Phil

pcar,
Are you running mis-matched tires at your DE event?

chris walrod

Taking it easy might just net you faster laps. My cool down laps are generally my fastest HWFM and all..

Mike in Chi

pcar

Do NOT run different front and rear tires at any race track, let alone Sebring.

Flying Finn

Ditto that,

Or if you insist on doing so, places like turn 1, Bishop bend, 17, be very very careful...

If you look at my videoclip (on my sig) from Sebring, I had little bit less grippier rear tyres at that time (all fours were MPSC's but rears were past their heat cycle life) and on Bishop bend when you're going 115+ mph and your rear surprises you and comes out FAST because of bad rear tyres, it can end up being very nasty.

Don't take that risk, instead, go to Ernies's Alloys here in Miami today and get used fronts from him.
I'm guessing he probably has same used fronts as your rears are or buy used four tyres from him.
He always has lot of used Porsche size tyres (deals a lot with Porsches) and for $100-200 you'll get safer tyres that are similarily worn as your tyres but are matching four.

pcar964

Well, unfortunately I called Ernie's today and no answer, then I finally got someone on the phone 20 minutes ago, and they said they were leaving for the day. I forgot Ernie's had used tires, I should have taken care of it earlier this week!

I'm not too worried about it, I've run different front/rear combo before at Moroso (although they were 220 treadwear all around, so they were fairly close in terms of grip). These are 280 rear and 220 front, but like I say I WILL be taking it easy, I won't push it through turn 1 or Bishop. I'm quite comfortable with the back end stepping out anyway

Mike in Chi

You might add 17 , 16 (see DanS911's post) and 5 (all that car-flipping sand outside) to your "don't push it there" list

Flying Finn

Not to mention the "Watering Hole", right?!

Mike in Chi

lol

that too, Finn

pcar964

haha - thanks guys, good point... I guess I should think of it more like a "high speed track tour" instead of hot laps this weekend

Phil

well if your going out with bad tires. at least be careful, also remember, your not the only one out on the track. Be safe

pcar964

only thing I'm more concerned about at the track than my car, is the safety of other drivers - if my tires become a safety issue (i.e. close to the cords, etc) I'll end my day without question. As far as the wierd handling because of different tires front and rear, I can back off to where I'm comfortable, so it won't be an issue. I'll be happy just to be out there, haven't been to Sebring in a while - so I certainly won't be pushing it!

Thanks for your concerns (and please know that I am equally cognizant of the safety of fellow drivers), I also don't take this stuff lightly!

Phil

Leland Pate

New tires can be just as dangerous...
Ask me how I know...

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pcar964

Ouch! I hope there wasn't much damage, looks like it was a wild ride!