Having just come into some cash(not a lot) I am looking to buy a set of rubber specifically for DE's(Trackdays here in the UK). They will be mounted on 17" cup 2 rims and I will be driving the vehicle to the track(therefore slicks might be a problem - I don't think we can get Hoosiers in the UK either).

What would your preferred tyre be?? Make and profiles??

I currently use SO2's for everyday use.

 

If you can get Kumho, the new ECSTA V700 is great value for the money. It seems to perform at least as good as the much more expensive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup but I don't know how it stacks against the new P-Zero Corsa.

Kumho ECSTA V700


Michelin Pilot Sport Cup

Pirelli P-Zero Corsa

 

Steve,

Have you ever been on the track before,
with this or another car?
The reason I ask is because for drivers who
are beginners should stay on street tires.
Your S02's are actually very good for the
street and track. Someone I know who has
a lot of experience tried a set of S02's
at a track and really like the way they
handled. If you are experienced, or just
want track tires, then here's another
for your consideration:

Toyo RA-1

Good luck.

Tom

 

I'd also second staying on the S02's for a bit longer. I don't know about about all track tires, but from the times that I have ridden in instructors' cars ( with track tires ), there is much less audio feedback before you start sliding. It just happens FAST and silently, so you'd better be prepared and know what you are doing. Street tires seem more forgiving in the sense that the tires will howl to warn you that of impending oversteer is on the way.

I believe that the slip angles of street tires are different from track tires. I'm a bit fuzzy here, so perhaps others on the board can comment on this.

Jeff

 

Thanks guys. I've done 6 DE's in last year all on Dunlop SP's(Do I hear you groaning)and am still have an awful lot to learn - in fact I'm a real novice. I'm very happy with the SO2's in daily use and am not particularly looking for a track only tyre. Other major manufacturers street tyres are also very much on my list. I will check out your recommendations.

Cheers!

 

Race tires generate maximum cornering forces at greater slip angles than street tires. but the breakaway is more abrupt. For that reason, you are going faster and get less warning about the car getting away from you with race tires - not a good thing for most beginners. To control race tires, at the limit, requires faster hands than street tires. Once you develop the feel and hand speed, most people prefer the feel of race tires.