Latest recs/experience with 15" Hoosiers?, A7 vs R7 vs Radial Slicks Options

[campbellcj]

Hey All -

When I was last actively tracking my car in 2016-18 I had switched to a Hoosier Radial Slick in a soft compound which does not seem available anymore, but there are similar models in a medium compound I think will fit.

I'm aiming to get back out there a few times this year just for fun - won't be running competitively at least at first as I shake-off the cobwebs - so I'm thinking the R7 or A7 may be better in terms of longevity and pricing. (Although previously I found the slicks and R6 lasted me around the same number of heat cycles with the slicks performing better and costing more as one would assume.)

Does anyone have recent experience or info on using the A7 for short TT/TA sessions or sprint races, around 20-25min sessions? I've never used any of the A* variants but recall hearing of folks using them on lightweight cars for non-endurance events. Was that @brant ?

I'd be open to other brands as well if the correct 15" sizes are available. I run 8's/9's and my flares can fit about a 10" section width tire.

Thanks much for any insights!

[brant]

when the speedsters first came out... the hoosier engineer told me they were exactly the same compound as the R7

might be... when they were fresh they were pretty good
but they seemed to cycle out much faster than I was used to with R7

I wish I could buy more A/R7 tires...
they won't except them in SVRA
and have pretty tight regs on what they will accept

thus the reason I tried the speedster, R1, and bias ply.... all legal for SVRA
but not fast

sorry I don't have experience with the slicks...


I will add the bias ply seem to work better on heavier cars
the muscle guys love them on the track
but I don't think I was able to get the heat into them that they wanted
a much different driving style... a lot more loose... they like to slide... and probably that helps the heating too. the V8 guys hang their rear ends out on every corner and I think the tires like that...