Mugen Mike

I am doing my first track event this weekend, and it looks like it will only be in the mid-upper 40's. Is it worth it to put my Hoosiers on for this event, or should I just stick with my street tires?

Crack Monkey

If it's your first track event, stick with street tires regardless of temperature. Less traction = you learning to handle car at limit faster. Street tires are also safer - they give more audible feedback and are easier to catch once they brake loose.

[edit]Even if you are an experienced autocrosser, the above still applies.


[Modified by Crack Monkey, 6:50 AM 10/16/2002]

speedracer33

I strongly second that - no track tires for at least 3 track weekends. Street tires communicate with you, you feel them at the edge of grip, and can adjust. Track tires are *there, there, there, gone*. Besides, if you want to learn to improve your driving, don't let tires cover your mistakes....

Matt

P.S. To answer your question about the Hoosiers, I think 40 is too cold unless you are driving hard enough to keep a LOT of heat in them. Your first time on the track, that would not be the case.

Warren

Wow, Hoosiers are definately the wrong tire to have for the first 2 years, imo.

If you get them up to full temp (most people don't), then they go away really fast the 2nd weekend.

Street tires all the way. In fact, I did 4 days instructing last week on Sumitomos. If you can go fast on street tires, you'll be snot rocket fast on race tires.

Warren

Hracer

I agree with what's been said. Although I don't like to recommend street tires for the track use in general, the cold temps and the fact you are starting out will work just great with street tires. Save your hoosiers for another (warmer) day. Out of the tires I've driven on, the hoosiers seem to have the largest grip difference from when cold to when hot. When they are cold it is like you are driving on dirt or grass compared to when they are hot. It is very easy to loose the car, especially a fwd since the rears will take a lot longer to get up to temp (if they ever do in a scenario such as yours) and all this time you will have a car with good front grip but terrible rear grip. Good luck at your track event!

Mugen Mike

Thanks for the advice guys! I have several years experience on race tires autocrossing, just not any track experience. I'll be taking your advice and just running street tires this time