Non-DOT Spec tires

[ctkag]

A little early for this, just wanted to see what opinion of the membership is.

Right now, the rules for all classes except prepared require the use of DOT tires. The rules also allow for the use of 'R' compound tires. A variety of tires are being used that are DOT legal 'R' compounds such as Toyo RA1's, Khumo V700's & V710's, and Hoosier R6's, all of which are somewhat pricey.

What I would be interested in is allowing the use of non-DOT, Spec-series tires. These tires are generally labelled as such - for example, the Grand-Am Cup tires are clearly stamped 'GAC' on the sidewall. These tires are made of a harder compound and are not as sticky (or as fast) as the available DOT tires. What they have the advantage of is being readily available used at a substantial savings.

I presently am using the GAC tires for practice days & open track, switching to the DOT tires for Time Trials to be legal. I know a lot of competitors don't have the luxury of having several sets of wheels or afford multiple sets of tires. A rule change here isn't going to affect me, but may benefit other fellow COMers.

Thoughts?

[DanB]

"Street Prepared" should keep tires limited to DOT tires. Allowing "less sticky" GAC takeoffs also allows for full-blown race slicks, so naturally that's what you'd need to be competitive. I think the spirit of the SP rules is that the cars competing are street cars, down to the tires. Should be a potential "arrive and drive" class.

Slicks in Prepared classes only.

IMO!

[ctkag]

Hmm, I really wasn't looking to make tires wide open for classes, just to allow the use of 'spec' series tires - maybe a specifically approved list? I don't think anyone believes that GAC's are more competitive than the R6's for example.

I realize that may cause more problems than it may be worth.

[zip4zat]

I guess this begs the question, what if they made a spec series sports car tire that was more competative than comparable DOTs?

I think the only way this could fly is of there were exceptions made explicitly for the GAC tire. A broad generalization connot predict what spec series dictate going forward. my 2c's at least

[SSNH]

what are the available sizes?

[ctkag]

Good point Joe, though generally spec tires are designed to be long-lasting over sticky, to help reduce costs. Doesn't mean it has to be that way though, I suppose, if the idea is simply to make sure everyone has the same tire so no advantage/disadvantage there.

Scott, I know the GAC's are available in 245 & 275x17, not sure about other sizes. I would guess they'd be available in a pretty broad spectrum considering the types of cars in the class. Now Miata Cup tires - I don't know how many sizes are there.

[chaos4NH]

Anyone thinking of the CUP Hoosiers, be advised: They are Slooooow. Very consistent, great wear, but can't hold a candle to an RA1, R6, or V710.

[RyanC]

Actually, all the cup hoosiers I've run on have been about equivalent to the RA1 except they take longer to get grippy.

[chaos4NH]

Actually, all the cup hoosiers I've run on have been about equivalent to the RA1 except they take longer to get grippy.

My experience at Tremblant shows the Cup Hoosiers to be 2-3 secs slower than well broken in Ra1s. Lots of 3d gear wheel spin out Namrow, and 4th gear out of Turn 5.