Whether your carving through cones in an autocross event or throwing the car sideways at the drift track, tire choice can make all the difference. Especially for those of us on a tight budget. This is where the Kenda Vezda KR20A steps into the spotlight, claiming to deliver high-performance handling without wrecking your wallet. For grassroots motorsport enthusiasts who seek both affordability and reliability, understanding whether this tire lives up to its promise is crucial.
Kenda, a brand known for pushing the boundaries of quality in the budget tire sector, presents the Vezda KR20A as a “Game Changer”. Packed with advanced features and tailored to meet the needs of high performance driving, autocross, and drifting, it’s become a common visitor to the track.
Today we are going to dive into the nitty-gritty of the Kenda Vezda KR20A, talking about its on-track performance, how it handles as an everyday driver, and its ability to be absolutely thrashed on. We’ll also weigh its cost against performance and take a look at its competitive stance in the market, to help you determine if this is the right tire for you.
For grassroots motorsports enthusiasts, the Kenda Vezda KR20A has become a popular choice. Especially among those who are drifting or diving through cones on the weekends. The tire’s appeal largely stems from its focused design that promises solid performance without burning a hole in your pocket. As an entry-level, DOT-approved tire, its main draw is the potential to enhance competitive performance at a fraction of the cost compared to premium UHP tires. Its purpose-built construction is aimed at maximizing performance and improving lap times, which makes it a popular choice for those of us eager to hone our skills in competition-inspired track settings. However, it’s important to remember its limitations in colder weather, as the softer tread compound isn’t well-suited for temperatures below 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Kenda Vezda KR20A sets itself apart with several features tailored to enhance performance on the track. One of its main innovations is the compound that is designed to heat up quickly to its optimal temperature, which significantly enhances grip during high performance driving. This tire is built with a distinct directional tread pattern featuring sweeping grooves and a solid center rib to help with grip and stability.
Equipped with an upgraded steel belt package, the KR20A offers a stability that gives you confidence with it’s precise handling. The tire’s internal construction is built to handle the intense heat generated on track. The KR20As optimized footprint maintains maximum contact with the road, helping improve braking, handling, and even tread wear. Overall, the Kenda Vezda KR20A finds a solid balance between cost and performance, making it a promising choice for grassroots competitors seeking affordable yet effective tire solutions.
One of the underrated capabilities of the Kenda Vezda KR20A is the ability to handle both dry and wet conditions. With a treadwear rating of 300, it’s no surprise that it’s been a reliable go-to for grassroots drift circuits in North America, often contributing to podium finishes in competition. Offering a directional tread pattern for superior wet traction and wide shoulders for cornering, it combines features to deliver a ultra-high-performance driving experience.
When it comes to track performance the Kenda Vezda KR20A reveals its true colors, living up to its design as a race-proven contender. The responsiveness of the KR20A is one of its best qualities.
Even under increased loads, the KR20A maintains consistent feedback. This gives you a smooth and predictable feel when getting after it on track. These characteristics are what make the KR20A such a popular choice for the track and street.
Taking a high-performance tire meant for the track to daily routes may seem like a bad idea, but the Kenda Vezda KR20A makes this transition super easy.
Though they have been known to be a bit noisy at highway speeds and on certain surfaces, the versatility of the KR20A is still there. With it being DOT-approved, the KR20A ensures that even within regular driving conditions, it performs adequately, adhering to safety as well as performance. Again, it’s important to remember that these tires are not best-suited for use in temperatures consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the world of Drifting, a segment where tire performance can be the ultimate decider, the Kenda Vezda KR20A has not only held its own, but excelled. A tire that has quickly become a staple in grassroots drifting circuits across North America, the KR20A offers significant grip paired with consistency. Making a go-to choice for those who are running a bit more power on and need the grip, but don’t want to break the bank on a few sets of tires for the weekend.
For grassroots drifters, the KR20A is a dependable option that blends affordability with exceptional performance.
The Kenda Vezda KR20A is a fantastic option for grassroots motorsport enthusiasts looking for a premium performance tire without putting you on the ramen noodle diet. With its competition-inspired design, this summer UHP tire handles the demands of drifting, autocross, and track days with without skipping a beat.
Ideal Candidates for the KR20A:
Considerations:
Overall, if you’re in the market for a value-priced summer UHP tire, the Kenda Vezda KR20A is worth considering for its impressive performance and versatility.
Alex Gelina "Also Known as Gels"
