Hey all you experienced racers, do you think one year (7-8 autox, 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'd say I have vastly improved my driving this year, though always room for improvement! I placed 2nd overall at my last autox event, so I wouldn't say I'm a complete newbie. (I'm sure I still have a long ways to go, to be where I want to be, skill wise)

I've heard though, that I basically may have to "re-learn" to drive my car with slickies, as it handles and controls differently. True? Thoughts, examples? Should I wait?

Thanks!

 

I'm going to! Thanks, and thanks to several of the people in the Competition Forum!

Someone said they're less forgiving if you're at the brink, about to spin... I guess that means you have less time to correct like you would with a screaching street tire?

 

yup, they don't give you the kind of warning that you are on the edge as street tires do. However the edge is much further out there.

I will suggest this. Consider the Toyo R comps. They are not a bunch more than the Khumo's, they don't get as greasy as the Khomos do at the end of a run session, they last considerably longer, and they handle higher tire pressures much better.

 

With the new tires you will probably be able to lap faster times - which increases your overall average speed and increases the chances of something bad happening if you make a mistake (a higher speed spin for instance). But R compounds are lots and lots of fun. The main thing that is fun is how much more braking power you have.

 

yum.

how much is not a bunch more?

 

Heh, I like how you put that - something to consider. So, minor concusion, or serious concusion. Haha.
I hadn't even thought about the ability to go deeper before braking and such, cool.

You guys are a big help, I think I know what I want for Christmas! Anyone know of a good guide for maintaining and taking care of r-compound tires?

My only other decision will be if I get new wheels in a 5-lug or 4-lug, depending on if I sell the LS for an R or RSX-S.

 

What I did:
I started autocrossing in June 2000 on street tires, then after 5 events went to used race tires (not super sticky, but better than street tires), then new race tires to start off the year in 2001.

I used the used race tires as sort of "training wheels". Now after a year on the Kumho's, I may go to the "real" race tire => Hoosier (or the new Kumho which I hear is similar).

 

Well hopefully if you get to use them enough - they won't last long enough for you to find out! R compounds don't need any special care. I wouldn't drive Hoosiers on the street though....

 

i only autocrossed once, and realised i needed better tires! i guess it's up to you. i say go for it.

 

R comps on at a auto-X are much different than on a track. The tire may be the same but the gain in speed is way different between a track and a parking lot.

 

about $30 tire. Well worth it!

 

Thanks again guys, big help!!

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!