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Fast On Falken Track Day: Buttonwillow Raceway

50+ Auto Enthusiasts Put Azenis RT660 Tire to the Test at First Ever Fast On Falken Track Day

This Just In
After months of anticipation, we’re excited to announce that all 34 sizes of Falken’s Azenis RT660 tire are now available. With all 34 sizes available, what can we do to promote the tire and generate some buzz? Many of our friends are track junkies themselves, so we asked some 50+ automotive industry partners to join us at Buttonwillow Raceway Park near Bakersfield, California for an incredibly well-organized track day (Super Street’s words, not ours). Dubbed “FAST on FALKEN”.

Located just 3 hours north of Falken’s North American HQ, Buttonwillow Raceway Park has long been recognized as the “holy grail” of time attack in the U.S. The 498-acre facility is home to three different tracks with 40+ race and test configurations, including our configuration of choice: CW13. With several elevation changes, high-speed sweepers, and challenging corners, this track gave drivers a chance to put their skills, their vehicles, and their new RT660s to the test. Fortunately, our friends were up to the task.

VIP Guest List
With restrictions beginning to lift and spring in full swing, we were excited to get such a great group of drivers together for Fast On Falken. Guests included Formula Drift veterans Dai Yoshihara and Odi Bakchis, Vin Anatra and Dan Sommer from powerhouse motorsport-lifestyle brand Hoonigan, and Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge competitors Mike Maier and Chad Ryker, among others. Plus, even a few Falken leaders spent some time on track. Nick Fousekis, Falken’s Director of Advertising and Promotions, and Darren Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, both got behind the wheel, while David Colletti, Vice President of OE, Technical Service, & Quality Assurance, rode shotgun with a couple pro drivers. Who said not to mix business with pleasure?

When compiling the list of attendees, our two main objectives were to bring folks who can drive and land a wide variety of vehicles. We nailed the former, so how’d we do with the latter? We’ll let a few of the images speak for themselves.

A ’67 Mustang, 2018 Civic Type R, and '99 M3 Walk into a Bar
Cars don’t walk, but the variety of vehicles on track was seriously impressive. Not only was it fun to watch an RX-7 run alongside an El Camino with a CTS engine (yea seriously), it was also a testament to the wider range of fitments offered in the new RT660. Compared to 21 sizes of the RT615K+, the RT660 has 34 size options ranging from 14” - 19” diameters. And that’s by design. Introducing sizes like 245/40ZR15 and 315/30ZR19 to our UHP product line allows more folks to experience our tires who otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance; and that was on full display at Buttonwillow Raceway.

B.Y.O.V.
We knew getting the right people to attend was important, as was securing the right vehicles. But the secret recipe was getting both at the same time.

Steve Wong, Falken’s Supervisor of Passenger Car Motorsports & Events, explains why he wanted drivers to be familiar with the car they were driving. “We wanted to host a track day where attendees could push the limits but not be limited to driving a vehicle they’re not familiar with. What better way to push the limits of our RT660 than by operating something they’re accustomed to: their own vehicles. Being in a familiar environment induces confidence and confidence entails being FAST on FALKEN. Outfitting the RT660 on their cars meant they can drive their cars to the limit which provided us the incredible opportunity to get valuable, in-depth feedback.”

So how ‘bout those tires?
Now we could spend all day telling you how great the RT660 is, with its upgraded carcass construction providing superior handling response and vehicle stability, and the motorsports-inspired tread compound providing unrivaled traction in all racing conditions, and the optimized tire profile maximizing the contact patch for enhanced grip and unparalleled connection with the road; but we won’t get into that today. Instead, we’ll let our friends do the talking.

Azenis RT660 Tire Reviews

Dan Sommer: “These Azenis RT660s are insane for grip. This is my seventh event on these tires and they still hang on like the day I put them on. If you haven’t tried them yet you are seriously missing out.”

Sam Du: “My experience with the RT660 was phenomenal.”
 
Jay Tien: “Tread wear is on par if not better compared to other popular 200TW tires and for the price, these can't be beat.”

Let’s Do It Again
Our first Fast On Falken track day was a resounding success, if we don’t say so ourselves. The sun was shining, the engines were purring, and the people were smiling. And, perhaps most importantly, it was the perfect excuse to finally get out and see people again. With event 1 in the rearview our sights are set on another Fast On Falken in the Fall, so stay tuned for more details to come. Until then, enjoy the ride.