Immediate ECHC Bulletin - Kumho V710 Recall
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Immediate ECHC Bulletin - Kumho V710 Recall
This is the official resonse from Kumho and TireRack.
ECHC would like to thank Kumho Tire and TireRack for their prompt response to this issue. This issue did not come to the fore until Friday and several racers ran on the tire this weekend in NASA and SCCA events, most without issue. Kumho Tire and Tirerack will begin investigating this batch of 205/50/15s immediately so please try and get them back to them asap.
Khumo Tire is very commited to the East Coast Honda Challenge series and has the strongest tire contingency program. They are very keen to resolve the V710 problems and get their winning tire back out into competition.
For the record at CMP H1 and H4 classes were won on Saturday with Kumho V710 tires and both set lap records.
the East Coast Honda Challenge would like to thank Kumho for their continuing support of our series.
Alex
Director ECHC.
-------------------------------
April 5, 2004
Dear Tire Rack Customer,
Thank you for choosing The Tire Rack as a source for your tires. Our
records indicate you purchased Kumho ECSTA V710 Competition tires from us
earlier this year.
Kumho Tire U.S.A. notified us today they have chosen to voluntarily recall
all ECSTA V710 tires. If you still have ECSTA V710 tires (new, used or even
worn out), Kumho has authorized us to exchange them on a one-for-one basis
with an enhanced version of the ECSTA V710 when it becomes available in
approximately 60-90 days.
In order to compensate you for any inconvenience, as well as mounting and
balancing costs, Kumho has further authorized us to provide either ECSTA
V700 or VictoRacer V700 tires, again on a one-for-one basis, at no final
cost to you. Since ECSTA V700 and VictoRacer V700 tires require tread
shaving for use in dry conditions, shaving will be available at no charge.
Heat Cycling will also be included at no charge if your ECSTA V710 tires
were heat cycled by the Tire Rack originally.
The Tire Rack Team wants to help you replace your voluntarily recalled
tires as quickly and conveniently as possible. If you still have new, used
or worn out ECSTA V710 tires:
Contact the Tire Rack representative indicated on your original invoice, or
call (800) 428-8355 and asking for the first available sales
representative.
Provide the phone number where your credit card bills are received, the
invoice number of your ECSTA 710 purchase and/or your name.
Identify the quantity of new, used or worn out ECSTA V710 tires you will be
exchanging.
The Tire Rack representative will establish a no-charge backorder at The
Tire Rack for the enhanced ECSTA V710 tires when they become available, as
well as place an order for your ECSTA V700 or VictoRacer V700 tires. We
will charge your credit card when we ship your ECSTA V700 or VictoRacer
V700 tires.
Contact a Tire Rack representative when your ECSTA V710 tires are
dismounted and ready to be picked up by the UPS representative and we will
issue the required number of prepaid UPS Pick-up Labels for you to return
your ECSTA V710 tires.
Upon the return of your ECSTA V710 tires, we will credit the full value of
ECSTA V700 or VictoRacer V700 tires to the credit card used to purchase
them.
The Tire Rack apologizes for any inconvenience this causes.
Regards,
The Tire Rack Team
The content of Kumho's announcement is provided below:
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ECSTA V710 TIRES
Kumho Tire's priority is safety, and we are committed to supplying our
customers with the highest quality and best performing tires that are
available anywhere in the world. It is with this philosophy in mind that
Kumho is taking immediate action in discontinuing the sale of the ECSTA
V710 Competition Tire.
The V710 has won several races and set numerous track records since it was
introduced into the market on January 1, 2004. Although we have not
experienced any air loss failures with the ECSTA V710 Competition Tire, we
have discovered some inconsistent test results relating to tread splice and
tread area durability.
The sale of the ECSTA V710 Competition Tire will, therefore, be
discontinued immediately, and tires in use in the market will be collected
from consumers. Kumho will replace them with either the Kumho ECSTA V700
or Victoracer tire free of charge.
An investigation into the cause of the inconsistencies has been carried out
and modifications to the product and production methods have been made to
ensure these inconsistencies do not re-occur.
