Tires used for tracking?

[gar_lei]

Hello

I'm new to tracking and I want to know what tires is everyone using?

Would you change Tire/rim when you arrive to the track or you use same set of tires for Street and Track?


Thanks in advance!

[Hyperion]

If they could afford it, everyone would change tires and rims for the track.

[Kiyomi]

ive been using marangoni summer tires for the track, daily drive tires as well. been told there is way better out there. but this season, im gonna be trying out the rs-3 hankooks. :D comes highly recommended by celestspeed.

[LezOLee]

strong, light rims. if affordable

[sjd]

I'll be on Yokohama Advan Neova AD08's. They were chosen because I wanted an extreme performance street tire I could drive to the track on and would perform in all weather conditions.

If you want to read about the current crop of extreme performance street tires, check out the link below. These tires are faster than most R compounds from just a few years ago. Keep in mind Andy's focus is autocross but the tires he has listed are used on the track as well.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/hollis-racing/street-touring-and-track-day-tire-faq-utqg-140/245008598916447

[breakfasteatre]

in the most recent issue of grassroots, the maxxis ultra high performance tired was touted as feeling as good as the advans, and this was on a genwon speed 3 as well!

[thanu31]

I use ContiSportContact (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=ContiSportContact) for my track set... not the greatest, but does the job

[breakfasteatre]

I use ContiSportContact (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=ContiSportContact) for my track set... not the greatest, but does the job

warranty? or is that michelins?

[Mr Wilson]

in the most recent issue of grassroots, the maxxis ultra high performance tired was touted as feeling as good as the advans, and this was on a genwon speed 3 as well!

Heard about it, and they did a 17in and 18in comparo around the track and 18in won.

[standsideways]

Any tire with 200 treadwear or lower is fine for track use.

I personally would not track a car without proper track tires and brakes.
-----
Dunlop z1 star spec
Hankook ventus td
Hankool rs3
Bfg ta kdw
Bridgestone re11?
Toyo t1r, r1r, r888
Falken azenis rt615k
Kumho ecsta xs

There are a few others but those are the main track day tires.

I would only suggest the direzza z1 star spec, because that is the only tire i have track experience with.

However the z1 and rs3 are THE BEST track/street option, hands down.

You can try some "performance" tires that are high treadwear but they will never be as good as track day specific tires, and you risk chunking the treadblocks of your new tires, whereas a track specific tire will not chunk if inflated properly.

[gar_lei]

Of course ultimately I would wanna get a set of 17" and have track tires on them abd just swap them when I arrive the track. This way I won't have to track with my 18" RE30 which has street tires.

[standsideways]

Heard about it, and they did a 17in and 18in comparo around the track and 18in won.


The test was inconclusive if you read the article, and IMO the conditions for the test were not even.

The 17's were BRAND NEW and the 18's had been broken in.

The driver knew the 18" set and had never driven the 17" set.

They also didnt go wider.

Brand new tires need a break in before track use.

They concluded from the tests that the 18" was .2 sec faster. LOL

[thanu31]

warranty? or is that michelins?

They are Continentals

[sjd]

Any tire with 200 treadwear or lower is fine for track use.

I personally would not track a car without proper track tires and brakes.
-----
Dunlop z1 star spec
Hankook ventus td
Hankool rs3
Bfg ta kdw
Bridgestone re11?
Toyo t1r, r1r, r888
Falken azenis rt615k
Kumho ecsta xs

There are a few others but those are the main track day tires.

I would only suggest the direzza z1 star spec, because that is the only tire i have track experience with.

However the z1 and rs3 are THE BEST track/street option, hands down.

You can try some "performance" tires that are high treadwear but they will never be as good as track day specific tires, and you risk chunking the treadblocks of your new tires, whereas a track specific tire will not chunk if inflated properly.

The Hankook Ventus TD and Toyo R888 are R compound tires that happen to be streetable.

The BFG TA KDW and Toyo T1R don't belong on the list at all.

The RS-3's suck in anything but hot temperatures.

I agree the Star Spec is an excellent all around tire.

Your list is missing the Continental ExtremeContact DW, the Michelin Super Sport and the Yokohama AD08.

The AD08 which is faster than the RS-3 in the cold or the wet and faster than the Star Spec in the dry.

