Looky what I got on Friday - Advanced drivers beware ;)
I know some of you saw my post in the Expo thread, but I can't wait for warm weather so I can get these bad boys out of the garage!!
My first set of Toyo RA1s!!


More Advanced drivers need to call Mike (migs) & get a helluva deal on some Toyos!! Here's his great pricing - http://www.itrca.com/events/ex...r.php
My first set of Toyo RA1s!!


More Advanced drivers need to call Mike (migs) & get a helluva deal on some Toyos!! Here's his great pricing - http://www.itrca.com/events/ex...r.php
Droool. Be sure to heat cycle those bad boys before you track them. I'll keep asking around to see if there's a place in town that will shave them for you.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Batoutahell »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Droool. Be sure to heat cycle those bad boys before you track them. I'll keep asking around to see if there's a place in town that will shave them for you.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Think I'll be fine on almost full tread on them? I was thinking of driving them out from Chicago for the heat cycle and some surface wear.
Think I'll be fine on almost full tread on them? I was thinking of driving them out from Chicago for the heat cycle and some surface wear.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BudMan »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">... drivers need to call Mike (migs) & get a helluva deal on some Toyos!
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I don't want to sound like an advertisement but, just so you know, you are not going to be able to get a better price for 205-50-15 RA-1's <u>any</u>where.
If you want long-live'd, consistently performing R compounds that will work in dry and wet, RA-1 is what you want, and you're not going to find a better price anywhere...so you might as well call him.
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I don't want to sound like an advertisement but, just so you know, you are not going to be able to get a better price for 205-50-15 RA-1's <u>any</u>where.
If you want long-live'd, consistently performing R compounds that will work in dry and wet, RA-1 is what you want, and you're not going to find a better price anywhere...so you might as well call him.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Batoutahell »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Droool. Be sure to heat cycle those bad boys before you track them. I'll keep asking around to see if there's a place in town that will shave them for you.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I don't want to start a fight, but the RA-1 aren't like other R comps.
You don't really <u>have</u> to shave them or classic-heat cycle them if you're just using them for normal track days. Shaving them will also shorten their life expectancy and usability in wet weather.
They need to be used some, heat cycled if you will, before you go all out on the track at speed. However, unlike Hoosiers and Kumhos, all you really need to do is take them out on the Interstate for an hour.
Honestly, what I do with new RA-1 is just drive to the track with them, and that's enough of a heat cycle.
Perhaps I'm just slow.
I don't want to start a fight, but the RA-1 aren't like other R comps.
You don't really <u>have</u> to shave them or classic-heat cycle them if you're just using them for normal track days. Shaving them will also shorten their life expectancy and usability in wet weather.
They need to be used some, heat cycled if you will, before you go all out on the track at speed. However, unlike Hoosiers and Kumhos, all you really need to do is take them out on the Interstate for an hour.
Honestly, what I do with new RA-1 is just drive to the track with them, and that's enough of a heat cycle.

Perhaps I'm just slow.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by splitime »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Think I'll be fine on almost full tread on them? I was thinking of driving them out from Chicago for the heat cycle and some surface wear.
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Frisby Tire (in Gurnee, Grand Ave. just east of I-94) can shave them while you watch.
I have heard they'll have a longer useful life if you shave them, so I did. Less tread squirm and stuff. Anyhow, they feel great.
I drove on mine for about a week including a drive to a track to heat-cycle them. Worked well for me, they're still sticky and not wearing quick. I guess they're not too sensitive to it.
-Chris
Think I'll be fine on almost full tread on them? I was thinking of driving them out from Chicago for the heat cycle and some surface wear.
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Frisby Tire (in Gurnee, Grand Ave. just east of I-94) can shave them while you watch.
I have heard they'll have a longer useful life if you shave them, so I did. Less tread squirm and stuff. Anyhow, they feel great.
I drove on mine for about a week including a drive to a track to heat-cycle them. Worked well for me, they're still sticky and not wearing quick. I guess they're not too sensitive to it.
-Chris
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You don't really <u>have</u> to shave them or classic-heat cycle them if you're just using them for normal track days. Shaving them will also shorten their life expectancy and usability in wet weather.
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So, what you're saying is, I shouldn't take life expectancy advice from the guy that sells me the tires?
I haven't used Toyo's both ways, and haven't even worn through my first set, so all I have is heresay.
But yeah, the Toyo RA1's seem to be pretty forgiving.
-Chris
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So, what you're saying is, I shouldn't take life expectancy advice from the guy that sells me the tires?
I haven't used Toyo's both ways, and haven't even worn through my first set, so all I have is heresay.But yeah, the Toyo RA1's seem to be pretty forgiving.
-Chris
fwiw - I've decided to run mine without shaving. I figure it will be a good deal even if it rains 
Anyway - they are my first R compounds, so I'll see how it goes & learn from there.

