Look at These 39-Inch BF Goodrich Racing Slicks

Why It Matters

The partnership shows tire makers can quickly adapt off‑road products for extreme performance, opening a niche market for ultra‑powerful trucks on the strip. It signals manufacturers may need to consider street‑focused, high‑horsepower variants beyond traditional utility models.

Key Takeaways

• BF Goodrich produced custom 39‑inch slicks for a Ford Raptor R
• Raptor R now exceeds 1,600 hp, demanding specialized traction solutions
• Slick tires replace deep treads, maximizing contact patch on pavement
• Lowered suspension improves handling but sparks controversy among off‑road fans
• 2022 TRX slick test showed high‑horsepower trucks excel on drag

Pulse Analysis

The rise of hyper‑powered pickups has turned the drag strip into a proving ground for engineering creativity. Builders like Brad DeBerti are pushing the limits of stock platforms, adding twin turbos and massive power upgrades that demand a corresponding upgrade in traction. Traditional off‑road tires, designed for deep tread and mud clearance, quickly become a liability when the goal shifts from crawling to launching. By sourcing a bespoke slick set, enthusiasts can translate raw horsepower into measurable quarter‑mile times, redefining what a utility truck can achieve on asphalt.

BF Goodrich’s willingness to fabricate 39‑inch slicks demonstrates how tire manufacturers can pivot from their off‑road heritage to meet niche performance demands. The slicks eliminate tread, delivering the largest possible contact patch and reducing slip during high‑torque launches. Compared with the stock 37‑inch KO2s, the new tires provide a flatter, more consistent grip surface, allowing the Raptor R’s 1,600 hp to be applied more efficiently. Lowering the suspension further improves weight transfer, though it also fuels debate among purists who value the vehicle’s original off‑road stance. The collaboration highlights a growing aftermarket ecosystem where manufacturers and influencers co‑develop solutions that blur the line between utility and race car.

The broader market implication is clear: there is a burgeoning appetite for street‑legal trucks that combine extreme power with track‑ready handling. As more owners seek drag‑strip performance, OEMs may explore factory‑offered performance packages that include larger slicks, reinforced suspensions, and calibrated powertrains. This could spur a new segment of high‑horsepower, street‑focused pickups, prompting both legacy brands and newcomers to rethink product strategies. The success of projects like DeBerti’s signals a shift in consumer expectations, where raw power must be matched by specialized, high‑performance components to stay competitive.