I went with the AD08's because they won't chunk on the track like R1R and they will work in the rain. They were also used on the Porsche GT3 Cup as the spec tire for a couple of seasons before the class went to a slick. Yokohama is also paying contingency money.

[gar_lei]

Isn't the Star Spec discontinued?

[standsideways]

The BFG TA KDW and Toyo T1R don't belong on the list at all....



Your list is missing the Continental ExtremeContact DW, the Michelin Super Sport and the Yokohama AD08.

Your right, the kdw and t1r dont belong.

When i think track tire, the conti and the luxury/exotic michelin ss arent even considered.

The neova is great but comes at a price that doesnt match the performance.

For 170 a tire you cant beat the star spec.

[sjd]

Your right, the kdw and t1r dont belong.

When i think track tire, the conti and the luxury/exotic michelin ss arent even considered.

The neova is great but comes at a price that doesnt match the performance.

For 170 a tire you cant beat the star spec.

Yeah, I'm a bit nervous since I am used to Hoosiers or Kumho V710's.

Since I have an MX-5 and don't have the luxury of a cavernous hatchback I decided I needed a street tire. I narrowed it down the R1R or the AD08. Similar performance for similar money. I was worried about the R1R's wearing and overheating.

I paid $240 a tire for the Yokohama. I could have done the Dunlops for $187 a tire. Hopefully its worth it but we'll see.

[midnitehour]

nexen n3000 or go home. :P

the rt 615's are great in the dry, horrid in the wet.
I love the r888's

also invest in light wheels. the rpf01's at 17x9 come in at 15.6lbs, which is rougly 4 fat women lighter than the stockers.

also the 17 vs 18 test was silly, as you'd never buy 17" rims that weigh the same as your 18"s, Less tire = less money.

[standsideways]

Since I have an MX-5 and don't have the luxury of a cavernous hatchback I decided I needed a street tire. I narrowed it down the R1R or the AD08. Similar performance for similar money. I was worried about the R1R's wearing and overheating.


I think the neova was the right choice.

At this point the only other tire i would consider would be the ad08.

The rs3 is a bit of a "perfect conditions" tire

[standsideways]

the rt 615's are great in the dry, horrid in the wet.
I love the r888's
The falken is a better drag/drift tire than a road course tire

[gar_lei]

If I were to choose between Star Spec and RS2 for Track... which one would be more appropriate?

[Kiyomi]

Rs-3 :D

[condor888000]

RS-3...if you can find them. Hankook needs to import a lot more than they do, they tend to sell out in popular sizes far in advance. Star Specs are an excellent choice as well though, I loved them on the 3 when I was racing it and I loved them on the Miata last summer (though the size I had was really too narrow for the Miata...). They also wear like they're made of iron if you treat them right. The set on the 3 lasted 2.5 years of autox and lapping, including one summer where I used them for 32 days total when lapping/autoxing. They seem to be good for 2 summers most of the time, while the other tires are generally a set a year kinda thing.


The falken is a better drag/drift tire than a road course tire

Hunh? An Azeni is NOT a drag tire at all. Nitto has one available, and so does Toyo IIRC, but not Falken.

The original Azeni RT-215 started the entire hot street tire trend a number of years back, and the RT-615 was the king of the hill for several years as well. Now the new(ish) RT-615K has a different compound which is supposidly grippier yet lasts longer, but still doesn't match the wet performance of some of the other tires. The biggest advantage is cost, it's significantly cheaper than the Star Spec if you know where to look.

I've had a set on my Miata for about 3 weeks now (replacing Star Specs as a matter of fact), and while I haven't really pounded them, they've been quite good to me so far. As well, the personal accounts I've gotten from the hot shoes around here are quite promision.

[thanu31]

any opinions on Toyo RA1?

[sjd]

If I were to choose between Star Spec and RS2 for Track... which one would be more appropriate?

Is the RS-2 still available? I'd take the Star Specs over the RS-2. Probably over the RS-3 since it does rain here.


any opinions on Toyo RA1?

Excellent tire. It's an R-compound that you can do some street driving on.

[Mr Wilson]

The test was inconclusive if you read the article, and IMO the conditions for the test were not even.

The 17's were BRAND NEW and the 18's had been broken in.

