Track tires?

[MULE]

I just put my car on the track for the first time at Mid-Ohio. Wow, finally a
chance to run it hard in 3rd & 4th gear. I found that I need practice and a new
set of tires. I have XGZ's, or something like that. A couple of other experienced viper racers informed me that these a terrible track tires, too hard. The '02 ACR there was running Pilots. Is this the best street/track tire?
I don't want to get into changing to track slicks...yet.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Marv S]

Michelin Pilot SPORT tire

 

[Magicboy2]

Check over on the supplier specials board... there was a discussion about this... I think it was Kumho (sp?) tires they were recommending? Cheaper then pilots.. very sticky so good for track, but therefore short-lasting.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

If you attend Viper Days (which everyone recommends) you must run Michelins.

 

[MtHam ACR]

Hoosier sells a DOT legal tire that is just a blast. At Thunderhill they were good for about 4 seconds over the stock Pilot Sports on my ACR, probably more with more experience (my first time). They're expensive ($1200) and they don't offer any kind of durability like street tires. Tire Rack has them.

 

[SoCal Rebell]

The best street/track tire would be the new Michelin Pilot "CUP" tires, not the sports, almost as good as a Hoosier.

 

[MtHam ACR]

Ron wrote:

The best street/track tire would be the new Michelin Pilot "CUP" tires, not the sports, almost as good as a Hoosier.

In other words, the best street/track tire is the Hoosier, un politically correct as it is.

I should note the hoosiers aren't recommended for the street as they're a bit on the delicate side and may not stand up to foreign objects generally deposited in most of our roadways.

 

[MULE]

I was leaning toward the Pilots. I wasn't aware of the CUPS,
thanks guys. As far as Hoosiers, definately the best. I learned that after spending two days watching Subaru Imprezas with Hoosier slicks eat me up in the corners. [******] that all wheel drive. I don't want to get into the tire changing at the track and hauling the tires there yet, so for now the Hoosiers will have to wait. Thanks again for the info.

 

[Marv S]

The Cups are a nice tire but last I heard they will not be offered in stock 17" Viper tire sizes so you will need to get some 18" wheels..

 

[MULE]

The Cups are a nice tire but last I heard they will not be offered in stock 17" Viper tire sizes so you will need to get some 18" wheels..


DOH!
Pilot sports or Khumos?

 

[MULE]

.....but is anyone not buying Michelin's because of their French ownership or considering other brands for this reason?

DOH! DOH!
Khumos it is.

 

[MULE]

Khumos are Korean! Sheez! Guess I will look into Goodyear or figure out a way to haul Hoosiers to the track. Tires are giving me a headache.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Hey, at least Kumho knows their cars. Look at their corporate web site front page... http://www.kumhousa.com/

 

[prodiver]

If and when you are ready for track tires only, get in touch with me. I have a friend that
supplies the Indy cars with slicks. He sells slicks that have been run for 2 or3 laps
on the Indy cars and they are cheep. Around $60.00 each. I have been using these
tires for the last 10 years and would not go to the track without them. Used them first on my Vette
and now I use them on the Viper.