using Race Tires on the Street

[sander]

I have a set of Hoosier R3SO3 tires for my car which I'm going to start using next season (race tires aren't allowed your novice year.)

I've always thought that you shouldn't drive on the street or highway on your race tires, but why is that exactly?

Is it bad for the tires? Too much dirt and debris on the street?

Just wondering...

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'71 911E with Webers
Golden Gate Region PCA
http://www.geocities.com/edrecinto/

[pbs911]

There is no tread.


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Paul
78SC Targa

[Jim T]

Are those DOT type R tires, or are they full slicks?

If they are DOT, its ok to drive with them on the street. I wouldn't drive in the rain, because they have little or no tread. And, most people don't drive on them on the street because they are soft and wear out pretty quickly, and they would rather preserve them for the track. They also are sticky and tend to throw up a lot of debris, which is bad for your fenders! They will get a decent sandblasting if you use those tires for daily driving.

I knew a guy that used Yoko RSII autocross tires on his street BMW a few years ago. He actually got around 8000 miles from the set! Not bad.

[campbellcj]

Real race tires are not DOT approved for street use. In other words, they are illegal. Not to mention that you'd probably kill yourself if it ever rained.

The Hoosiers are DOT-R tires, i.e. street legal 'race' tires, but are marginally in that category. Same with the BFG G-Force. There is essentially zero tread, and damn near zero tire life in street use.

If you want to run DOT-R tires all the time for street and track, I'd recommend going with the Yoko A032R or the Kumho Victoracer V700. They have treadwears between 60-80 (as opposed to 0) and can actually last 6-8,000 miles on the street in my experience. They cost a lot less than Hoosiers too - about $50/tire less; also they are surpisingly un-scary in light to moderate rain. Avoid snow and ice at all costs.

Chris C.

[This message has been edited by campbellcj (edited 07-06-2001).]

[Jack Olsen]

One big reason is economic. Race tires have a heat cycle lifespan that's very short -- often only two (sometimes three) weekend driving events and they're done. Even if there's plenty of rubber left, it will have lost it's ability to grip.

I'm still working up to the point of being willing to spend $800 on tires that will last for only a couple of weekends at the track.

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Jack Olsen
My Rennlist home page • My Pelican Gallery page • My Porsche Owners Gallery page

[Joe Bob]

I can attest to Jack's opinion on the heat cycles....my Hoosier's were slicker than cat snot on glass after 6 AX sessions. Didn't figure it out until later....

That's why I prefer to run s/stock class and use street tires. I run slower, but the tires last longer and it pisses off people when I run a faster time on them....

[This message has been edited by mikez (edited 07-06-2001).]

[Randy W]

Hoosier DOT R tires have only fiberglass belts, not metal as in Kumhos, G-Force, Yoks, etc. This makes them lighter for less unsprung weight, but when they go flat they do it real fast, often damaging the rim when it happens on a crowded freeway. That's the reason Hoosier does not recommend their use on the street. They're still the fastest tire though, so it's tempting to drive them to the track - I've done it, but not very far.

Randy W

[Mark 69 911]

Michelin claims that although its new Pilot Sport Cup tires are designed for the circuit, they can be used on public roads also. Asymmetric tread pattern with a minimum depth of 3-5mm.
Available in 11 sizes, including all of the OEM sizes offered by Porsche.