Paul Hawker
Enthusiast
The Southern California ViperClub was invited by the Ferrari Club to join in their Michelin tire tech meeting at a San Diego Discount Tire store. We got to see some of the new "load force" tire balancing and evaluation machines which apply a load to the tire while it is spinning.
Gilbert, the Michelin guru said they had worked for over 3 years developing the run flat tires specifically for the SRT-10, and did not recommend any other tire from Michelin as an upgrade as a street tire. Questions concerning the potential rough ride with run flats were allayed as not an issue due to the very small sidewalls. He also explained that due to this small sidewall the normal weight penalty inherent in run flats were minimized.
His comments concerning the new Cup tires, while not as fast as the Hoosiers, the expected tire life would make them desirable for those wishing a better wearing tire, for club track events.
He elaborated on how the C-1 tires in MXX3 and Sports were specially "tweeked" for the Viper, and were a far better choice than the "non c-1" models.
Very enjoyable event with a parking lot full of Ferrari's, Cobra's and Vipers.
Gilbert, the Michelin guru said they had worked for over 3 years developing the run flat tires specifically for the SRT-10, and did not recommend any other tire from Michelin as an upgrade as a street tire. Questions concerning the potential rough ride with run flats were allayed as not an issue due to the very small sidewalls. He also explained that due to this small sidewall the normal weight penalty inherent in run flats were minimized.
His comments concerning the new Cup tires, while not as fast as the Hoosiers, the expected tire life would make them desirable for those wishing a better wearing tire, for club track events.
He elaborated on how the C-1 tires in MXX3 and Sports were specially "tweeked" for the Viper, and were a far better choice than the "non c-1" models.
Very enjoyable event with a parking lot full of Ferrari's, Cobra's and Vipers.
