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!

[vintage914racer]

This is a really helpful thread. For the last few years I’ve run the Hankook z214 C51 compound DOT tire. They’re super cheap compared to Hoosiers and last forever. Prior to that I ran BFG R1s but availability dried up.. I switched to Hoosier R7s last fall, assuming I would burn through A7s. Apparently that’s not the case.

Are the A7s any Faster than the R7, or do they simply get up to temp quicker and therefore you’re faster earlier?