Doug H

Brand new with little gouge. It is a bit close to the sidewall. Should I flip it, throw it away or should it be okay.

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38796

cooleyjb

Nope, but that's just my opinion.

ZAPmobile

It's hard to tell how deep the gouge is from the photos, but the important thing to remember it's your but on the line out there if the tire deflates.

Doug H

Probably about 2/32s. I had a tire guy look at it and he poked around and said it was fine. I was going to have him flip it and maybe patch the inside for extra strength. He said not necessary. I have another one coming in Saturday, but I have to run tomorrow too.

Jarez Mifkin

Would you let your wife or kid drive at 100+ on it?

ZAPmobile

If the gouge is no deeper than the wear marks in the grooves then it could be OK.

993inNC

Did you happen to get those from Bob in SC. I have one just like it and its been fine. I run it outside so I can keep my eye on it and I go alot faster than 100!!! Do what you feel comfortable doing

BobbyC

When in doubt, throw it out!

Barfly

Not to advise you one way or the other, but if it were me, I would throw it on the rear and run it.

Doug H

Tire Rack. I think my ramps did it.

I was hesitant about swapping because I would not be able to see it. I thought about marking a line on the outside so I could at leat feel it for any bulging.

Doug H

The gouge is less than the wear makrs. The location is what bothers me.

I was unsure how thick the rubber was at this location. Am at the sideway here or am I still in the tread.

kurt M

Its the carcase you need to think about more than the nick in the rubber. Was the fabric of the side wall overstressed? If the carcase fails you have a blow out. I would run it but watch it too. If you see any deforming in the area replace the tire.

The nick can be fixed. Clean the hole and flap and slobber it with patch glue and press it down when the glue tacks up if it bothers you.

LVDell

Sorry but not a chance in hell would I run that tire. Just me, but if I am running that tire on the track I would NEVER be 100% focused on my driving when I am coming up the front stretch at VIR creeping over 135-140 with a high speed sweeper and think "hmmmm, sure hope that tire doesn't fail right now".

Track safety is NEVER something to compromise. If this is a question of wanting to pay for a new tire then this is not the right sport to be in. If it is merely the question of would you run it like that....short answer is NO.

M758

It all depends on how deep. Surface only then fine, If it goes past that in to the carcass no way.

Interestingly I have seen deeper gouges make from rock debris on the main tread surface. Rock goes in when the tire is soft and then comes out leaving a "hole". I have run on these all the time, but they are only in surface and never got in to the carcass.

MarkM

Doesn't look as deep as the grooves my fenders put on my tires when they rub at the track.

If you don't see any cords under there, I would run it. Race tires have much stronger sidewalls than a street tire.