Rain is typically considered a disappointment among the track day crowd, typically resulting in postponed sessions or maddeningly brief driving time. But at a recent two-day session at Sonoma Raceway, the rain that drenched the track became a fascinating opportunity to test the new BFGoodrich Phenom T/A tire. As it happened, the rain actually proved to be useful in that it offered a decent opportunity to contrast the tire’s performance on dry and wet pavement.
The Phenom T/A is the newest entry from BFGoodrich to its Ultra-High Performance (UHP) summer tire product line, a replacement for the previous G-Force Sport Comp 2. The new tire features an redesigned asymmetric tread compound with a “dry zone” on the outer shoulder and wide blocks, while the inner tread has a “wet zone” and narrower blocks along with additional lateral grooves. All of these are modifications that have been done in an attempt to offer more traction in differing states of driving.
The Phenom T/A also comes with an upgraded silica-infused compound, developed using nearly 200 ingredients to offer a sticky street-legal tire that gives aggressive braking performance, whether in dry or wet conditions. BFGoodrich claims the tire outperforms some of its rivals in wet stopping, such as Yokohama, Falken, Hankook, and Firestone. The company, though, does note that real results may vary.
Apart from its performance attributes, the Phenom T/A is also W-speed rated, combining cornering ability and on-road comfort. The manufacturer notes that BFGoodrich tire operates in harmony with a vehicle’s suspension, permitting flexibility to use on a daily basis while still maintaining high performance levels when pushed to the limit.
The tire is retailed primarily to car enthusiasts within the tuner market—drivers who seek performance on the street and on the track. The Phenom T/A is priced between $140 to $230 based on size and is available in 50 sizes ranging from the 205/55/16 to the 245/35/20.
While side-by-side comparisons with other tires were not possible at the event, the test vehicles consisted of Skip Barber Racing School’s Mustang GTs, which feature BFGoodrich Phenoms. These race-ready cars were the perfect place to try tire performance in inclement weather. In addition, two EcoBoost Mustangs, one equipped with Phenoms and the other with Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s, were also on hand to test, although the low-speed skidpad and autocross drills didn’t provide a complete comparison.
The first track session, held in light-to-moderate rain, provided an opportunity to test the Phenom T/A’s wet capabilities. The Mustang GTs, as infamous as they are for being hellish in rain, performed well on the wet circuit. The Phenom T/A hugged the wet circuit beautifully, with minimal hydroplaning and stable handling through challenging corners. At speeds well approaching 90 mph, the tire’s wet performance was predictable and expected, leaving the driver feeling confident.
By the second day, rain had cleared, and dry track runs were achievable. Although pace cars were running below optimal speeds, the tire’s performance was still remarkable. Under dry conditions, Phenom T/A showed phenomenal lateral grip, with several corners reaching a g of lateral acceleration. Even with the pace cars controlling the speed of the test, the tire showed its capability, with even wear after time on the track.
For the driver who needs a tire to split the difference between performance driving and everyday driving capability, the Phenom T/A appears to be a solid bet. As a summer-only tire that will not appreciate temps in the lower 40s or snow, it is highly grippy and predictable on track days as well as street driving. Its progressive personality at the limit is also easier to handle than some other rivals, achieving a good compromise between dry grip and wet traction.
A side-by-side comparison drifted off track, where the Phenom T/A held up against the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 on a skidpad. Instructors allowed the drivers to experience both understeer and oversteer conditions, and the Phenom showed a gradual loss of grip as it leaned to its limit. The Firestone tires, by comparison, showed a more rapid loss of grip, one that became even more pronounced as the tires heated. This made the Phenom T/A easier to handle in dynamic driving situations.
While the Phenom T/A may not top all others in every evaluation, it excels in its consistency and adaptability—qualities necessary for drivers who spend the majority of their time navigating the street but also occasionally want to indulge in the track experience. With its combination of dry grip, wet traction, and uniform heat control, the Phenom T/A is a strong contender in the Ultra-High Performance tire class.