Let's talk tires for time trials. I run an E36 M3, so my preferred size is 245-40-17.

3-4 sessions a day, usually 6-10 days a year. Hoosier is the only company with contingencies, but I have to win the class to get tires. Right now I'm not quite quick enough for that.

That means it really doesn't make sense for me to spend the money on R7's, as they won't last as long.

So what are the tires I should be considering given I'd like more heat cycles than an R7 but something more sticky than an NT01/RA1?

Toyo RR? Hankook Z214?

Discuss....

 

Maxxis offers generous regional contingency. They are on par with NT01.

 

Want something stickier than that

 

I run the Toyo RR on my 944, really like them, never run NT01 or RA1. Have Run the newer R888 and don't care for them.
Phil

 

If you aren't going to spend $$$$ on Purple Crack then my suggestion would be run Conti take offs in 225/45 17 long life and cheap with search can be found for $250 to $350 for a set.

Peter

 

BFG R1. Not quite as fast as the R7's but last a lot longer. Great tire.

 

How many heat cycles will the R1's last?

 

Try the Hoosier A7's and maybe you'll win some

 

Everything is dependent. A7's are 1-2 seconds faster than R7's for most people. If your track isnt hard on tires dont buy the hype about them not lasting long. I have set TT lap records on 7, 6, 15 and 20 HC A6's. VIR, Mid Ohio, Barber and Road Atlanta respectively. But tracks like Roebling and CMP are no chance for fast times on well worn tires.

For A's, dont drive full sessions, 3 laps and out. In fact a second set of wheels with practice tires will be well worth the investment. That way each of your sessions on the new A's will be go time on Sunday morning when most people are doing their best. Most times I run one session on Sunday and then go home. Of you want more track time swap back to your practice tires. 2 sessions per weekend at 2-3 laps each will get you at least 3 and up to 4-5 weekends before your flyer tires are practice tires. And you be significantly faster.

I have been doing TT for almost 10 years now. Won probably 40-50k worth of tires. Haven't bought any Hoosiers other than to try bigger sizes (used) in 5 years.

 

My experience has been that they are good to about 15HC's. Past that they are practice tires. I've never seen the cords on a R1.

 

Ive been pleased with the z214 when I can get them.

In my experience: sticker hankooks are faster than 4hc Hoosiers and stay that way.

By I agree with wan911, nothing is going to beat an A7 for single lap flyer.

 

RR's might not be a bad choice. They last longer than r7's and are cheaper but slightly less grip. The used continental slick could also be a good choice for you if your tire doesn't have to be a DOT. They can be found from a few different outlets. I have ordered from JP http://usedracingtires.com/ in the past and his tires seem to be of good quality with plenty of life left. $600 shipped for a set of 4. If you go with the conti's remember to run less air pressure than you would on a dot tire.

 

That's 'cause you win every time :-)

To the OP...I can see having practice tires...but you have to have A7's to practice on too or else you'll never be comfortable driving on them when the time comes to extract the best out of the car.

 

Yeah, don't think I want to invest in a second set of wheels/tires and then run A7's. I also like to drive, the idea of running 3 laps to set a flyer lap doesn't appeal to me. I understand the purpose in the strategy but I'd rather have fun for the full 20 minutes.

 

Thats understandable, in the Southeast we only get 20 mins for the first session, the rest are 15 minutes, which after the slow out lap is 10-12 minutes and in a fast car in TTF traffic in 2 laps. This method works if you want the most cost effective way to be the most competitive. BTW you could still drive all laps in all sessions but the ones you intend to lay your best times down.