14 replies to this topic

[Tom M]

I have booked a few track days before the racing season starts to help me sort out my recently punched spec miata. The first being march on a cold track in the northeast. I only have a good set of Toyo slicks at the moment. Is it worth the expense to purchase a set of R888's or R1Rs to use on track days?

Thanks Tom M

[Keith Andrews]

Toyo Slicks?  I don't know anything about them.  Why don't you want to use them?  Most any tire would probably work to shake down the car, if that is what your asking.

[Tom M]

They are Toyo's Proxes RR slicks. Just thinking that a slick would not be a good choice on a cold track that has been dormant over winter. Just looking to have a good day. Don't want to ruin my day with the wrong choice of tires.

[Alberto]

If it is dry, you'll be find with the RR.  Target 38 PSI hot temps measured as you get off the track.  Maybe start out at 33 PSI cold temps and see where you end up.  IMO, best to practice using what you'll race on.

[FTodaro]

The Toyo RR is Toyo's latest version of a D.O.T. road racing dry tire. I would not buy an R888 and the RA-1 full tread is only good in the wet, to drive it in the dry you would need to shave it so stay with the RR, 38 to 40psi Hot is a good temp coming off the track.

[Keith Andrews]

They are Toyo's Proxes RR slicks. Just thinking that a slick would not be a good choice on a cold track that has been dormant over winter. Just looking to have a good day. Don't want to ruin my day with the wrong choice of tires.

Ok now I get it.  Yes what Alberto and Frank said.  Like any other track day just work up to speed and let things warm up ( Car/tires, Driver) Have fun and enjoy the day.

[Tom M]

Thanks you guys are a great resource. I was reading the Toyo RR spec's about tire storage and noticed the section about not letting the tire go below 15 degrees. The car and tires are stored in my enclosed trailer that I keep in the garage most of the time but I had to leave it outside for a couple of weeks recently and know that the temps did go below 15 degrees. Does it take just one time in those temps to ruin the tire or over prolonged period to crack them?

Thanks Tom

[wheel]

I have left tires in un-heated conditions for the whole winter and have not seen any issues with them.  What you really don't want to do is cause any flexing of the rubber when they are really cold.  

wheel

[Tom M]

Ok great. I'll make sure they are warmed up before I move the car.

[philstireservice]

I have left tires in un-heated conditions for the whole winter and have not seen any issues with them.  What you really don't want to do is cause any flexing of the rubber when they are really cold.  

wheel

You want to treat race tires gingerly - don't throw them around or bounce them on the ground when it is VERY cold, they can crack "or pop the sidewall".

[FTodaro]

I put my good tires in plastic bags and store them inside in the basement for the winter, not sure it makes a difference but i do it.

[philstireservice]

I put my good tires in plastic bags and store them inside in the basement for the winter, not sure it makes a difference but i do it.

 

this is far better than what most do....

[htron435]

Hey Phil -- is it still necessary to mount and rotate the RR's in the strict format suggested by Toyo (to avoid the tread seam issue)? 

[jeopardyracing]

Yes, it is. I began to see the tread seam in mine this season when I got sloppy about it. 

[philstireservice]

Hey Phil -- is it still necessary to mount and rotate the RR's in the strict format suggested by Toyo (to avoid the tread seam issue)? 

Yes Sir