Originally published January 27, 2015
ITP expanded its UltraCross R Spec tire lineup for 2015 with nine additional UTV sizes ranging from 27 to 32 inches, along with a special 23-inch version intended for golf carts and other hard-surface applications.
The expansion brought the desert-racing-oriented tire to a much wider selection of sport side-by-sides. Its key features included an 8-ply radial construction and a multi-surface, non-directional tread designed to provide predictable traction across hardpack, rocks, loose dirt and other changing terrain.
Developed for Demanding Desert Terrain
The expanded lineup was based on ITP’s existing 30-inch UltraCross R Spec, which had already established a strong record in long-distance desert racing. Its reinforced construction was intended to resist punctures while delivering the durability needed for high-speed racing and aggressive recreational riding.
At the time of the announcement, ITP pointed to Team UTV Inc.’s victories in the Baja 1000 and Best in the Desert Parker 250. According to the company, the winning teams completed more than 1,250 combined racing miles without suffering a flat tire.
“Side-by-side racers have had great success using these tires. They are built to take the extreme conditions that are a hallmark of desert off-road racing and have become the tire of choice for podium finishers.”
Rhett Turpin, ITP powersports director of sales and marketing
2015 ITP UltraCross R Spec Sizes
The following UTV sizes were announced for availability through ITP dealers beginning in March 2015:
- 27x10R-12
- 27x10R-14
- 28x10R-12
- 28x10R-14
- 29x9R-14
- 29x11R-14
- 29x10R-15
- 30x10R-15
- 32x10R-15
ITP also offered a 23×10.00-12 four-ply “Golf” version intended for golf carts and other vehicles frequently driven on hard surfaces.
Why the Expanded Lineup Mattered
Large sport UTVs were becoming faster, heavier and more capable during this period, increasing demand for stronger radial tires in a broader selection of wheel diameters. The new UltraCross R Spec sizes allowed owners to match the same basic desert-proven tread and construction to everything from smaller recreational machines to high-horsepower racing UTVs.
For more tire releases, wheel announcements and UTV accessories from this era, visit the UTV product news archive.
Editor’s note: This historical announcement has been updated for clarity while retaining its original 2015 specifications and context. Tire sizes, pricing and availability may have changed since publication. Visit ITP Tires for information about current products.