Consumers who have purchased the ECSTA V710 Competition Tire must call the
dealer where the tires were purchased or the following toll free number to
arrange for tire return and replacement:
1-800-445-8646 Extension 342
Consumers will be given the choice of a free replacement of the ECSTA V710
with either the ECSTA V700 or Victoracer. They will also be provided a free
set of the modified ECSTA V710 upon its arrival.
Kumho is sincerely committed to the quality of our products and the total
satisfaction of our customers. We regret any inconvenience to our
customers.
Kumho Tire U.S.A.
14605 Miller Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336
ECHC would like to thank Kumho Tire and TireRack for their prompt response to this issue. This issue did not come to the fore until Friday and several racers ran on the tire this weekend in NASA and SCCA events, most without issue. Kumho Tire and Tirerack will begin investigating this batch of 205/50/15s immediately so please try and get them back to them asap.
Khumo Tire is very commited to the East Coast Honda Challenge series and has the strongest tire contingency program. They are very keen to resolve the V710 problems and get their winning tire back out into competition.
For the record at CMP H1 and H4 classes were won on Saturday with Kumho V710 tires and both set lap records.
the East Coast Honda Challenge would like to thank Kumho for their continuing support of our series.
Alex
Director ECHC.
-------------------------------
April 5, 2004
Dear Tire Rack Customer,
Thank you for choosing The Tire Rack as a source for your tires. Our
records indicate you purchased Kumho ECSTA V710 Competition tires from us
earlier this year.
Kumho Tire U.S.A. notified us today they have chosen to voluntarily recall
all ECSTA V710 tires. If you still have ECSTA V710 tires (new, used or even
worn out), Kumho has authorized us to exchange them on a one-for-one basis
with an enhanced version of the ECSTA V710 when it becomes available in
approximately 60-90 days.
In order to compensate you for any inconvenience, as well as mounting and
balancing costs, Kumho has further authorized us to provide either ECSTA
V700 or VictoRacer V700 tires, again on a one-for-one basis, at no final
cost to you. Since ECSTA V700 and VictoRacer V700 tires require tread
shaving for use in dry conditions, shaving will be available at no charge.
Heat Cycling will also be included at no charge if your ECSTA V710 tires
were heat cycled by the Tire Rack originally.
The Tire Rack Team wants to help you replace your voluntarily recalled
tires as quickly and conveniently as possible. If you still have new, used
or worn out ECSTA V710 tires:
Contact the Tire Rack representative indicated on your original invoice, or
call (800) 428-8355 and asking for the first available sales
representative.
Provide the phone number where your credit card bills are received, the
invoice number of your ECSTA 710 purchase and/or your name.
Identify the quantity of new, used or worn out ECSTA V710 tires you will be
exchanging.
The Tire Rack representative will establish a no-charge backorder at The
Tire Rack for the enhanced ECSTA V710 tires when they become available, as
well as place an order for your ECSTA V700 or VictoRacer V700 tires. We
will charge your credit card when we ship your ECSTA V700 or VictoRacer
V700 tires.
Contact a Tire Rack representative when your ECSTA V710 tires are
dismounted and ready to be picked up by the UPS representative and we will
issue the required number of prepaid UPS Pick-up Labels for you to return
your ECSTA V710 tires.
Upon the return of your ECSTA V710 tires, we will credit the full value of
ECSTA V700 or VictoRacer V700 tires to the credit card used to purchase
them.
The Tire Rack apologizes for any inconvenience this causes.
Regards,
The Tire Rack Team
The content of Kumho's announcement is provided below:
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ECSTA V710 TIRES
Kumho Tire's priority is safety, and we are committed to supplying our
customers with the highest quality and best performing tires that are
available anywhere in the world. It is with this philosophy in mind that
Kumho is taking immediate action in discontinuing the sale of the ECSTA
V710 Competition Tire.
The V710 has won several races and set numerous track records since it was
introduced into the market on January 1, 2004. Although we have not
experienced any air loss failures with the ECSTA V710 Competition Tire, we
have discovered some inconsistent test results relating to tread splice and
tread area durability.
