Building a special coffee table...suggestions

OK I'm building a coffee table for my apartment that I'm moving into.

Its no ordinary base though, its a formula 1 tire used in testing that my dad got me for my birthday several years ago.

I'm turning the tire on its side (Dimensions are 20" tall on its side, and it has a 2 foot diameter). I'm going to put a 4'x2' piece of something on top of it and mount it there as the coffee table top.

My question. What material should I use?

With glass, you risk shattering and it could get expensive.

With polycarb/plexiglass on it, Id need probably at least 1/8th inch.

I'm not planning on stacking 50 pounds worth of textbooks on it, more of just TV remotes, cups, plates, etc. I never priced polycarb, but I'm thinking it could cost a lot too.


Finally, the cheapest option would be a 4'x2' piece of wood, paint it and I'd probably paint a logo of something on it. Obviously that covers the "GOODYEAR" on the tire and you cant see in the tire, which ruins the fun.


So, what do you suggest I use and if anyone has suggestions/tips/rough prices of polycarb or any other material you can think of, please let me know. I'm not moving in until August 1st, so I'm in no hurry.

Edit:

Tire looks like just the one on this car, just the treads are gone, and its a goodyear