high speed + tires
 

looking for info from people with experience in 1/2mile+ events. I'm hoping to try a half mile event in a few months, and don't know what the "norm" is for tires at events like that, on runways.

Right now I'm thinking just get a Y speed rating street tire, with decent grip, that fits the wheels without a lot of wiggle for stability. Currently I have 255 RS3's, couple years old, and will probably just replace them for the event. They are just W rated...

I don't know what happens at those speeds to tires, and why I'm hesitant. I'm used to QTPs, and 150mph range- don't know what it'll do in 1/2 mile but I know QTP style handling will not work, lol.

Still wondering if I'll need a chute...

You'll be fine with any of the road race tires. Sounds like you have a fast car, I would go with r-comps. JohnBradley would be a great person to PM and ask. They (English Racing) just went 202 in the 1/2 with the LLR evo...

yeah, they're busy guys. I already bugged Lucas and didn't get a response; so I'm going public to the dreaded internet. ;)

I did consider R-comps, but the ones I have access to are stupid wide A6's. and I think i'd need R6's for the high speed/heat.

I guess the treaded r-comps might be able to serve me on the streets too? Do they have speed ratings like street tires?

Yea, nitto nt-01's and toyo r888's are speed rated. Typically W, which is 168. Remember, speed rating is the speed tired survived at for several minutes. So its not of a huge concern for a 1/2 mile event..

"Speed ratings are based on laboratory tests where the tire is pressed against a large diameter metal drum to reflect its appropriate load, and run at ever increasing speeds (in 6.2 mph steps in 10 minute increments) until the tire's required speed has been met." - Tire Rack

Nice. I didn't know the test was for 10min. That makes me feel better. But in that case I should be ok on my current W's

Yea, they don't run it up until it comes apart then rate it 2mph lower lol. Just watch your launches on the stiff sidewall road race tires. You can get into really bad wheel hop with a quickness..

I ended up ordering Michelin Pilot Super Sports. 245/45-17 was on "special" and just seemed like the best deal going in it's current price range. And, it'll actually serve well as a street tire too. Hard to find a bad review on those things...

you're gonna spin those through 3rd or 4th lol. Have fun!

lol, yeah I'm mildly concerned about that. Boost by gear i guess. Some of these runways are pretty dirty (like the sandy florida runway) and I feel an Rcomp would hurt you.

but anyway, whatever happens I'll have some video of the results come May