The sale of the ECSTA V710 Competition Tire will, therefore, be
discontinued immediately, and tires in use in the market will be collected
from consumers. Kumho will replace them with either the Kumho ECSTA V700
or Victoracer tire free of charge.
An investigation into the cause of the inconsistencies has been carried out
and modifications to the product and production methods have been made to
ensure these inconsistencies do not re-occur.
Consumers who have purchased the ECSTA V710 Competition Tire must call the
dealer where the tires were purchased or the following toll free number to
arrange for tire return and replacement:
1-800-445-8646 Extension 342
Consumers will be given the choice of a free replacement of the ECSTA V710
with either the ECSTA V700 or Victoracer. They will also be provided a free
set of the modified ECSTA V710 upon its arrival.
Kumho is sincerely committed to the quality of our products and the total
satisfaction of our customers. We regret any inconvenience to our
customers.
Kumho Tire U.S.A.
14605 Miller Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336
to Kuhmo for getting this resolved VERY fast. Hope they can deliver a worthwhile product in the near future.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,013
Likes: 0
From: Moorestown, NJ, USA
Re: Immediate ECHC Bulletin - Kumho V710 Recall (jisu009)
thats what they should do...and i'm glad they are actually doing it and not putting blame somewhere or saying...oh well. Signs of a decent company even though people realized the issues.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 0
From: Bethlehem, PA
Re: Immediate ECHC Bulletin - Kumho V710 Recall (Lip)
Alex's statement above reflects the entire ECHC leadership feelings on this topic.
I was contacted by Rudy from Kumho today and they are already well underway resolving the issues with the 710. I was told that "they hope to have the issues worked out in 30-45 days".
The Tire Rack/ Kumho recall program is unprecedented and should be applauded.
I also would like to thank Kumho for their support of the ECHC and Kumhos devotion to continued product development.
Finally, I respectfully ask all East Coast Honda Challenge drivers to voice their concerns to Kumho directly if there is any further confusion in this matter.
John Whitaker
ECHC Director
I was contacted by Rudy from Kumho today and they are already well underway resolving the issues with the 710. I was told that "they hope to have the issues worked out in 30-45 days".
The Tire Rack/ Kumho recall program is unprecedented and should be applauded.
I also would like to thank Kumho for their support of the ECHC and Kumhos devotion to continued product development.
Finally, I respectfully ask all East Coast Honda Challenge drivers to voice their concerns to Kumho directly if there is any further confusion in this matter.
John Whitaker
ECHC Director
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax, Va, Fairfax
Re: Immediate ECHC Bulletin - Kumho V710 Recall (JohnW)
John,
How would it affect the end of year contingency prize if the V710's are not yet available by Beaver Run and we run on something else (non-Kumho tire).
Lyonel and I talked about using the V700's if the V710's aren't available so that we are on equal tires but if someone else shows up in a CRX on Hoosiers we wouldn't stand a chance in H4 on the slower V700's which are at least 1-2 second per lap slower.
Has Kumho addressed this issue?
Regards,
Jon
How would it affect the end of year contingency prize if the V710's are not yet available by Beaver Run and we run on something else (non-Kumho tire).
Lyonel and I talked about using the V700's if the V710's aren't available so that we are on equal tires but if someone else shows up in a CRX on Hoosiers we wouldn't stand a chance in H4 on the slower V700's which are at least 1-2 second per lap slower.
Has Kumho addressed this issue?
Regards,
Jon
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 0
From: Bethlehem, PA
Re: Immediate ECHC Bulletin - Kumho V710 Recall (FLATOUTRACING)
Jon,
Good question.
I'll contact Rudy in a 'couple' days. He seemed to be somewhat busy today and I'll wait till the dust settles. When I get the info I'll post it on our site. http://www.honda-challenge.com
Its a pleasure having you in the series and welcome to the ECHC!
Good question.
I'll contact Rudy in a 'couple' days. He seemed to be somewhat busy today and I'll wait till the dust settles. When I get the info I'll post it on our site. http://www.honda-challenge.com
Its a pleasure having you in the series and welcome to the ECHC!
