Looking for some advice on tires for DE track events...


My experience: This is my first year doing track events. I have 'the bug' in a big way and have done 15 days so far this year, with many more to come. I have moved up run groups very rapidly (green to yellow to blue already and testing for white soon).


My car: Cayman S with Cross coilover suspension and sump extension (note I also trailer the car as I have very long distances to go to events)


The situation: All of my instructors are recommending that I go to R compound tires in order to continue my growth as a driver and also to be safer (I am really at the grip limit of my Yoko Advan sports and am drifting most corners).


The question: Should I ease into competition tires with MPSC'sor Toyo's or dive in with Hoosiers? Part of the decision is cost, but I also don't want to go too far too fast. If I ease in, what have people found to be the best tire? Other options besides the 2 mentioned?


Thank you!

I am an instructor for a high performance driving school and have just started tracking my CS. I run Toyo RA-1. I would recommend them as they are a little more forgiving than some of the other R compound tires that you have mentioned. What does that mean? The Toyo have a excellent amount of grip but will react more like a street tire in that they will 'talk' to you to you at the edge of adhesion where as the Hoosier for instance (from what I understand) will give you much less warning. The Hoosiers will also heat cycle much quicker than the Toyo's which will make the rubber hard with very little adhesion. However having made these statements about the Hoosier's, I hear that when they're on, they're on! I drive my car to and from the event with my Toyo's which may include rain and feel that they are the best compromise for my needs and my wallet. I would have to recommend that this is your first year ofDE to ease into R compound tires.To sum up, I don't claim to be atire guru in any way. Just my opinion. Hope that helps. P.S. Welcome

Thanks for the advice! Every bit helps... Did you shave your Toyo's? Tire Rack says it is mandatory to prolong the life of the tire, unless driving in rain.


And thanks for the Welcome!

Shaving and heat cycling your R tires are a good idea unless you drive in the rain. The Toyos should work well, we used Kumhos on smaller cars like our MINI Cooper S and they worked well at a lower cost than Hoosiers.

whichoil sump extension you have? mantis or x51 OEM?


best to start with RA1. next mpsc.


RA1 last longer than mpsc but slightly less grippy and also cheaper.


if you shave RA1 to 5/32 or so, it's very very grippy but about same price as mpsc at that point and last about the same time.


i woudn't go to hoosiers unless you are time trialing or racing. it's much stickier but they wont last you more than 2-3 days if you are really fast enough to need hoosiers. i say 500 track miles tops.

__________________
if you want the best for your toy, look no further:

http://www.premiermobilegroup.com/ (one of the best clear film specialists)
http://www.sharkwerks.com/main.php (bring your money, alex will help you spend it in a GOOD way)

Strangely the RA-1 doesn't seem to be sold here in the UK. We have R888, which seems to be more track-oriented

http://www.toyo.co.uk/page.php?identity=r888



Recently a lot of GT3 owners have switched and really like them. Might be worth asking Toyo in the US...

i was told R888 will eventually replace RA1, but as far as i can tell R888 is not available in usa yet, at least i can't find them.

__________________
if you want the best for your toy, look no further:

http://www.premiermobilegroup.com/ (one of the best clear film specialists)
http://www.sharkwerks.com/main.php (bring your money, alex will help you spend it in a GOOD way)

Farnbacher installed the sump extension. I am assuming it is the X51 OEM, but not sure.


Thanks for the advice. RA1's sound like the way to go.

You've gotten good tire suggesitons, but can I ask about what you have done about driver safety items? Congrats on your enjoyment and progress in tracking. But if you are going to upgrade the car's performance and speed with suspension and tire upgrades, make sure you protect yourself along the way. Since you already have a trailer and tow vehicle, I think it's only a matter of time before you consider a dedicated track car, whether that be converting your CS or something else. Cheers.

Safety is #1 priority for me (along with fun). So far, I have added harness bar, 5 point harnesses, Sparco Evo seats and Hans. I am trying to find a roll cage that I can install. Any suggestions? Doesn't seem to be readily available. What else should I consider?

i assume you are on E. Coast since farnbacher did some work on your car?


search for sleepless' post of his rear 1/2 cage and take a look at my at tcdesignfab.com. the two rear cages are very similar in design. sleepless's fabricator was able to build his cage by looking at some of my pix. i am sure farnbacher can do it as well and perhaps improve upon it. also mantis racing has a cage too. all these are custom, no one out there has any bolt in cage/roll bar yet.