RD in SD

Does anyone know what Danny Pop and the other winning drivers are using for tires. I run Forgelines with 345 and 315s on my two C6s but I typically use R6s or A6s and those are not allowed. Has to be street legal tires and tread wear of 200 or higher. Does anyone know what the fast guys are using or have any suggestions. I plan to go to a few of these events this year.

flash911

Pretty sure Popp was running BFG Rivals, 315 / 335. You going to Thunderhill?

troyguitar

335 rivals are basically the only current option if you want to win, otherwise 325 RE-11's or even 345 Michelin PSS are probably pretty decent if you just want to be sort of in the ballpark (if it's wet the Michelins might even be the fastest tire) - all of the non-Rival options require 19" wheels instead of 18 though so that is kind of annoying.

RD in SD

Yes thinking about Thunderhill. Not sure I can get both cars ready. One car has a set of Super Sports on it 345/19 and 315/18 but sounds like I need the BFG's. There goes 4K for two sets.

RD in SD

All those tire companies and only one good option?

troyguitar

For unlimited width competitions like Optima, that's the only one. If you run SCCA where most street tire classes are limited to narrower wheels and/or tires, there are other good options.

klodkrawler05

Danny ran 315/335 bfg rivals, and was beaten in 2/3 events by a car on 255 wide rivals.
Michelin Pilot Sports, Hankook RS3 V2's and Dunlop Star Spec Z2's were run on various cars that finished top 5 in at least 1 event at Vegas also so its not that there aren't other options, there just aren't other options for someone who wants to run 11-13" wide wheels.

I believe BFG is supposed to be coming out with an updated tread compound sometime this winter as well so if BFG is what you're after I'd wait and see what the results are of the update.

The 315/335 is a proven fast setup as seen on Danny's car but I think similar results could be achieved with less tire, then again I didn't win the USCA either so I could be wrong.

briannutter1

Said car was also AWD where 2 of the 3 events are heavily dependent on launch.

I love my RT615's, but they're a little long in the tooth. Hopefully some new rubber out before my first event in June.

RD in SD

I did end up going to Thunderhill and to Texas for the Ultimate Street Car. I had lots of issues with both cars but tires were at the top of the list.

I could not get the 315s or 335s before I left so I ran Super Sports at both events. One car had 345s-20s / 325-19s (yes 325s on the front and don't ask how I got them in there). That car handled good but I felt it was not as sticky as the Rivals. Also could not lower the car all the way due to large diameter of tires. The other car was lopsided with 285-18 and 345-19s. It pushed really bad. Hey that is what the car had on it for the street, really bad idea for Optima. Won't make that mistake again.

I called Tire Rack last week and they now have the 315s but no 335s. I am going to Fontana for the last race of the season. Does anyone know if the 335s will be out by then, tire rack said 3 to 4 weeks, that is cutting it really close.

I was thinking maybe run the Rivals in front and the Super Sports in back but that might be too loose? Anyone have any ideas.

SouthernSon

Does make a difference and negates any tire comparison.

Matt_27

Definitely 315 Rival "S" square will be much better than Rival front/ SS back, that combo would be extremely loose. Seems like a good bit of the competition for these Optima events is actually showing up on good tires!

RichieRichZ06

I will be down in Fontana as well and I'll be running the Rival S 315/335 tires. I had the previous generation of Rivals at Thunderhill and in Vegas. Danny was the only one that beat me at Thunderhill on the road course and I took the road course win in GTL for Vegas so I am feeling pretty good about Fontana with the Rival S tires.

RICH