Anyway - they are my first R compounds, so I'll see how it goes & learn from there.
My understanding of heat cycling is that it consists of at least 15 minutes of highway speeds, followed by a couple of days of rest, preferably OFF THE CAR.
Read more here.
I have not shaved my RA-1's before using.
I bought mine from Frisby - great service for those in the Chicago area - but not as good a price as the special deal that migs is offering for the Expo. migs
for good prices,
for supporting the ITR Expo.
Read more here.
I have not shaved my RA-1's before using.
I bought mine from Frisby - great service for those in the Chicago area - but not as good a price as the special deal that migs is offering for the Expo. migs
for good prices,
for supporting the ITR Expo.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">They need to be used some, heat cycled if you will, before you go all out on the track at speed. However, unlike Hoosiers and Kumhos, all you really need to do is take them out on the Interstate for an hour.
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bbasso »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So I should use these tires for one day of driving then let them sit for two off the caR?
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">OK, nobody's listening so I'm not talking about it anymore.</TD></TR></TABLE>
lol!
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bbasso »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So I should use these tires for one day of driving then let them sit for two off the caR?
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">OK, nobody's listening so I'm not talking about it anymore.</TD></TR></TABLE>
lol!
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">OK, nobody's listening so I'm not talking about it anymore.</TD></TR></TABLE>
We appreciate your input, George.
Rob's just being newb-ish with his first set of R compounds. Maybe he should search.....
We appreciate your input, George.
Rob's just being newb-ish with his first set of R compounds. Maybe he should search.....
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chris F »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Maybe he should search.....</TD></TR></TABLE>
oh snaps...callin out the search **** himself
<---who is feeling sucked in by the overwhelming want/need to buy the R-comps
Maybe he should search.....</TD></TR></TABLE>
oh snaps...callin out the search **** himself
<---who is feeling sucked in by the overwhelming want/need to buy the R-comps
Jon, for your first HPDE you should track the same tires you drive daily. You'll be learning so much about caR dynamics your first time out that you wont need R comps to put a cheese on your face 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by opie »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Jon, for your first HPDE you should track the same tires you drive daily. You'll be learning so much about caR dynamics your first time out that you wont need R comps to put a cheese on your face 
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I just questioned that myself actually! Being very inexperienced what tires would you guys recommend me starting on. Purchasing teh R-comps would probably be foolish for me, but at the same time i would like something better then the Kumhos i have on right now! In all the reading i have done, and from what i can gather if i had to make the choice myself i would either get Azenis or the ES100's. Would anyone advise me to either stay away from, or purchase one or the other?

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I just questioned that myself actually! Being very inexperienced what tires would you guys recommend me starting on. Purchasing teh R-comps would probably be foolish for me, but at the same time i would like something better then the Kumhos i have on right now! In all the reading i have done, and from what i can gather if i had to make the choice myself i would either get Azenis or the ES100's. Would anyone advise me to either stay away from, or purchase one or the other?
That's whole 'nother topic, Jon. If your tires are beat then get new ones. As you know though, there is little or no snow fun to be had with the Azenis 
When you come up to NYC i'll bring you up to Phil he'll hook you up.