The driver knew the 18" set and had never driven the 17" set.

They also didnt go wider.

Brand new tires need a break in before track use.

They concluded from the tests that the 18" was .2 sec faster. LOL

I'll see if I can find a copy at Chapters today.

[gar_lei]

OK I decided to go for a second set of rim/tire for track use.

I found a set of used PF01 17x7,5 37offset. I'll probably go for RS-3 tires

[Mr Wilson]

Don't do 7.5, 8in minimum.

[sjd]

17X8.5 +30 RPF1'S for sale here.

http://www.casc.on.ca/forums/showthread.php?p=203744#post203744

[Pereira11]

The Hankook Ventus TD and Toyo R888 are R compound tires that happen to be streetable.

The BFG TA KDW and Toyo T1R don't belong on the list at all.

The RS-3's suck in anything but hot temperatures.

I agree the Star Spec is an excellent all around tire.

Your list is missing the Continental ExtremeContact DW, the Michelin Super Sport and the Yokohama AD08.

The AD08 which is faster than the RS-3 in the cold or the wet and faster than the Star Spec in the dry.

I went with the AD08's because they won't chunk on the track like R1R and they will work in the rain. They were also used on the Porsche GT3 Cup as the spec tire for a couple of seasons before the class went to a slick. Yokohama is also paying contingency money.

I have the Michelin Pilot Super Sports on mine with Enkei RPF-1, great combo. These tires are amazing and can still be used on the street. Toyo R1Rs are great too but wear very quickly

[gar_lei]

Don't do 7.5, 8in minimum.

Is there a particular reason why? Cause 225 should fit on 7,5 isn't it?

[Mr Wilson]

It does. It's that if you ever consider going wider you can't. I bought a set of Gram Lights and really like them.......but I want to run 235 and although you can on a 7.5 in wheel you should really use at least an 8. Don't limit yourself and why not go a little wider.

[gar_lei]

Hmmm... icic.
1 of the reason being the deal is too good.
PF01 for 450$?
No cracks no bends...

[standsideways]

It does. It's that if you ever consider going wider you can't. I bought a set of Gram Lights and really like them.......but I want to run 235 and although you can on a 7.5 in wheel you should really use at least an 8. Don't limit yourself and why not go a little wider.

Really depends on the tire.

Im running 245/45/17 on a 8"

Thats a large tire, and it fits fine.

I also ran 225/45/17 on the same 8" and it was a small stretch.

Ide say 235 would be perfect on a 8"

Atleast the z1 star spec an a 8" volk ce28n


But you are right, go 9" if you can or youll likely regret it.

I do.

[Mr Wilson]

^^^ And that's exactly it. I'd rather have some stretch over looking like a hemroid seat.

[gar_lei]

My dilema right now is, I have a set of RE30 18x8.5 on Nitto INVO, which is not the best track tire but not bad at all for street.

I'm thinking if I should mount a set of Star Spec on my RE30 and run them on track or get a cheap set of used 17x7,5 PF01 and mount it on and use it exclusively for track...

The tires cost abt 300$ when it's on 18s so in a long run it's cheaper to run on 17s but I don't wanna shell out too much money on a second set that I'll likely be using 2-3 times a year...

HELP!!!!

[marc-w]

Continental Extreme ContactDR (Dry Race) tires, Pirelli P Zero racing slicks, I can get you a deal on used ones;)

[gar_lei]

In my head its cool to have 2 sets of dedicated tires but since I dun track.often its not really logical to do that and since RE30 are light weight and strong, its a waste to not track with them. So I guess it makes more sense to get a nice set of street/trackable tires like the ones mentioned above.

[standsideways]

My dilema right now is, I have a set of RE30 18x8.5 on Nitto INVO, which is not the best track tire but not bad at all for street.

I'm thinking if I should mount a set of Star Spec on my RE30 and run them on track or get a cheap set of used 17x7,5 PF01 and mount it on and use it exclusively for track...

The tires cost abt 300$ when it's on 18s so in a long run it's cheaper to run on 17s but I don't wanna shell out too much money on a second set that I'll likely be using 2-3 times a year...

HELP!!!!

I would personally go 17" and star specs.

