Thoughts on driving on R compounds to the track

[sillyspheres2]

Guys:

What are your thoughts on mounting my R compounds (v710s) at home and driving on them to NHIS? The purpose of this would be to save time at the track and avoid a repeat of the problem I had at Tremblant where I ended up missing the registration deadline and getting in trouble with Mark

The total drive would be 90 miles on the highway.

Or is a better solution just to wake up earlier and learn to swap tires more quickly?

thanks,
Brad

[WillM]

If you do not HAVE to drive on the r-compounds, then I wouldn't. The last thing you'll want is to have a tire problem on the way to the track which would prevent you from running for the day.

That said, I drive on my 'rain' tires (full tread) and tow my dry tires on a small trailer. Other than the threat of getting a flat, using up good rubber, and generating unnecessary heat cycles, there is nothing wrong with driving the r-compounds on the street. If the weather is bad (rain, cold, etc.), then highway/street driving can get a little dicey. The problem is even worse if the tires are at race-depth.

On the way home from Tremblant, one of my rear tires blew out. I would have preferred to blow out a street tire as opposed to one I use on track. Oh well - at least the most important tires were on the trailer.

In general, I'd say don' t do it. How long does a tire swap take you? Mine are done in 15 minutes, if I take my time.

[BrakeL8r]

Don't do it. For one, if you get pulled over, you'll get a ticket (even thought their DOT tires), because the tread level is bound to be below the legal limit. Secondly, if you pick up a nail/screw, you're probably gonna have to chuck the tire, whereas a street tire you can get plugged.

--Michael
ST4 Miata #176

[Georgethefierce]

if there is no threat of rain this weekend I'll be driving up on Victoracers and towing my V710's on my tiretail

the guys above are right though and especially with a softer compound like the V710's just not worth the risk or the wear

[SillySpheres]

thanks for the advice guys. I think what I will do is just try to get there early and learn to do the swap more quickly.

[kfoote]

Having taken my dad's 94 Supra Twin Turbo in BFG R1's through the median strip of I-89 on the way back from Tremblant a few years ago, I would only reccommend it if there is sufficient tread on the tires, or there is zero threat of rain.

[JackFFR1846]

Brad,

Lotsa help is available at the track to do a swapover. I'll help. It takes me maybe 15 minutes to unload my car off the trailer and get the tech sticker. I've run track tires on the street long ago. They are sticky enough that the front tires pick up every screw and nail on the road and pitch them at the rears. The rears catch them. Not a good thing.

You're my victim.....uh......I mean student Saturday.

jack

[sillyspheres]

Brad,

Lotsa help is available at the track to do a swapover. I'll help. It takes me maybe 15 minutes to unload my car off the trailer and get the tech sticker. I've run track tires on the street long ago. They are sticky enough that the front tires pick up every screw and nail on the road and pitch them at the rears. The rears catch them. Not a good thing.

You're my victim.....uh......I mean student Saturday.

jack

Cool. I'll look for you. I'll be in the White RSX Type S.

[offcamber09]

"street tire you can get plugged."

I know I sound like a broken record, but please don't bother getting tires plugged. If you do you might as well try and find some bias ply tires and really laugh in the face of technology. PATCHES ONLY (yes I'm yelling).

[therooster]

Scott,

Do you want to see my 16.5 plugged bias plystudded studded snow tires mounted on 16 rims?

Chris A.

[offcamber09]

I have a huge dent in the corrogated steel roof of my shop (20' high) from a tire blowing off the rim as a moron former tire changer tried just that. Would have killed him if he was leaning over the tire.
Chris, got to love those bias snows- especially when you use studs that are too long for the the stud holes.