.

For the open wheel modifieds they can use Hoosier M3OS or American Racer – Hard.

Sommer elaborated on why the change was made, “I felt like it was time to make a change. This sport should not be driven by money and politics. Our industry has multiple chassis, multiple shock brands, multiple engine builders, multiple race fuels… we should also have multiple tire choices.”

I felt like it was time to make a change. This sport should not be driven by money and politics. Our industry has multiple chassis, multiple shock brands, multiple engine builders, multiple race fuels… we should also have multiple tire choices. https://t.co/Ti2KeBNRic

— Cody Sommer (@CodySommer) August 13, 2025

What do you make of the Gateway Dirt Nationals allowing American Racers to be used as well as Hoosiers?

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