But thats cuz im running 17" and star specs ;)

Keep the re30 for nice street wheels or sell em!

[gar_lei]

Well I won't sell my RE30... I think I'll stick with it and run RS3 or star spec on the street and track.

[sjd]

Well I won't sell my RE30... I think I'll stick with it and run RS3 or star spec on the street and track.

That's the best option. RE30's are awesome.

[gar_lei]

Yeah, they're very light and its forged.

[Romanm]

FD rims are great. super light. Here look at this I found some for you! lol I dont have enough posts to post in the for sale section here

http://www.casc.on.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=25065

Also, I have some yoko-ad08 tires for sale, size 205.55.16. Looks like your boosted so those might be too small for you though width wise.

For tracking get the smallest rim that fits over your brakes. bonus of 16 inch is how cheap the tires are

[Romanm]

did I mention the fd rims are 8" wide? oh ya :)

[Romanm]

and 13 or 15 lbs a rim....depending on the casting. I have both. Think about it lol

[Fubawu]

That is what I run, 13 lbs FD rims with Hankook RS-3's very good combo! I save 10lbs a corner!!!

[gar_lei]

I went to my buddy's garage and he found some not too expensive rims for me. Around 600-700$

Enkei EKM3 and Konig Deception.
I'm still trying to find the weight of them, hoping that they're not too heavy. Both are 17x7,5 tho

[lazor86]

I went to my buddy's garage and he found some not too expensive rims for me. Around 600-700$

Enkei EKM3 and Konig Deception.
I'm still trying to find the weight of them, hoping that they're not too heavy. Both are 17x7,5 tho

Enkei: 20lbs Konig: 18lbs

[gar_lei]

Enkei: 20lbs Konig: 18lbs

Thanks!

[lazor86]

since we're on the topic about rims, anyone use OEM 16x6.5 rims for track day?

[loki]

since we're on the topic about rims, anyone use OEM 16x6.5 rims for track day?

no

not if you want to track seriously

[genericmoniker]

You want to track 195s? Maybe on a Mazda 2.

[gar_lei]

Looks like I might get a set of Konig Backbone or Deception 17 inch for tracking.

[zzz3]

no

not if you want to track seriously


You want to track 195s? Maybe on a Mazda 2.

exaggerations aside, i think stock tire is 205. if it makes economical sense why not (i.e., rims were cheap or you have them lying around)? just get the best tires you can afford (as it makes the most difference), like 215, and you should be fine. not everyone needs r-compound and rpf1. i would rather save money were possible for event fees, tools etc., but if you can afford it, then more power to you.

[lazor86]

exaggerations aside, i think stock tire is 205. if it makes economical sense why not (i.e., rims were cheap or you have them lying around)? just get the best tires you can afford (as it makes the most difference), like 215, and you should be fine. not everyone needs r-compound and rpf1. i would rather save money were possible for event fees, tools etc., but if you can afford it, then more power to you.

+1

I got aftermarket rims that are lightweight (lighter than stock) and I don't want them sitting around waiting for a couple of track days a year. I want my car to look good! LoL. So I figured if I get some nice and sticky 205/50/16 for stock wheels it should work alright I guess. If no one has tried this I guess I'll be the first one to tell you how it went! There's not much price difference between that and my 17", I guess depending on which tires they are.

I'll post some times old vs new.

[standsideways]

+1

I got aftermarket rims that are lightweight (lighter than stock) and I don't want them sitting around waiting for a couple of track days a year. I want my car to look good! LoL. So I figured if I get some nice and sticky 205/50/16 for stock wheels it should work alright I guess.

205/50/16?!!!

NOT a good size at all, too thin and too much sidewall.

Your outside tread will be chewed unless you have camber links/pillow ball front mounts and a proper race alignment. And ALOT of air in those tires.

Go with a wider shorter sidewall tire.

I think u would regret doing that size

[standsideways]

You want to track 195s? Maybe on a Mazda 2.

They use 205/50/15 slicks on 15x7

Atleast on the BSpec race cars

[lazor86]

205/50/16?!!!

NOT a good size at all, too thin and too much sidewall.

Your outside tread will be chewed unless you have camber links/pillow ball front mounts and a proper race alignment. And ALOT of air in those tires.

Go with a wider shorter sidewall tire.