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,093
Likes: 0
From: where typeRs grow on trees, NC
Trending Topics
Re: Immediate ECHC Bulletin - Kumho V710 Recall (FLATOUTRACING)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by FLATOUTRACING »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">... if someone else shows up in a CRX on Hoosiers we wouldn't stand a chance in H4 on the slower V700's which are at least 1-2 second per lap slower.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Like me? I can't justify shelling out for Kumho's or Toyo's when all of my wheels have Hoosiers on them for the Marrs series and I'm sure you're going to see that with some other H4 cars as well (Jedd comes to mind). Besides, Kumho isn't making 710's for 14" wheels, and to run anything other than the Hoosiers would put me at a competitive and financial disadvantage.
Unfortunately, I can't see the series making any special allowances because you can't run the 710. You have many other choices in tires (Hoosier, Kumho x 2, Toyo, Hankook) and the fact of the matter is, the Kumho payout was never a guarantee. In addition, if what Kumho says is true, you'll have 710's available for the bulk of the season. Look at it from my perspective. Since Kumho isn't even planning on making 710's for 14" wheels I would be forced to run Ecsta or Victoracers to have a chance at the big payday. Since you all were going to be running (and will be running later in the season) 710's I would be at a disadvantage, running 1-2 seconds per lap slower and with little to no chance of getting the contingency.
I'm certainly in no position to tell Kumho (or ECHC) what to do, but their contingency is a reward for running their tire. You all are going to have to weigh the financial impact of your choice just as I am. For me, it's a huge burden to shell out for Hoosiers for Marrs and also the Kumho's for ECHC. Besides the tire costs there is test/tune time to figure out setup differences between the two tire types. I just don't have that budgeted this year and am not going to risk blowing that budget on the small chance I might win the contingency.
Anyways, I'm truly glad you, Lyonel, and all the other 710 drivers made it out of CMP alive. Those tires just looked scary and I just can't fathom how you guys finished races on those things.
Like me? I can't justify shelling out for Kumho's or Toyo's when all of my wheels have Hoosiers on them for the Marrs series and I'm sure you're going to see that with some other H4 cars as well (Jedd comes to mind). Besides, Kumho isn't making 710's for 14" wheels, and to run anything other than the Hoosiers would put me at a competitive and financial disadvantage.
Unfortunately, I can't see the series making any special allowances because you can't run the 710. You have many other choices in tires (Hoosier, Kumho x 2, Toyo, Hankook) and the fact of the matter is, the Kumho payout was never a guarantee. In addition, if what Kumho says is true, you'll have 710's available for the bulk of the season. Look at it from my perspective. Since Kumho isn't even planning on making 710's for 14" wheels I would be forced to run Ecsta or Victoracers to have a chance at the big payday. Since you all were going to be running (and will be running later in the season) 710's I would be at a disadvantage, running 1-2 seconds per lap slower and with little to no chance of getting the contingency.
I'm certainly in no position to tell Kumho (or ECHC) what to do, but their contingency is a reward for running their tire. You all are going to have to weigh the financial impact of your choice just as I am. For me, it's a huge burden to shell out for Hoosiers for Marrs and also the Kumho's for ECHC. Besides the tire costs there is test/tune time to figure out setup differences between the two tire types. I just don't have that budgeted this year and am not going to risk blowing that budget on the small chance I might win the contingency.
Anyways, I'm truly glad you, Lyonel, and all the other 710 drivers made it out of CMP alive. Those tires just looked scary and I just can't fathom how you guys finished races on those things.
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 635
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From: Fairfax, Va, Fairfax
Re: Immediate ECHC Bulletin - Kumho V710 Recall (Balled S2K)
Hi Gregg,
Of the 6 or 7 H4 cars at CMP only Lyonel and I were running the 710's. The other two Integra LS cars (the two sister cars to mine) were running the Hancooks and the rest were on Toyos.
As with the Hooisers, there is a huge difference between the 710's and the others (Toyos, Hancooks, etc). The V710 felt as grippy and fast as the Hoosier Grand Am Cup tires I ran the car on during test days.
