The Hoosier 28 x 4.5-18 Drag Front Tire is a lightweight, purpose-built front runner designed specifically for modern performance vehicles and dedicated drag racing applications. With an 18-inch wheel diameter, this tire was developed to provide additional clearance for the larger factory brake systems commonly found on late-model muscle cars, including the Dodge Challenger platform. Its narrow 4.5-inch tread width, 28-inch overall diameter, and lightweight 12-pound construction make it an excellent choice for reducing unnecessary front tire mass and rolling resistance on a track-focused build. Hoosier uses bias-ply construction and its dedicated Drag Front compound to create a tire designed around straight-line racing performance rather than everyday street use. For properly configured Hellcat, Redeye, Demon, Scat Pack, and other Gen 3 HEMI drag cars, the 18112 provides a race-focused front tire without immediately requiring a smaller 15-inch wheel package.

Modern Gen 3 HEMI vehicles present a unique challenge when building a drag racing wheel package. Large factory brake systems can limit front wheel options, particularly when attempting to use traditional 15-inch front runners. Hoosier specifically developed the 28 x 4.5-18 Drag Front with big-brake modern muscle cars in mind, identifying the Challenger among the platforms this tire was designed to accommodate. The larger 18-inch wheel diameter can make it easier to build a lightweight drag setup while retaining compatible factory brake hardware.

Reducing front-end rotating and unsprung weight is another major advantage of moving away from a conventional wide street tire. The Hoosier 18112 weighs approximately 12 pounds and uses a narrow 4.5-inch tread width. This creates a purpose-built front tire package designed for racers focused on straight-line performance, consistent passes, and a lighter drag racing combination.

Hoosier lists the 18112 at an approximate 28-inch overall diameter and 88.5-inch circumference, giving racers predictable dimensions when planning ride height and matching front and rear tire diameters. Section width measures approximately 7.25 inches when mounted on Hoosier’s 5-inch measuring rim. Recommended wheel widths range from 3.5 to 5 inches, providing flexibility when selecting a lightweight 18-inch drag wheel.

The 18-inch diameter is particularly valuable for Gen 3 HEMI owners who want a dedicated drag front without making extensive changes solely to accommodate a smaller wheel. Actual fitment still depends on the specific wheel design, offset, backspacing, brake package, suspension configuration, and available fender clearance. Proper measurements should always be taken before ordering, especially on vehicles equipped with upgraded brake systems or modified suspension components.

This tire uses bias-ply construction and Hoosier’s Drag Front compound. It is designed as a dedicated competition tire and is not intended for highway use, so it should be treated differently from a DOT-approved street tire. For Gen 3 HEMI owners building a serious drag racing package, the Hoosier 28 x 4.5-18 Drag Front Tire offers a lightweight, narrow, big-brake-friendly solution engineered specifically for straight-line competition.

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Specifications & Features

• Manufacturer: Hoosier Racing Tire
• Product Line: Drag Front
• Manufacturer Part Number: 18112
• Product Type: Drag Racing Front Tire
• Tire Size: 28 x 4.5-18
• Wheel Diameter: 18 inches
• Tread Width: 4.5 inches
• Approximate Overall Diameter: 28 inches
• Approximate Circumference: 88.5 inches
• Section Width: 7.25 inches
• Recommended Rim Width: 3.5 to 5 inches
• Measured Rim Width: 5 inches
• Construction: Bias-ply
• Compound: Drag Front
• Approximate Weight: 12 lbs.
• Position: Front
• Sidewall Color/Style: Black with Hoosier solid white lettering
• Quantity: Sold individually
• Street Use: No, racing use only and not intended for highway use
• Vehicle Compatibility: Universal racing tire for vehicles capable of safely accepting the specified wheel and tire dimensions
• Gen 3 HEMI Compatibility: Ideal for properly configured Dodge Challenger, Hellcat, Redeye, Demon, Scat Pack, and other Gen 3 HEMI drag racing builds. Hoosier specifically identifies the Challenger among the modern muscle platforms considered in the tire’s big-brake-focused design.
• Year Compatibility: Universal; actual compatibility depends on vehicle configuration, wheel selection, and brake clearance
• Big Brake Compatibility: 18-inch design developed to help provide clearance for large factory brakes on modern performance vehicles
• Primary Benefits: Lightweight construction, narrow front-runner footprint, 18-inch big-brake-friendly sizing, reduced front tire mass, bias-ply construction, and dedicated drag racing design
• Recommended Uses: Dedicated drag racing, lightweight front wheel packages, high-horsepower Gen 3 HEMI builds, Hellcat and Demon drag setups, naturally aspirated race cars, supercharged combinations, turbocharged builds, and other straight-line competition vehicles
• Fitment Note: Verify brake caliper clearance, wheel width, offset, backspacing, suspension clearance, fender clearance, and front-to-rear tire compatibility before ordering.