[RaceProEngineer]

Chris,

You still have not said with conviction that your car lacks grip. Hopefully, that is a foregone assumption, before chasing after these elusive tire temperatures.

Think for a moment about what Hoosier has done. From R3SO3 onward through the current R6, they have alternately changed compound and construction. In response to the general feeling that their tires do not last as long as their competitors, compounds have become increasingly harder, and tire construction now favors the "average IT car" (+/- 2800 pounds). Naturally, size for size, the new R6s weigh considerably more than their predecessors. Hoosier has been able to get away with the strategy because they have been THE TIRE in the DOT Radial market for years, and possess a huge (and well deserved!) following.

We racers have played into the trend, perhaps even adding to the problem, by demanding ever-larger diameter wheels. So, when Hoosier quotes an optimum operating temperature range, generally they are speaking of what works well for the 3000 pound Cup Car or 'Vette.

Maybe your setup is working just fine, regardless of not reaching the optimum operating temps. All your other measurements, including pyrometer, indicate things are good. You are certainly FAST! Maybe YOUR optimum temps are lower.

On the other hand, if in fact you are lacking grip, and it can not be gotten back through aero adjustments, then Pete may finally be near the heart of the problem. Your car's weight isn't really suited to THE CURRENT Hoosier DOT compound and construction. I also vividly recall a post you made some time ago about the number of heat cycles you get on Hoosiers, and they were so unbelievable that I questioned you about it. Now it's clear: they do not wear out because your car is TOO LIGHT!

Sticking with the DOT compounds, you might try a set of Goodyear GS/CS before going to wider Hoosiers. We loved them for their grip and consistancy, but could not get them to produce what we needed for the rear of our SC (275-45-16).

Ed