I totally see where you are coming from since you have to run the Hooisers to be competitive in both MARRS and HC.
From my perspective, going over to the Ecsta 700 or Victoracers isn't an option because as you stated they are at least 2 seconds slower. Lyonel had to borrow some Hancooks on Sunday that had many heat cycles and he was 4+ seconds slower (still got pole but a 1:59 vs. 1:55 on Sat.).
I guess my question isn't about the per race money. Obviously if I switch over to Hooisers for Beaver Run I wouldn't expect the $400, $300, ... or whatever position I finish. My question to John W. was whether doing so disqualifies me for the year end prize.
You mentioned that it's not a payout guarantee? I was under the impression it was a guarantee from what Alex and John told me.
Lyonel's tire is the worst of the batch but some of the other's looked scarry as well. Mine were not as bad but I had six tires with me and I tend to brake smoother (less of a late braker) because of my experience in Spec Racer Fords where hard braking kills momentum.
Are you going to race at VIR (SCCA) in May or Beaver Run in June. Hope to see you there. I am not doing SRF this year it's just too costly to rent one and I can't bring myself to buy one.
Regards,
Jon
Of the 6 or 7 H4 cars at CMP only Lyonel and I were running the 710's. The other two Integra LS cars (the two sister cars to mine) were running the Hancooks and the rest were on Toyos.
As with the Hooisers, there is a huge difference between the 710's and the others (Toyos, Hancooks, etc). The V710 felt as grippy and fast as the Hoosier Grand Am Cup tires I ran the car on during test days.
I totally see where you are coming from since you have to run the Hooisers to be competitive in both MARRS and HC.
From my perspective, going over to the Ecsta 700 or Victoracers isn't an option because as you stated they are at least 2 seconds slower. Lyonel had to borrow some Hancooks on Sunday that had many heat cycles and he was 4+ seconds slower (still got pole but a 1:59 vs. 1:55 on Sat.).
I guess my question isn't about the per race money. Obviously if I switch over to Hooisers for Beaver Run I wouldn't expect the $400, $300, ... or whatever position I finish. My question to John W. was whether doing so disqualifies me for the year end prize.
You mentioned that it's not a payout guarantee? I was under the impression it was a guarantee from what Alex and John told me.
Lyonel's tire is the worst of the batch but some of the other's looked scarry as well. Mine were not as bad but I had six tires with me and I tend to brake smoother (less of a late braker) because of my experience in Spec Racer Fords where hard braking kills momentum.
Are you going to race at VIR (SCCA) in May or Beaver Run in June. Hope to see you there. I am not doing SRF this year it's just too costly to rent one and I can't bring myself to buy one.
Regards,
Jon
Re: Immediate ECHC Bulletin - Kumho V710 Recall (FLATOUTRACING)
When I said it was no guaranteed payout, that was said knowing that there's no spec tire and there's never been a guarantee that race or series winners would be on Kumho's. I see where you're coming from on the year-end prize, but as long as there are V700's (Victoracer & Ecsta) available I don't see a reason to change the contingency. Again, since I would have never been able to run v710's due to Kumho not even making 14" sizes and would be forced to run v700's I fail to see how your case is any different or special. I would have had to run Hoosiers to keep up w/ you guys on 710's. Besides, the 710's should be available for most of the ECHC season (at least by Round 4) if Kumho's timeline sticks.
My point being you have to make the decision to run for the money, run for the championship, or both. I weighed the advantages and disadvantages to running two tire types this year and it didn't make financial sense (ie. I didn't believe Kumho winnings would overcome the other costs inherent w/ running two different makes), while running the Hoosiers gives me a chance of winning both ECHC and MARRS under the current rule sets.
I'll definitely be running the Momma's Day double down at VIR (first time running the full course) though I haven't decided if I'm gonna head up to Beaver Run. At this point I probably will as July is looking hellish:
o ECHC July 10-11 (Summit)
o MARRS V July 17-18 (Summit)
o MARRS VI July 24-25 (Watkins Glen)
o ECHC July 30 - Aug 1 (VIR-N)
I haven't decided whether to drop the MARRS race at the Glen (never been there, want to go) or the ECHC at VIR. I've got a little time to decide. Regardless, I can't wait to mix it up w/ you, Lyonel and the boys ASAP. I need my fix.
