Non R Spec Tyres for track days

[emexv]

I am in the process of getting a set of 15x7 rims and some tyres for the NB. To run in the class I plan to I unfortunately cannot run R Specs. I know I can do searches and there are lots of opinions out there but with tyre technology changing all the time I was looking for some up to date information.

I was wondering what most people are finding a good tyre for track work that is readily available at the moment. It's A big expense to go out and but a set and then turn up to the first track day with the comment "what did you buy those for you should have got...........)

[evil_weevil]

KU36's seem to have a good wrap on other car forums
AFAIK they are more a street semi than a true semi

[rossint]

Toyo R1R? never used them but more than happy with my R888's and have heard good things about the R1R's.

[Guran]

I'm told that Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec have become the default choice for standard classes in the Victorian club championship. They would be my tyre of choice too. No-one is running them at the NSW club trackdays, as far as I'm aware. However, it would appear from the following thread that Mike Hicks might allow them in standard classes now. Whatever you chose, it is best to confirm with the club motorsport captain that they are eligible for the class you want to run in.

viewtopic.php?f=68&t=42619

[Tony]

Hey Mark.

I started a thread over here (http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=42910&p=552457#p552457) in an attempt to discuss and document people's thoughts about S-spec tyres. These are a group of tyres that fall in a grey area somewhere in between high performance street tyres and full R-spec tyres. Perhaps that's what you're looking for.

If it's any help, I have a set of Federal 595RS-R's that I'm really happy with, but being an impatient bugger I want to try something else. I'm going to take some photos this weekend and will probably put them up for sale. It may save you a few bucks and give you a benckmark to work off when thinking about tyres in the futre. As Bryan suggests above, it's best to double check that the tyres you want to buy are allowed in the class you wish to run in.

Regards...

[emexv]

Toyo R1R? never used them but more than happy with my R888's and have heard good things about the R1R's.

I'm pretty sure these are both R Spec tyres,,,,,,,no good for me.

Guran, Tony I will certainly check with club before making purchase.

[bensale]

Pretty much all the guys in the club seem to be running either Star Specs or KU36s. I was asking a few people about it on the weekend for when i need to replace my re001's and the consensus seemed to be be that the Star Specs are the better tyre, but the KU36's are reasonably close in performance and cheaper. All of the top standard NA guys are running the star specs though which has to indicate something with that being such a tight class.
I'm reasonably happy with the Bridgestone re001's as a road track tyre (at least when it's dry!!!). They feel good on the track and i got some good times out of them at Winton, but from all accounts the two mentioned above are a big step up.

[emexv]

Ben, your comments confirm what I was thinking. When I was on the track the RE001's were very popular but now there seem to be many other more popular choices. I was surprised today when I got prices how cheap the RE001's were compared to the others. I guess that's what happens to "old Technology"

[rossint]

Toyo R1R aren't an r spec tyre from my understanding, it's a s spec compound with a semi slick like tread pattern and is marketed as an ultra high performance street tyre.

[emexv]

Toyo R1R aren't an r spec tyre from my understanding, it's a s spec compound with a semi slick like tread pattern and is marketed as an ultra high performance street tyre.

Sounds like one for the club. I was told by the guys at Tyrepower they were an R Spec. I'll find out if they're allowed or not.

[Guran]

Toyo R1R aren't an r spec tyre from my understanding, it's a s spec compound with a semi slick like tread pattern and is marketed as an ultra high performance street tyre.

Not true apparently. de Bounce posted the following comments recently.
viewtopic.php?p=548556#p548556

All Toyo R888 have a tread depth of 5mm
Toyo R1R have various tread depth from 6.4mm to 7.0mm - about 1.6 to 2.0mm more tread to wear out therefore bumping the treadwear indicator from 100 to 140.
My tyre fitter who is a Toyo Motorsport Dealer claim the R888 and the R1R uses the same compound with 2 distinct differences: Tread depth and void ratio.
Could be why the Victorian Club rates the R1R's as an R Spec tyre.

[Damo]

emexv, you're in Melbourne, correct?

If so, the Dunlop Z1 Star spec thingos seem to be the way to go if you want to spend the money, but KU36 is nearly as good in the dry (though woeful in the wet) and much much cheaper. Class records have been set on both. I had the RT615 before my KU36 and they seemed just as grippy in the dry and better in the wet, yet they have gone out of fashion.

R1Rs do seem to be permissible in standard classes, but I don't think they are as fast anyway.

To sum up: If you get the Z1, KU36 or RT615 (I can't speak for the R1R) then tyres will not be your excuse if you don't win in the dry. The Z1 is the best allrounder, but the most expensive.

[emexv]

Cheers Damo. Yep I'm in Melbourne. You know me you just don't know it yet

Thanks for the tips.

[fattima]

Mark,
I was running R888's at Winton and following a car that was on Dunlops, through the sweeper I was amazed at how much grip they had. Not sure of the price but I would be looking at Dunlop if I was in the market.

Bruce

[emexv]

Thanks Bruce, the Dunlops do seem to have a good rep. I think I'll be making some calls tomorrow.