A tire molding system includes a mold having a surface defining a cavity for receiving and shaping an uncured tire. The uncured tire is pressed against the surface defining the cavity. Fluid is evacuated from between the uncured tire and the surface defining the cavity. A recess extends from the cavity for forming a marking on the sidewall of the tire. A passage fluidly communicates the recess with the exterior of the mold. The passage includes a first end portion adjacent the recess and a second end portion adjacent the exterior of the mold. The second end portion extends for a distance less than one-half of the total length of the passage. A restrictor is located entirely within the second end portion of the passage for restricting fluid flow through the passage during the evacuation of fluid and before the recess is sealed off from the cavity by the uncured tire when the uncured tire is pressed against the surface defining the cavity.