Autocross tires

[Hal Copple]

I have an extra four Trigo's, bought as "seconds" from Lynn Park, (they look flawless to me, he even painted them to match my SPF wheels), and run used Hoosier radial "slicks" on track events. Picked up 6 of them for $40 each.

I was worried as race tires, that they would be an "all or nothing" tire, and being a novice, i would not notice the limits, and spin out a lot. No such thing. Very controllable, even for a rookie like me, not an abrupt tire at all. On my car, with the light weight, negligable tire wear, too. I have run them briefly to events on the street, not something i would want to do much, as they do pick up rocks and sand and such. Hoosier does make a track and an AutoX version. They have a new race tire coming out, but not yet in my sizes.

If you want to read track and autoX comparisons of tires, DOT, race, etc, Grassroots Motorsports over the past few years has done just that, i saved the articles, i would think you can access it on their website (if they have one). Basically, the TD's wore fast, the Race Radials were the best.

Remember, race tires really load your suspension and brakes.

Mac DeMere, chief test driver for Micheliin here in SC, has driven my SPF many miles on race tracks, instructing. He loves my car, and says it will pull 1.20-1.3 G's. He ought to know, he drives instrumented cars all day long.

I am sure there are any number of good tires, i just find no reason to leave the DOT Hoosiers (race) i have now.

Don't even think about driving on them in rain, though.

[Cal Metal]

I may be mistaken, but if you are autoXing, none of the premium tires are made for "dual purpose" applications; that is, something you can take to the track and drive on the street. Get an extra set of wheels and tires and use them at the track, remove and throw in your trunk when you are finished.

[rdorman]

Two sets of wheels is definiatly the ultimate solution. I just may end there one of these days myself!
Rick

[Excaliber]

My trunk was never big enough to hold A tire, let alone two or four.

On those BIG track days I'd have a "pit man" drive my Van with the extra tires, tools, etc.

Ernie

[Cal Metal]

Ernie:

Try the back seat.

[Excaliber]

LOL,,,,last time I checked the Excalibur didn't have a back seat.

I did carry one tire in the passenger seat once though!

Ernie

[badrich]

Back seat? Your Cobra must look different than mine, Cal Metal. Trunk (boot)? Room for a few tools, car cover and a couple of six packs of Anchor Steam. The more I think about it, the more I might try some radial Hoosiers this time around. I *really* hate the idea of 17" rims. Not to mention the extra $2K or so for some PSE rims. And the longest road trip I'm considering right now is to the Marina airport near Monterey (about 70 miles) to autocross with the Tiger club. When I'm in the shop tomorrow getting the beast aligned I'll get some more input. Hell, I drove around all the time on race tires, slicks included, back in my Singray days. I still remember hydroplaning on my 11" slicks...exiting! But this machine has no top; when I see too many clouds I head for the garage. No driving in the rain anymore. What a wimp I've become! Thanks for the referral to Grassroots Motorsports, Hal. I have requested a free copy of their publication and have written them to see if I can get any tire testing info from the [near] past. They also have some good info on fuel cells from ATL. My next project. Rich

[RACER X #99]

I'll also vote for the Hoosier street TD's. A 10"wide race tire will give you more grip than a 12"wide street tire.
Those TD's do like to pick up the stones though.

Cranky

[Pete Munroe]

I used 15" Hoosier Street TD's, 245 and 275, on my ERA 289 car for 4000 miles.

They are GREAT on the track...period.

However, for 4000 miles, 98% street... I put up with two clenched hands on the wheel...they will track ANY crack on the typical street pavement...If you are not paying continuos attention they will put you into a center divider.

On fresh smooth asphalt, they are a kick in the pants...at the track, once they get warm its great, but not on the street.

I finally got Dunlop GT Qualifiers, great on the street, like a different car...I rather doubt they will be wonderfull on the track, we will see, but probably similar to the T/A 's.

If you can deal with two sets of wheels and dedicated tires, that is the way to go...if you are SERIOUS about autocross, you need the right tire...but they are NOT going to be pleasant on the street.

The weight difference is very real...pick up a Hoosier...with one finger!...and then a typical steel belt street radial...the street radials weigh a ton...but...Do you really want to drive on road hazard strewn highways on the featherwieght Hoosiers...there is NOTHING there to help if you hit typical street FOD.

Hoosier has a "new" TD Radial...I do not think it is DOT legal, but it comes in 15" for the vintage look...that may solve the hunting/tracking problems on random street pavement, and still be a good race, x-cross tire.

Anyone tried the Hoosier Radials?

Pete