When you come up to NYC i'll bring you up to Phil he'll hook you up.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by opie »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That's whole 'nother topic, Jon. If your tires are beat then get new ones.
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They will need replaced come Exp0......so what i will replace them with i am not sure yet! Opie, plans are in the making for mah B-day s0 i'll keep j00 updated
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They will need replaced come Exp0......so what i will replace them with i am not sure yet! Opie, plans are in the making for mah B-day s0 i'll keep j00 updated
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bbasso »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So I should use these tires for one day of driving then let them sit for two off the caR?
I want to get the most use out of them, with the best feel.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I've done that with all my track tires (except once or twice when I paid extra for Tire Rack to heat cycle them for me). George says that it is not necessary with the Toyos like it is for other track tires. I don't know anything about why he says so (since I've never NOT heat cycled mine, since it's so easy). I'm sure heat cycling them like this won't hurt, and may help - but if it's inconvenient for you to do so, I'm sure it won't be THAT big a deal if you don't, either.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jon D »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Being very inexperienced what tires would you guys recommend me starting on. Purchasing teh R-comps would probably be foolish for me, but at the same time i would like something better then the Kumhos i have on right now! In all the reading i have done, and from what i can gather if i had to make the choice myself i would either get Azenis or the ES100's. Would anyone advise me to either stay away from, or purchase one or the other?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I agree with Opie - for your first track event, you should use the same tires you drive daily.
If you're considering replacing your street tires, this post contains a summary of the pluses and minuses of various street tires for the ITR. Basically, the Azenis RT-215 will perform a lot better on dry pavement; ES100 will last a lot longer, will perform better on wet pavement, come in the stock size, and don't need wider rims to maximize their capabilities. So which one is better for your needs may depend on how much you plan to track your car, how much rain you get in your area, whether you don't mind paying for new sets of tires a lot more frequently, etc. The choice between these two (as well as the other tires mentioned in that post) is mostly a matter of performance vs value, with a few other factors to consider as well. Take your pick - they're both good tires and you can't go wrong either way.
I want to get the most use out of them, with the best feel.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I've done that with all my track tires (except once or twice when I paid extra for Tire Rack to heat cycle them for me). George says that it is not necessary with the Toyos like it is for other track tires. I don't know anything about why he says so (since I've never NOT heat cycled mine, since it's so easy). I'm sure heat cycling them like this won't hurt, and may help - but if it's inconvenient for you to do so, I'm sure it won't be THAT big a deal if you don't, either.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jon D »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Being very inexperienced what tires would you guys recommend me starting on. Purchasing teh R-comps would probably be foolish for me, but at the same time i would like something better then the Kumhos i have on right now! In all the reading i have done, and from what i can gather if i had to make the choice myself i would either get Azenis or the ES100's. Would anyone advise me to either stay away from, or purchase one or the other?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I agree with Opie - for your first track event, you should use the same tires you drive daily.
If you're considering replacing your street tires, this post contains a summary of the pluses and minuses of various street tires for the ITR. Basically, the Azenis RT-215 will perform a lot better on dry pavement; ES100 will last a lot longer, will perform better on wet pavement, come in the stock size, and don't need wider rims to maximize their capabilities. So which one is better for your needs may depend on how much you plan to track your car, how much rain you get in your area, whether you don't mind paying for new sets of tires a lot more frequently, etc. The choice between these two (as well as the other tires mentioned in that post) is mostly a matter of performance vs value, with a few other factors to consider as well. Take your pick - they're both good tires and you can't go wrong either way.
RA-1s don't really excel until you get 2-3 track days on them.
When you first get them on - they will feel greasy and slow. They will not knock your socks off until about 1/2 the tread is gone.
When you first get them on - they will feel greasy and slow. They will not knock your socks off until about 1/2 the tread is gone.



