Racing Tire Questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 20
From: New Jersey
Racing Tire Questions
I was hoping someone could help guide me on some tires.
What is the best slick for road racing and what sizes on standard c6 rims?
Also, what is the best drag slick, again on stock rims?
I don't spend my life at the track, maybe 3-4 road events and 3-4 times at the strip each year. I want a tire that will last some time and I can get a few years out of.
Speaking of longevity, how exactly do you tell when a slick is worn out?
Sorry for the stupid questions, but this is new to me.
Thanks. This forum has been awesome with guiding me on tech and performance advice.
What is the best slick for road racing and what sizes on standard c6 rims?
Also, what is the best drag slick, again on stock rims?
I don't spend my life at the track, maybe 3-4 road events and 3-4 times at the strip each year. I want a tire that will last some time and I can get a few years out of.
Speaking of longevity, how exactly do you tell when a slick is worn out?
Sorry for the stupid questions, but this is new to me.
Thanks. This forum has been awesome with guiding me on tech and performance advice.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
I'm not a drag racer but for road courses Hoosier tires are likely the most popular. I use Kumho 710's mainly because they come in the sizes I want for the 11 x 18 wheels I use. I have several friends that run on Dunlop racing tires and one friend that uses Michelin racing tires. I don't know if 3-4 times a year on a road course means 3-4 sessions, days or weekends but good luck getting a "few years" out of them. 
I push my car hard on a road course. The number of sessions or track days can vary but suffice it to say I go through sets of tires frequently (running sessions maybe 4 days a month). Some courses have negative camber curves which can contribute to cording your front tires. Here are some fairly new front tires that corded (and I ran the same course a couple weeks ago and corded another set of almost new front tires).
A friend running Dunlop's corded his front tires on the same track that weekend. Some tracks are just hard on tires. The longevity of the tires will vary depending on a lot of factors but I think a few years is wishful thinking.
I push my car hard on a road course. The number of sessions or track days can vary but suffice it to say I go through sets of tires frequently (running sessions maybe 4 days a month). Some courses have negative camber curves which can contribute to cording your front tires. Here are some fairly new front tires that corded (and I ran the same course a couple weeks ago and corded another set of almost new front tires).
A friend running Dunlop's corded his front tires on the same track that weekend. Some tracks are just hard on tires. The longevity of the tires will vary depending on a lot of factors but I think a few years is wishful thinking.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 692
Likes: 28
From: Danville CA
Cording almost new tires is kinda out of the ordinary. I know guys who can get 1/2 a season on Hoosier tires running hard in SCCA ITE racing. Now that is a stretch, and it depends on how hard/how long you are running them.
Personally I run Kumho v710's because they are cheaper and I used to get good Kumho bucks that paid for 80% of them. I can get 1/2 a season out of them easy. I also have 2 sets though and use one set for practice and the other for qualifying and racing.
I would say for SCCA type of runs....typically 30 minute sessions....the Kumhos are good for 12-14 heat cycles if you don't mind them falling off a bit. I hear the Hoosiers are good for a little less....maybe 10-12 heat cycles.
Regardless, race tires don't sit around well and you would never be able to get years out of them likely anyway. I do know a guy who runs years old Toyos though....I can't imagine that though....
Personally I run Kumho v710's because they are cheaper and I used to get good Kumho bucks that paid for 80% of them. I can get 1/2 a season out of them easy. I also have 2 sets though and use one set for practice and the other for qualifying and racing.
I would say for SCCA type of runs....typically 30 minute sessions....the Kumhos are good for 12-14 heat cycles if you don't mind them falling off a bit. I hear the Hoosiers are good for a little less....maybe 10-12 heat cycles.
Regardless, race tires don't sit around well and you would never be able to get years out of them likely anyway. I do know a guy who runs years old Toyos though....I can't imagine that though....
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
I personally like hoosier tires for rr. The a6 is unbelievable. The r6 is also a good tire. I ran kumhos before and thought they were good too.
Drags I would think mickey thompson would be your best choice.
Drags I would think mickey thompson would be your best choice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,014
Likes: 2
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Questions
I have interest in RR but and also have questions about tires. I have my set of original Z06 rims 18 and 19". Can I use these rims or are Hoosiers, Dunlop, others limited to certain sizes? What about performance around the track using OEM sized tires or those that would fit on OEM rims? It seems I see 18" at all corners? Any feedback would be much appreciated. I have no aspirations of winning but only having fun. Sebring and Palm Beach Raceway are two semi-local choices I know of (and possible more further south?). Another question is safety requirements: I would invest in a helmet, do have a Pfadt 4 point roll bar, and have a (standard) fire extinguisher.
Last edited by CPG1962; Mar 26, 2009 at 07:05 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
I have interest in RR but and also have questions about tires. I have my set of original Z06 rims 18 and 19". Can I use these rims or are Hoosiers, Dunlop, others limited to certain sizes? What about performance around the track using OEM sized tires or those that would fit on OEM rims? It seems I see 18" at all corners? Any feedback would be much appreciated. I have no aspirations of winning but only having fun. Sebring and Palm Beach Raceway are two semi-local choices I know of (and possible more further south?). Another question is safety requirements: I would invest in a helmet, do have a Pfadt 4 point roll bar, and have a (standard) fire extinguisher.
Any good hpde will not allow slicks in the beginner groups. There are plenty of good choices of tires out there that will fit your wheels. There is no problem running 18/19 sizes.
Safety is a good working car, plenty of tire tread, good brake pads, flush of brake fluid and a sa helmet. You will most likely be required to wear long sleeves and long pants too.
It is tons of fun and if you realize your limits and don't think you are the best driver your first day out most likely you will learn a lot about how well a vette performs on a track.