I think u would regret doing that size

I got all that done. I was also considering 225/50/16.

[loki]

I got all that done. I was also considering 225/50/16.

225 on a 6.5 inch wide rim?

[lazor86]

225 on a 6.5 inch wide rim?

Most of the tires recommend 6-8" rim for a 225/50/16.

[Mr Wilson]

on a 6" rim 225 =

http://www.oursbiz.com/Products/b/75/Anti-Hemorrhoids-Seat-Cushion-NMS022c--625158.jpg

[lazor86]

on a 6" rim 225 =

http://www.oursbiz.com/Products/b/75/Anti-Hemorrhoids-Seat-Cushion-NMS022c--625158.jpg

LoL

Have you tried it? I've searched up every site possible and there's a whole bunch of guys running that tire/wheel size and nobody has had any unusual wear.

[loki]

ms3 comes with 7.5 inch wide tires with 215 tires.

Have I tried what you're suggesting? No...and for obvious reasons.

[standsideways]

LoL

Have you tried it? I've searched up every site possible and there's a whole bunch of guys running that tire/wheel size and nobody has had any unusual wear.

Link me to "a whole bunch of guys" using that size on your car?

[lazor86]

Link me to "a whole bunch of guys" using that size on your car?
google it. I didn't say Mazda3, I said 6.5" rim. Google "225/50/16 on a 6.5" and there's a full page of different kind of forums talking about it.

It wouldn't say "6-8" recommended wheel size" if you couldn't fit it properly on a 6-8" wheel.

[lazor86]

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?51549-225-50-16-fit-on-the-16-quot-mazda-3-rim

[Mr Wilson]

It'll fit, there are examples of the extreme either way.....doesn't mean it's ideal or will work properly.

[standsideways]

It'll fit, there are examples of the extreme either way.....doesn't mean it's ideal or will work properly.

THIS^

[loki]

If you read the link that you posted, you'd see that he was talking about tracking with the 16 x 8 inch RX7 wheels

[lazor86]

If you read the link that you posted, you'd see that he was talking about tracking with the 16 x 8 inch RX7 wheels
If you read the last Reply he says he runs 225/50/16 on his MZ3 OEM rims.

Will it work properly? Well I guess I got the ballz to try it out and I will let you guys know. Unless you don't want to know, I'll keep the results to myself.

Thanks for the help.

[loki]

If you read the last Reply he says he runs 225/50/16 on his MZ3 OEM rims.

Will it work properly? Well I guess I got the ballz to try it out and I will let you guys know. Unless you don't want to know, I'll keep the results to myself.

Thanks for the help.

The only person who wants to know if it works is you, since you were the one who asked the question. If you keep it to yourself, then at the end of the day, everyone who was interested would be well informed. i.e. yourself


the last guy to reply never mentioned that he intended to track the car with those wheels. "A whole bunch of guys" isn't one person replying in a thread.

[lazor86]

The only person who wants to know if it works is you, since you were the one who asked the question. If you keep it to yourself, then at the end of the day, everyone who was interested would be well informed. i.e. yourself


the last guy to reply never mentioned that he intended to track the car with those wheels. "A whole bunch of guys" isn't one person replying in a thread.

Alright I guess I didn't say google it.

But anyway, yeah I wanted to know and I'm sure if it worked good other people wouldn't mind trying it out. Good info and help from other people that tried it is always good but when someone talks about something they never tried, doesn't make any sense.

I'd love to hear from the people that tried this, even if they failed or it worked good. Not from people that never even seen it. I'm trying not to be an a$$, just looking for info from people that have done this.

Thanks!

[zzz3]

i have 225/50/16 on 7 wide for track. it is suitable for me given what i use them for, how often, and the cost at which the tires were acquired for. having said that, 8 or at least 7.5 would be more suitable and allow for a more square side wall and even contact with the pavement (i am suffering from uneven wear in the rear due to a lack of camber arms and much needed alignment).

[lazor86]

i have 225/50/16 on 7 wide for track. it is suitable for me given what i use them for, how often, and the cost at which the tires were acquired for. having said that, 8 or at least 7.5 would be more suitable and allow for a more square side wall and even contact with the pavement (i am suffering from uneven wear in the rear due to a lack of camber arms and much needed alignment).

