Track tire recommendations Options

[BravoHotel]

I need to buy track tires for my 16" Fuchs. I am currently running A032's on my 15" cookies, and have had good luck with them, but I really want to get the Fuchs on the car. I need 205/45-16's and the only thing that the Tire Rack rack lists for Comp tires in that size are Hoosier and Kumho Ecsta V700's. I don't want the Hoosiers cause I will put some limited street miles on the car. That leaves me w/ the Kumhos...they have received somewhat mixed reviews. Any experience w/ these tires? Any other suggestions?

Thanks
BH

[VegasRacer]

When you said "make sure you heat cycle em", do you mean buy them already heat cycled?

I have never bought a set of tires that were heat cycled by the seller. If fact I don't even think I know someone who has. I know they say they do it in the optimum controlled environment?

Just run the tires for a short session (@10 min) to get them up to race temperature. Then do not use them for 24-48 hours to let them completely rest and cool properly. This process changes the molecular structure and strengthens the bonds in the tire. It really does work to extend the life of the tires. They say it also makes them preform better.

If you car is streetable it should be no problem. Race only cars have the problem of not being able to do it over a weekend. This can also be a problem if you don't have an extra set of rims and want 'perfect' tires when the green flag drops instead of for the first practice session. That is one of the reasons most guys have 2 or more sets of wheels. I am cheap and want to see cords before I trash a tire.

In the past we all got our tires shaved to 3/32. After some trial and error and comparing results, NOBODY in my race group shaves them anymore.

I agree with everything else campbellcj says. They can start to feel a little slippery 3/4 thru a 20 min. sprint race, IF you are pushing them 100%. So after you learn how to DRIVE your car, you have to learn tire managment to have something left at the end for that last lap pass (or so it doesn't happen to you). Predictable. Grippy. Good price. All Yes. Chunking - only once on a July day after I got them extra hot on a long session. "Under hard braking I swear I could feel the tread blocks moving around and/or rubber migration issues. It's a little freaky." Yea, I guess. But I like a little freaky now and then.