Descriptions and Recommendations
ER-1 (D)
Medium- to high-torque racing compound. Originally designed for endurance racing, but the consistent friction across a wide range of temperatures and long life makes it a great choice for track days, HPDE, and even sprint racing in lighter vehicles (formula cars up to small sedans). Available only for a limited selection of popular racing calipers. Recommended for sprint racing formula cars, Sports Prototypes, and small production cars; or endurance racing in Prototypes and sedans. 400-1600° F; 700-1100° F optimal.
DTC-80 (Q)
The highest-friction Hawk compound with a matching high initial bite, designed for NASCAR road course and short tracks. Not suitable for anything less than the most extreme applications. Consistent friction level makes this pad predictable and controllable from the first corner to the end of the race. Available only for a limited selection of popular racing calipers. Recommended for Trans-Am/GT1, CART, and LMP1/DP. 500-1700° F; 600-1500° F optimal.
DTC-70 (U)
Extremely high torque racing compound with very high initial bite. Designed to be the most controllable racing brake pad available. Intended for heavier sedans and formula cars with lots of tire and downforce. This compound works best when very hot. Available only for a limited selection of popular racing calipers. Recommended for Trans-Am, GT1, CART, Formula Atlantic, F3000, and Sports Prototypes. 400-1600° F; 800-1200° F optimal.
DTC-60 (G)
High torque with high initial bite. DTC-60 was developed as a rear pad to be used with DTC-70 on the front, but it has also become popular as a front pad on lighter cars. Available only for a limited selection of popular racing calipers. Recommended for Trans-Am, GT1, CART, Formula Atlantic, F2000, F3000, and Sports Prototypes. 400-1600° F; 700-1100° F optimal.
DTC-50 (V)
High torque racing compound with high initial bite. DTC-50 bridges the gap between DTC-60 and DTC-30. Very wide temperature range with a predictable rise in friction. High-temperature fade resistance makes DTC-50 a favorite choice in endurance racing. Recommended for vintage Trans-Am, Formula Atlantic, F2000, F3000, Pro Sports Prototypes, and stadium super trucks. 300-1400° F; 500-1100° F optimal.
DTC-30 (W)
Medium torque racing compound designed specifically for dirt track racing. The smooth bite, controllable torque, and superior release are tuned for the demands of dirt. Low temperature effectiveness also makes it great for gravel. Recommended for dirt circle track, gravel rally stages, and off-road racing. 100-1200° F; 100-800° F optimal.
DTC-05 (H)
Low torque racing compound designed specifically for dirt track racing. Smooth, predictable torque with a temperature range slightly higher than OEM pads. Recommended for dirt circle track (Midgets, Modifieds) and track day events. 100-700° F; 100-500° F optimal.
HT 14 (V)*
Very high torque with high initial bite for cars with high downforce and lots of grip. Recommended in Trans-Am, GT1, CART, Formula Atlantic, F2000, F3000, and Sports Prototypes. 300-1400° F; 500-1200° F optimal. *Replaced by DTC-50 Compound.
HT 10 (S)
High torque with a smooth initial bite. Works well as a rear pad with HT 14 in front. Recommended for sedans, sports racers, and formula cars with downforce, including GT, Formula Atlantic, F2000, F3000, S2000, CSR, and DSR. 300-1300° F; 500-1100° F optimal .
Blue (E)
Medium/High torque compound with medium initial bite. The wide temperature range and good brake modulation have made it the #1 pad material for SCCA. Recommended for Production, IT, F2000, Formula Ford, S2000, CSR, and DSR. 250-1000° F; 350-800° F optimal.
Black (M)
Medium torque racing compound with high initial bite. Black is a good all-purpose, low cost racing pad. Requires gentle initial application of the brake pedal to avoid locking. Recommended for very light sedans, small formula cars, and sports racers. 100-900° F; 200-700° F optimal.
DR-97 (J)
Designed specifically for drag racing. Strong at low temperature to hold the car at the start and quickly slow the car immediately after the finish. The only Hawk compound compatible with aluminum rotors. Effective from cold to 900° F; 100-700° F optimal.
Street-Race (R)
Medium torque dual-purpose compound. Formulated for track day cars which are driven to the track. Higher temperature capacity than HP Plus for more serious track use but still effective at low temperatures for the trip to the track. 100-1200° F; 100-800° F optimal.
HP Plus (N)
Designed as an autocross (Solo II) and track day (Solo I) compound; also ideal for lightweight circle track (under 2800 lbs). Very wide temperature range makes it suitable for all forms of autocross, yet still streetable. Expect an increase in dust, noise, and rotor wear. 100-800° F; 300-600° F optimal.
HPS (F)
HPS = High Performance Street. This compound will outperform OEM pads without sacrificing street manners. A good choice for Solo II; also recommended for amateur to intermediate drag racing. Effective from dead cold.
HPS 5.0 (B)
The next-generation development of the popular HPS street compound, HPS 5.0 offers increased friction without increasing noise or dust. Tuned for use with ABS and suitable for spirited street driving.
Super Duty (P)
Developed exclusively for towing and hauling heavy loads, using technology engineered for large commercial trucks and military vehicles. Note: This compound is not recommended for daily use! It is for heavily-loaded trucks, SUVs, and wagons only.
LTS (Y)
LTS = Light Truck / SUV. Engineered just for the demands of working trucks and SUVs, not a repackaged passenger car compound! Drawing on over 40 years of experience with heavy commercial and military trucks, Hawk Performance have developed the LTS compound to provide better stopping power with less dust, noise, and wear than competing pads. Ideal for 1/2-ton trucks and SUVs that frequently haul or tow, but still a great choice for a daily driver.
Performance Ceramic (Z)
Street pad engineered for luxury cars where low noise is most important. Despite the reduction in noise and dust, this compound out-brakes and outlasts many OEM pads. For use with iron rotors only (not for use with ceramic or carbon/ceramic discs).