4 replies to this topic

[Michael Colangelo]

My new-to-me SM needs new tires and I'm on the fence about sticking with shaved RA1s or making the jump to the Hoosier SM6 tires.

What's the consensus with the Hoosiers at PIR? Are they really good for at least a second or so off lap times compared to the RA1s at this track? How many heat cycles can I expect to get before they become non-competitive?

Thanks in advance for any info.

[Keith Novak]

Mike,
The fast guys aren't going a second faster. They're right about where they were. They are saying that they start loosing grip around 8 heat cycles. Folks slightly slower don't seem to be complaining about that though. I think it comes down to how much they slide the car around. On Friday afternoon though there was a HUGE increase in many peoples times (1-2 sec for lots of people in the top 3rd). All were running SM6 I believe. Many said they were hitting the 7-8 session range on their tires. I went up .5 on RA1s but I don't know if the tires explain why I gained less time than others.

I stuck with shaved RA1s for a while since I had a couple new sets. Not much time left to use them up before the end of the season. I don't know that the OR/NWR will allow the Toyos next year and ICSCC usually lags the SCCA tire rules by a year.

[Michael Colangelo]

Thanks for the info, Keith. I may try a set next weekend.

[Kyle Keenan]

I think it all comes down to user preference. I still like the RA-1's over the hoosiers.

[William Bonsell]

Mike....I have it on good authority the Hoosiers don't really run that faster, if at all, at Portland. Now Pacific may be another thing judging from Will Schraders sub 40 time last month. Also, don't expect the Hoosiers to last as long. And I also understand you have to drive them even harder than the Toyo's to achieve faster times. For most of us, I would think Toyo is still the way to go...cheaper, longer lasting and perhaps a bit more forgiving. Now if you want to show up with nice fresh Hoosiers as a form of intimidation, well, then bring it on!! CYA soon.....

Bill-

ps: still loving the S2!