Modified by Balled S2K at 9:17 AM 4/6/2004
My point being you have to make the decision to run for the money, run for the championship, or both. I weighed the advantages and disadvantages to running two tire types this year and it didn't make financial sense (ie. I didn't believe Kumho winnings would overcome the other costs inherent w/ running two different makes), while running the Hoosiers gives me a chance of winning both ECHC and MARRS under the current rule sets.
I'll definitely be running the Momma's Day double down at VIR (first time running the full course) though I haven't decided if I'm gonna head up to Beaver Run. At this point I probably will as July is looking hellish:
o ECHC July 10-11 (Summit)
o MARRS V July 17-18 (Summit)
o MARRS VI July 24-25 (Watkins Glen)
o ECHC July 30 - Aug 1 (VIR-N)
I haven't decided whether to drop the MARRS race at the Glen (never been there, want to go) or the ECHC at VIR. I've got a little time to decide. Regardless, I can't wait to mix it up w/ you, Lyonel and the boys ASAP. I need my fix.
Modified by Balled S2K at 9:17 AM 4/6/2004
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 635
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From: Fairfax, Va, Fairfax
Re: Immediate ECHC Bulletin - Kumho V710 Recall (Balled S2K)
Gregg,
I'll be at Beaver Run but Lyonel indicated it was too far for him to attend given that he can go to Roebling Road or Road Atlanta for a make up race. I think he will be at all the other ECHC races and I plan to do all of them and maybe add the Aug. Mid Ohio race.
Won't make MARRS 1 but will catch up wth you at MARRS 2-3 at VIR.
Regards,
Jon
I'll be at Beaver Run but Lyonel indicated it was too far for him to attend given that he can go to Roebling Road or Road Atlanta for a make up race. I think he will be at all the other ECHC races and I plan to do all of them and maybe add the Aug. Mid Ohio race.
Won't make MARRS 1 but will catch up wth you at MARRS 2-3 at VIR.
Regards,
Jon
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Re: Immediate ECHC Bulletin - Kumho V710 Recall (FLATOUTRACING)
This is from Scotty White a avid Kumho Racer..
A word from a source close to this issue says the manufacturing problem has already been identified and resolved and real world testing will commence sooner than you can imagine ASAMOF there are already some tires on a plane headed this way...
KUMHO is reacting more swiftly than I have EVER seen them react to anything. (IMO) KUMHO WILL solve this problem and have all the competitors (that want to be) back on 710's in a very short period of time...
These guys are commited to our safety and well being AND to helping us win races with a super BAD *** NO FREEKIN EXCUSES R Compound R-A-C-E TIRE!
(disclaimer) I am not now nor ever have been an employee or spokesperson for KUMHO Tire, I am a racer who races on KUMHO Tires since 1996
A word from a source close to this issue says the manufacturing problem has already been identified and resolved and real world testing will commence sooner than you can imagine ASAMOF there are already some tires on a plane headed this way...
KUMHO is reacting more swiftly than I have EVER seen them react to anything. (IMO) KUMHO WILL solve this problem and have all the competitors (that want to be) back on 710's in a very short period of time...
These guys are commited to our safety and well being AND to helping us win races with a super BAD *** NO FREEKIN EXCUSES R Compound R-A-C-E TIRE!
(disclaimer) I am not now nor ever have been an employee or spokesperson for KUMHO Tire, I am a racer who races on KUMHO Tires since 1996
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,752
Likes: 1
From: Fayetteville, AR
Re: Immediate ECHC Bulletin - Kumho V710 Recall (Solracer)
Anyone heard if the V710 has been "fixed" yet? I haven't been paying attention and just saw the press release from 04/05 on Racer Parts Wholesale and then found all the H-T threads.
-Ben, who needs to order some tyres pronto
-Ben, who needs to order some tyres pronto
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Mar 27, 2004 09:41 AM
