Drag Tire Tubes

Why Racers Run Drag Tire Inner Tubes in Bias-Ply Slicks

A tube helps a bias-ply drag slick hold its shape and air pressure at launch, when the soft sidewall flexes and distorts under load. It keeps the air contained inside the tire while that sidewall moves.

The rubber compound matters here. A 100 percent natural-rubber tube conforms to sidewall distortion and resists deterioration from repeated heat cycles. If you're building a new combination, start with the slick itself in our selection of performance tires, then choose a tube that matches it.

Wheel size is the other half of the equation. Many of the drag tire tubes in this category are sized for 15" and 16" wheels. Review racing wheel sizes for drag racing before you order slicks, wheels, and tubes together.

Drag Tire Tubes, Flaps, and Accessories at JEGS

This category covers racing inner tubes from drag-focused brands, plus vintage tubes and the accessories that protect them. Here's what you'll find:

• Mickey Thompson Drag Tire Inner Tubes in 100 percent natural rubber, sold individually
• M&H Racing Tubes covering 24.5" to 34.5" diameter and 8" to 17" tread
• Coker Tire bias-ply and radial tubes for vintage and specialty sizes
• Hoosier drag tube kits for 15" to 19" tread on 15" and 16" wheels
• Tube flaps and rim strips that protect the tube from the wheel
• Dust covers for brass-stem tubes

Browse the full range of tire accessories for more mounting and maintenance parts you'll use at the track. You can also add tire covers to keep your tires protected when they're off the car.

How to Size Drag Tire Inner Tubes to Your Slick

Pick a tube by your slick's tire diameter and tread width first, then confirm the wheel diameter. Mickey Thompson tubes break down like this, all for 15" and 16" wheels:

• 672-9553 fits 24-1/2" to 28" diameter with 8" to 10-1/2" tread
• 672-9555 fits 28" to 31" diameter with 10-1/2" to 11-1/2" tread
• 672-9558 fits 31" to 33-1/2" diameter with 12" to 17" tread

Read both numbers before you order, since tread width can change the tube you need.

For M&H sizing, the MH900 fits 24.5" to 30" tire diameter and the MH-1050 fits 29" to 31.5". Use the Mickey Thompson tire size chart to decode your slick's markings before you choose.

Valve Stem Styles and Tube Kit Options

Valve stem style depends on the tube you choose. Mickey Thompson drag slick tubes use an aircraft-type removable valve stem that bolts to the wheel, in an offset location.

Coker Tire tubes come with TR13 or TR15 rubber stems or TR11 metal stems, in center or offset positions. Match the stem to your wheel's valve hole, and find replacement hardware in our valve stems and TPMS sensors category.

A tube kit simplifies the order. Mickey Thompson easy kits such as the 9558K include 2 tubes plus a JEGS wheel screw kit. That kit adds a drill bit and a screw template with center punch.

Hoosier drag tube kits are another option, and you can compare Hoosier vs Mickey Thompson drag slicks if you're still choosing a tire.

How to Install Racing Inner Tubes With Wheel Screws

Install a drag slick tube partially inflated, after dusting the tube and the inside of the tire with baby powder. One JEGS reviewer recommended that approach for a smoother install. Work slowly so the tube isn't pinched between the tire and the wheel.

Wheel screws are the next step. They keep the tire from spinning on the rim, so plan for them when you mount a tubed slick. Check screw length carefully, because one JEGS customer warned that wheel screws that are too long can puncture the tube.

The right tire tools make mounting easier and help you work around the stem and screws without damaging the tube. Once your sizes are confirmed, shop drag tire inner tubes by diameter and tread width to finish your tire and wheel package.