Track tires

[krman68]

What track tires is everyone using?

I was running Hoosier R6's but wore them out last time out at The Glen. I put on my street OEM Goodyear F1 supercar tires and was surprised at how well they worked. Expected a ton of tire squeal but only had minimal. Tires held well until about 25 minutes then they started getting slick

Need new track tires and was curious as to what others are running.....btw, need 19" so selection sucks

 

[darreng505]

Hoosier R100, Toyo RS1 slick are tires I have run. Hoosier R100 slick so far the best but about to try Pirelli Pzero slicks and I think they're supposed to be faster still.

 

[WPBcobra]

Been using the Toyo RR and loving them. lots of grip and they are lasting a while. I got 12 heat cycles on them and still running same times as new. looking to get 20-30 heat cycles.

 

[Goindeafonmtx]

Continental take off slicks (read: Hoosier r6) I get about two weekends out of them. At around $300 set shipped, hard to beat.

 

[598]

What size are you running? Can you get them in a 275-40-17?

 

[cali_kr]

I'll be running Nitto NT-01's in 275/40-18 on all four corners in my 08 KR next weekend at Sonoma (Sears Point) Raceway

First time for me on anything other than streets...looking forward to it

 

[Goindeafonmtx]

What size are you running? Can you get them in a 275-40-17?

I ran 275/35r18. No 17s available as far as I know in the Continentals.

 

[jg61354]

I have a set of 275/40/17 Nt-01 so I think they are still available. I alternate between them and A6's.

 

[wheelhopper]

I typically run Kumhos or Hankooks. For the money you can't beat them. I can rotate and use one set all year but they start to drop off after about 10 track days. They are still better than street tires even after that just not as good as new. The Hankooks are directional so it makes rotating a little more difficult.

I have also used Nitto NT01s. They are not quite as good as the Kumhos or Hankooks but they tend to stay more consistent through there useable life. Can easily get 10-15 track weekends from these tires.

I have also used the Continental take offs. IMO it is not worth buying those unless you only do a couple events per year and have your own tire changing machine. They are an endurance tire and take about 3 laps before they get up to speed and they get greasy toward the end of the session since a pro drove the crap out of them before you got them. If you do a lot of track days you'll need about 3 sets for the year, to keep from sliding around on used up tires, and if you pay $100 per change to mount the next set you might as well put that money toward a nice new set that you can use for a longer period of time.

 

[Mike Rousch]

I use the Nt05's on mine. I have nothing to compare them to but after 5 days at VIR they still look new. Car is a 4000 Shelby and i am pretty hard on the car to.

 

[Steveespo]

Anyone run Toyo R888? I need a DOT tire for a few events and they have sizes I want at a better price than Nitto 555R II. 295/305-18
Steve

 

[wheelhopper]

R888 don't seem to have the popularity as the RA1s. I have a friend who has used them with no complaints.

 

[blacksheep-1]

Continental take off slicks (read: Hoosier r6) I get about two weekends out of them. At around $300 set shipped, hard to beat.

That's a real good all around tire that is available cheap, they go forever until they drop off.

call this guy, tell them Blacksheep sent you. (FWIW I'm their tire specialist)

http://phoenixperformance.net/

 

[krman68]

Thanks for the responses guys. Much appreciated. My main problem is size. I need 19" tires. Not much selection other than Hoosiers and was hoping to find a cheaper alternative

 

[Goindeafonmtx]

You're better off IMO just finding a set of 18" wheels dedicated to the track.

 

[krman68]

Yea. I thought of tat and wish I could but the front brakes on the 13-14's won't accommodate 18" wheels. It sucks The brakes stop the car on a dime but it comes at a price

 

[wheelhopper]

^Are you sure? I could have sworn I have seen many GT500s running 18's with dedicated track tires. Some wheels may have a little more clearance than others also. Or you could buy a dedicated track Miata and run 15 wheels and tires.:lol1:

 

[krman68]

I will double check because I would love to run 18"s and save some bucks as well as open up my choices but I was told when I got the car that I need 19" wheels since the 13-14 GT500s have the 6 piston brembos.

I'll check though

 

[Goindeafonmtx]

Ford Racing also said you absolutely need 18" wheels for 2000 Cobra R brakes. It's a well known fact that 1995 R wheels clear them and those are 17" wheels.

 

[WPBcobra]

if you have the 15inch kit on there you should be able to use a 18 inch rim. if i am right in conti they use the big brakes and still run 18s.