4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire
M&H Racemaster engineered the first purpose built drag racing tire back in the 1950s and still makes highly competitive tires for multiple drag racing and street applications. These bias ply M&H Front Runner tires offer light weight and reduced rolling resistance to help give you the edge against the competition. Coker Tire Company offers M&H drag front tires for 15-, 16- and 17-inch front runner wheels. Radial front runner tires are also available. Made in USA!
Blackwall Tire
Since the introduction of carbon black rocked the tire industry, the original recipe for most tires has been a solid black sidewall. For classics and collector cars alike, it's hard to beat the no-nonsense appeal of a classic blackwall style tire. British sports car, classic truck and even hot rod enthusiasts love the way a nice period correct blackwall tire looks on their vehicles.
Bias Ply Construction
Bias ply tire construction is a method that was used from the 1900's through the 1970's on passenger cars and light trucks. Bias ply tires feature ply cords that run at a 45 degree angle to the bead, and overlap in a crisscross pattern, depending on how many ply layers are used. This creates a strong tire, but bias ply tires have a tendency to follow breaks or ruts in the pavement. Bias ply tires are the most authentic choice for classic car restorations and traditional hot rod builds. Coker Tire offers a huge variety of bias ply tires for many applications.
M&H Racemaster Drag Race Tires
The M&H Racemaster tire brand has deep roots in the drag racing world, and offers numerous modern drag racing tires, from DOT approved drag radials to 17 " front runner tires for use on modern muscle cars with big brakes. M&H Racemaster also offers period correct slicks for Nostalgia Super Stock cars, Nostalgia Funny Cars, Nostalgia Top Fuel Dragsters, gassers, hot rods and much more.
Please Note
- Tire mounted on wheel for demonstration purposes only. Wheel and other accessories are not included. Please note that dimensions listed (tread width, section width and overall diameter) are non-scientific and based on an inflated tire, mounted to a wheel. Dimensions may vary due to rim width and inflation pressure.
| SKU | MSS017 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.800000 |
| DOT Certified | DOT Certified |
| Brand | M&H Racemaster |
| Drag Front Sizes | 4.5/26-17 |
| Tire Series | Front Runner |
| Rim Diameter | 17 inch |
| Tire Construction | Bias Ply |
| Sidewall Style | Blackwall |
| Drag Tire Type | Front Runner |
| Circumference | 81.7 |
| Product Size | 4.5/26-17 |
| Section Width (IN) | 6 |
| Rim Width (in) | 4 |
| Availability Date | 2026-10-19T00:00:00Z |
4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Bias Ply Drag Tire
Frequently Asked Questions
Fitment & Compatibility â–¼
The M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire is designed specifically for drag racing applications where lightweight construction and reduced rolling resistance are important. It uses a 17-inch rim diameter and is intended for front runner wheel setups rather than general passenger vehicle use.
Fitment depends on the vehicle’s front-end configuration, wheel selection, brake package, and available clearance. Owners should verify rim width, steering clearance, and suspension movement before installation to ensure the tire works correctly with the complete racing setup.
The M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire can work on modified muscle cars and drag-oriented builds when the wheel, brake, and suspension setup are compatible. It is designed for front runner applications where reducing weight and rolling resistance is a priority.
Owners with aftermarket brakes, altered suspension geometry, or custom wheel combinations should confirm clearance before installation. The tire’s narrow profile must be matched with the vehicle’s steering components and intended racing configuration.
The M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire is designed specifically around a 17-inch rim diameter. The product specifications list a recommended rim width of approximately 4 inches, which matches the intended front runner wheel application.
Correct wheel selection helps maintain the tire’s designed profile and handling behavior. Before mounting, owners should inspect wheel condition and verify brake clearance, especially on vehicles with upgraded front disc brake systems.
Tire Size Equivalents & Conversions â–¼
The M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire uses a drag racing size format where 4.5 represents the approximate tire width and 26 indicates the overall diameter, with a 17-inch wheel diameter.