Really.....I guess I gotta look at different options. I might just have to get a set of FD rims or just stick with my 17" for the track and have my OEM's for street.

[zzz3]

Really.....I guess I gotta look at different options. I might just have to get a set of FD rims or just stick with my 17" for the track and have my OEM's for street.

if i have tread left on the 225/50/16, i'll be switching to reinforced fd's next year too. they are cheap, light and oem.

[loki]

if i have tread left on the 225/50/16, i'll be switching to reinforced fd's next year too. they are cheap, light and oem.

Aren't they hard to find though?

I know Mr Wilson wants a set

[Mr Wilson]

They're out there........to an extent. I just have a price that I won't go over.

[zzz3]

Aren't they hard to find though?

I know Mr Wilson wants a set

i counted 4-5 sets being sold on kijiji this past winter. there was even a guy on tm3 selling them off his escape lol.


They're out there........to an extent. I just have a price that I won't go over.

same. try posting wtb on rx7 club.

[loki]

They're out there........to an extent. I just have a price that I won't go over.

Hey trekkie, I don't like your new avatar

[zzz3]

janeway>picard

[loki]

janeway>picard

no

[Kiyomi]

picard is boss bro.

[Mr Wilson]

Hey trekkie, I don't like your new avatar

It's Trekker, Trekkie is derogatory.

[loki]

tires used for Trekking?

[CelestSpeed3]

I'd just track with my street tires, 255/40-17 RS-3's on 17x9 +45 RPF1's.


This way, I don't have to change tires.

[1337trix]

^watch out for the baller over here :)

[gar_lei]

anyone have experience with Nitto NT05?

[breakfasteatre]

My review of the rs3 on the track: awesome.

[zzz3]

before i make a new thread asking the following question, can any of you help me identify which model of direzza's these are (see below) thanks:

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-auto-parts-tires-tires-rims-235-40-18-dunlops-summer-tires-W0QQAdIdZ368173805

they don't look like z1 star specs, z101 or even 02/03g. maybe i need to visit hakim optical :S

[standsideways]

I dont recognize those at all.

Dont look like any dunlop ive seen.

Hmmm

[MajesticBlueNTO]

before i make a new thread asking the following question, can any of you help me identify which model of direzza's these are (see below) thanks:

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-auto-parts-tires-tires-rims-235-40-18-dunlops-summer-tires-W0QQAdIdZ368173805

they don't look like z1 star specs, z101 or even 02/03g. maybe i need to visit hakim optical :S

they look like Hankook RS-2

[CelestSpeed3]

+1 looks like RS-2's. I had them on my last car.

[zzz3]

I dont recognize those at all.

Dont look like any dunlop ive seen.

Hmmm


they look like Hankook RS-2


+1 looks like RS-2's. I had them on my last car.

thanks for the help. i will call tomorrow and double check which one he is selling. do you guys think its a good buy for the price if i can talk him a few bucks?

[gar_lei]

I'll be getting a used set of 17 PF01 and will be ordering a set of RS3 as it's highly recommended by everyone.

[Romanm]

Running r-compson stock size rims

-I did this last year for auto-x. Ran a 205.55.16 Toyo R1R tire. I wanted to stay in a stock class so I had to use stock size rims, as opposed to the FD rims. Worked fine. Auto-x and lapping. Won first place in my class, and always did really well compared to everyone else. A 225 wide tire will work. If you just doing auto-x, the increase is overall grip may be worth it. If your lapping, it will flex the sidewall way to much and you wont have good steering feel at all. I would not run it like that. I have 225's on them now for dd if you want a picture. They dont corner well at all.

FD rims

The setup I ran and like the most is 205.55.16 outback, and 225.50.16 in the front. Once the auto-x season was over, I lapped on the fd-rims a couple times. With the 205 out back, you minize weight and rolling resistance. If it gets twitchy on you, air them down 1-2 psi and see how it feels. The front, 225.50.16 r-comps. The 225 is a decent width on a 8" rim. The widest I would personally go to keep good steering feel. They rub a bit at extreme lock.
If your buying FD-rims, and your looking at the light weight ones... check for cracks!! I had a crack in a set I bought....found it after I sandblasted them. Make sure you inspect closly!!