I can understand in off-roading because they would actually bite into the ground and push against it, but if the road does not deform into the treads then wouldn’t it be better to have them slick for more surface area? why do race cars use slick tires and not consumer vehicles?
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The traction comes more from the friction between the rubber molecules of the tire and the road. Tires are formulated differently for the temperature they will be used at, hence summer, winter or a compromise of all-season. The tread patterns are for managing water through the contact patch. If the water was unable to escape from under the tire it would lift it, the tire would hydroplane, and the vehicle could lose control.
Racing tires are designed for either wet or dry. Dry tires are generally slicks, without any tread. As the traction is created via contact with the road, you want that contact to be as big as possible. Most drag or banked oval races such as NHRA, NASCAR or Indy will delay/stop racing if there is rain as they do not have wet tires. (NASCAR will race under damp conditions).
Endurance races on road courses have wet tires and cars will pit for tire changes as soon as there is moisture on the track. It is an important strategy as to when to go back to dry tires when it stops raining. Too soon or too late can affect the handling of the car.
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