hf1

TireRack offers to heat-cycle them before shipping.
What do you choose?

Any other/better source for these tires?

HoBoJoe

From what I have read most suggest not to get them heat cycled, run them a single session and then let them sit for 24 hours.

hf1

I've heard the same too. But what if you want them to be 100% on the first run (qualifying) and what if the second run (first race) is less than 24hrs after the first? What is the performance drop (say, time penalty per 1min laptime) in the first run on non-heat-cycled tires vs heat-cycled ones?

More generally, does heat-cycling (vs not) at all affect performance in the first few sessions or does it only affect longevity (performance/grip after 10+ sessions or heat-cycles)?

HoBoJoe

Hopefully one of the more experienced racers will chime in, but I believe "proper" heat cycling effects the longevity and not the initial performance.

I haven't watched this yet, but motorsportreg had a seminar on R comps.

audipwr1

Haven't noticed any difference either way i go out and rip on them

Lemming

According to Jeff Spears at Hoosier, machine heat cycling is a waste of money. In addition to heat, the tires need to be worked/stretched on a track environment to be properly heat cycled. Also, letting them sit for a week or two after cycling is better than 24 hrs.

I can't comment on the RR's, I've not run with and without cycling, but in general, heat cycling is for longevity as has already been posted. If you are just worried about qualifying, just scrub the tires in for a few laps before the qual session.

hf1

In terms of longevity, what is typically expected from a set of RR's for racing at podium pace?

FIRST WEEKEND (for new sticker tires)
Qualifying session
Race 1
Race 2
(Enduro?)

SECOND WEEKEND
Practice 1
Practice 2
...then scrap? And start with new stickers for Qualifying again?

Could heat-cycling make them useful (still competitive) beyond this? Maybe Qual and both races on the SECOND weekend on the same set? Or are they basically scrap after only 5 heat cycles?

toddlamb

You can always heat cycle them in the first practice if desired then let them sit overnight.

Its really not critical, honestly.

I bolt a set of stickers on for qualifying/final practice and run them the rest of the weekend, including the enduro. They then get used for the first two practices the following weekend. After that they are getting worn down and/or starting to fall off so we scrap them.

We budget for one set of tires per weekend.

jdistefa

^ What Todd said.

Heat cycling is a waste of time and money. Just drive the tire.

mmuller

^^^
What these two said.

hf1

Ok, case closed! Thx everyone for your inputs!

PLNewman

^ ^ ^ ^
What Todd said.

FWIW. I get my tires from Tires Direct. $100 off a set plus FREE shipping. ($915)
http://www.tiresdirect.net/Product.a...CategoryId=968

hf1

Thx for the link. Beats TireRack.

sbelles

I get mine from Woodman at the track. I just try not to get them too hot on the first session (no sliding). I've found that usage determines longevity more then heat cycling