Hey all you experienced racers, do you think one year (7-8 auto-x / 4 track events) of driving competitively is enough experience to try the slickies? I'd really like to invest in some V700's and some Kosei K1's for next years season. I've heard though, that I may have to "re-learn" to drive my car with slickies, as it handles and controls differently. Any truth to that? Thoughts, examples?

Thanks guys!


[Modified by uncleben, 7:41 PM 12/6/2001]

 

anyone?

 

V700s are not slicks. They DOT approved race tires. There is a HUGE difference.

But, in answer to your question, yeah, that is plenty of experience to start using race tires. It isn't so much re-learning to drive as it is adjusting your expectations. The car will handle slightly different and stick way better. The tires are less forgiving, so spins are harder to control/correct. And they take different tire pressures. But the fun factor is WAY higher and well worth the extra cost.

 

I've been using full tread v700s for autox. I plan to get another set for open track type events. Should I get them shaved or is full tread okay?

-y

 

I thought someone might correct me on that
So on that note, with V700's, would I still be STS, or STR? If they're DOT approved, does that mean they're classified as street tires, or are they rated by their tread-life and other things which would put them in a race-tire class?

So when I'm at the brink, so to speak, I'll have less warning... and a spin for example would be quicker and sharper than a gradual slide first with the pig-squeel of a street tire?

I think I'm going to get a set of wheels/race-tires next year, for the "fun factor" if nothing else as you put it. (and cutting my times by a couple seconds would be nice too, heh)
Thanks!

 

I believe in STS you need a street tire that has a treadwear higher than 160(?) The v700 has a 50 I think. Much too soft and sticky to be allowed in STS. You would be in STR with the v700s, which is basically STS for R compound tires. And you are right on about how they will handle differently. It's not that big of a deal as you may think, and with your experience you would adjust very quickly.

For the track, getting them shaved is not a bad idea. You can run full tread, but you have to be careful by being easy on them by not running them hard for too long. Shaved tires do not heat up and break apart as much and so they will last longer for track use.

 

For STS, the tread wear must be 140 or greater. R compounds, like the V700's are not permitted. You could run STR if you meet the rest of the rule requirements with the V700's.

I have heard from several people that have tried the v700s at full tread autocrossing, they say they would suggest you shave them. At full depth the treads are a bit squirmy (tread block flexing). Shaving solves this feeling. However, if you are a novice, you may not feel the difference.

 

Thanks a lot guys!

One last question...
This year I've been doing autox with 3 different SCCA clubs - I'd just go to which ever club fit my schedule on any given weekend. As a beginner I didn't care about points or really competing. Since I want to compete next year, do I have to stay with one SCCA club the whole year? Or does it even matter as long as it's an SCCA club? Now that I think of it, I don't even think I know how points work, and how you accumulate them to move on to regional/national competitions. Hmmm, maybe I need to go read up on http://www.scca.org huh?

Fill me in, thanks!


[Modified by uncleben, 7:57 PM 12/7/2001]

 

Depends entirely on how your local SCCA regions deal with points. On the surface I'd suggest that you pick one for points, and do the others for practice.

And yes...a full year of driving on street tires should have you about where you want to be.