Because front runner drag tires use specialized sizing, direct comparison to passenger tire sizing is limited. Owners should compare overall diameter, section width, and intended application rather than selecting replacements based only on rim diameter or appearance.
The M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire follows a racing-oriented sizing format instead of modern passenger tire labeling. The first number identifies width, the second indicates approximate diameter, and the final number refers to the 17-inch rim size.
Unlike modern street tires that use metric width and aspect ratio measurements, drag front runner sizes focus on lightweight construction and vehicle performance needs. Overall diameter and wheel compatibility remain the most important comparison points.
Performance & Use Case â–¼
The M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire is designed for drag racing applications where reducing front-end weight and rolling resistance can improve performance. Its lightweight bias ply construction helps support the purpose-built front runner role.
The tire is intended to complement drag racing setups rather than provide normal street tire behavior. Proper vehicle preparation, suspension setup, wheel alignment, and inflation settings are important for achieving predictable performance on the track.
The M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire is primarily designed for drag racing use, where lightweight construction and reduced rolling resistance are key priorities. It is not developed as a typical all-purpose street tire.
Some vehicles may use front runners in limited street applications depending on local requirements and vehicle setup, but owners should consider handling expectations, road conditions, and intended use before choosing this tire for regular driving.
The M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire can provide a different tracking feel because bias ply construction allows different sidewall movement compared with radial designs. This difference is noticeable in steering response and road feedback.
For drag racing, the tire’s design focuses on straight-line performance and reduced resistance. Drivers moving from radial front tires should allow time to adjust to the different steering characteristics and maintain proper alignment.
The M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire is popular among muscle car, hot rod, and drag racing builds that require a traditional front runner appearance. Its blackwall styling matches many vintage performance applications.
The tire works best on vehicles built with racing intent, where front-end weight reduction and period-correct drag styling are priorities. Owners should verify wheel fitment, brake clearance, and intended driving conditions before installation.
Construction, Durability & Load Capacity â–¼
The M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire uses bias ply construction designed specifically for drag racing applications. The construction provides the traditional structure and sidewall behavior expected from dedicated racing front runners.
Durability depends on proper use, correct inflation, storage conditions, and vehicle setup. Because the tire is optimized for racing performance and reduced rolling resistance, owners should inspect the tire regularly and use it according to its intended application.
Inflation pressure plays an important role in the M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire’s contact patch, steering response, and rolling resistance. Small pressure changes can affect how the tire reacts during racing conditions.
Incorrect inflation can change tire shape, increase heat buildup, or reduce predictable handling. Owners should follow appropriate racing setup procedures and monitor pressure consistently to maintain reliable performance.
The M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire uses bias ply construction, which provides a different feel from radial front runner tires. Bias ply designs typically allow different sidewall movement and steering characteristics.
The choice between bias ply and radial depends on the vehicle setup and racing goals. Drivers should expect different feedback, response, and handling behavior when switching between construction types.
Installation & Maintenance â–¼
Before installing the M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire, owners should verify wheel size, rim width, brake clearance, and front suspension compatibility. The tire is designed for a 17-inch rim and a 4-inch rim width application.
A complete inspection should include steering movement, fender clearance, and suspension travel. Drag racing vehicles often have modified components, so checking the entire front-end setup helps prevent rubbing issues and ensures the tire performs correctly.
Inflation pressure affects the M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire’s contact patch, rolling resistance, and steering response. Proper pressure helps the tire maintain its intended shape during racing use.
Because drag tires are sensitive to setup changes, pressure should be checked regularly before and after runs. Incorrect pressure can affect stability, tire wear, and the overall consistency of the vehicle’s performance.
The M&H Bias Ply Front Runner 4.5/26-17 M&H Racemaster Blackwall Drag Tire should be stored carefully between racing events to help preserve tire condition. Performance tires can be affected by long periods of sitting, environmental exposure, and improper storage.
Owners should keep tires clean, inspect them before use, and store the vehicle in conditions that reduce unnecessary stress. Checking pressure and tire condition before each event helps support consistent performance.