98 replies to this topic

[gerglmuff2]

I only go back to 2002, the first year for SM in what is now the GreatLakes Division (originally CENDIV Area4), so my experience is only in that division and for the first year the spec tire was open (I ran the Kumho VictoRacer, which was an OK tire), then it was the RA1 for a year or two, then it was open again (for regional competition). I have no idea what the regional/divisional rule is now for Greatlakes as I moved south several years ago but I think it's the spec Hoosier.

 

I'll admit my memory of specifics 18 years ago can be a little foggy.

 

central division SCCA has an SMT class, spec miata open tire class. you can run anything. most people use it for cheaply double dipping and just run hoosiers. ive seen toyos run as well. 

[Steve Scheifler]

I only go back to 2002, the first year for SM in what is now the GreatLakes Division (originally CENDIV Area4), so my experience is only in that division and for the first year the spec tire was open (I ran the Kumho VictoRacer, which was an OK tire), then it was the RA1 for a year or two, then it was open again (for regional competition). I have no idea what the regional/divisional rule is now for Greatlakes as I moved south several years ago but I think it's the spec Hoosier.

I'll admit my memory of specifics 18 years ago can be a little foggy.

You know what, I think I was wrong. It just SEEMED like the Hoosier was the spec tire because that’s what people ran at nationals if they expected to compete. Then we had the big debate (there was resistance at the front over that too) and Toyo took round one. I stand corrected (until someone proves me wrong again).

[LarryKing]

No SM Nationals until 2006

[Steve Scheifler]

No SM Nationals until 2006

Right again, another big debate. Well not really because the old site owner would delete posts in opposition and threaten to ban the poster. But that’s another story. In any case, Hoosier was the choice of the fast guys. I know well when we went national of course but while you’re paying attention remind me what year we first had a spec tire.

[Tom Hampton]

All hail the "new" JD! 

 

however, he may have lost that new car smell. 

[Bench Racer]

Right again, another big debate. Well not really because the old site owner would delete posts in opposition and threaten to ban the poster. But that’s another story. In any case, Hoosier was the choice of the fast guys. I know well when we went national of course but while you’re paying attention remind me what year we first had a spec tire.

I remember this ^     very well. BUT, there was this guy who opened his own site maybe called, Brothers Two   Great engine inspection posts on all of course legal engines  and no original JD to fudge with posters (it's how come Bennett had so many AKA's.) Altho today one of the Brothers Two site owners may screw with the Bench Racer a bit.

[Tom Hampton]

lol...I'd forgotten about THAT site.  I only ever lurked, never posted on that one. 

[Alberto]

In San Francisco Region, we have had a Spec Miata Toyo class for at least the last 10 years that I have been racing.  We call it Spec Miata Tire.  The RA1s were the spec before the RR was introduced.  It's awesome.  The RRs last much longer.

[Dave D.]

Wasn't there a Hankook tire as a spec tire for a SM class at one time? A Z211 or something like that.

[Steve Scheifler]

Wasn't there a Hankook tire as a spec tire for a SM class at one time? A Z211 or something like that.

Yeah, the kooks were just a couple years, I think right as we were forced to drop out for a few, so I had bought just a couple sets to test on. Didn’t like them. Or was it just another option prior to having a spec? They were also used by the early pro series I think.

[LarryKing]

The SCCA National spec tire was the RA1 from 2006-2008 and 2010-2011. The Toyo R888 was spec for 2009. The Hoosier became spec in 2012.

Seems like if we had a mandate from the majority of club members we could return to Toyo. That would make racing a lot less expensive for those who race both SCCA and NASA.

[Sphinx]

What would the rain tire be?

[LarryKing]

In the 'Toyo-era' the rain tire was an unshaved RA1. Much scarier than a Hoosier rain but everyone was in the same boat, and once the tire was worn you could use it in the dry.

[Tom Hampton]

You could also call this SMN (Spec Miata NASA), as this is exactly what NASA runs.  Toyo RR in the dry, and Full-Tread RA1s in the wet. 

[Jim Drago]

I dont ever recall a hankook being spec in club racing?  I think they were Spec for the pro series back in the day. 

[Steve Scheifler]

I dont ever recall a hankook being spec in club racing? I think they were Spec for the pro series back in the day.

I believe you are correct. We bought some for testing, probably during the spec tire debate. That explains why I don’t recall ever racing on them. Not that any of it matters, just annoying that the sequence of events is becoming blurred.

[Tom Hampton]

...just annoying that the sequence of events is becoming blurred.

[Jim Drago]

 just annoying that the sequence of events is becoming blurred.

Before Denny posted .. I was about to post Hoosier has been the spec tire since 2006      

This getting old stuff is for the birds

[Steve Scheifler]

Hey Tom, I think Bench has hijacked your account.

[Bench Racer]

This getting old stuff is for the birds

$hit JD Jr., your to young to have a clue about getting old.  Crap, even Danny's just maturing, old is the next faze after mature.