You're largely missing the point. Spec Miata is supposed to be an entry-level series or at least one that caters to beginning racers. The R888 may be faster but SM racers have found that the RA1s are more durable (last more heat cycles), more consistent throughout their lifetime, more affordable, more user-friendly (less particular about how they're worn in, heat cycled, etc.). SM is a spec series (or is supposed to be, anyway) so it doesn't matter how "fast" a spec tire is, as long as everyone is one the same tire.
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