Are autox tires decent for road racing?

[Weltall]

These for instance...
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

I'm looking for good cheapish tires... These caught my eye. Anybody have any experience with these?

[Weltall]

I know the tires are more or less good for road racing, but I'm looking for reviews from someone who has used them. Thanks!

[Sephitrask]

did you read the reviews tire rack provides? lots of good information there.

[Weltall]

Um... Yeah. But, I'm interested in real work opinions. Preferably someone on this forum. Hence, the post.

[josh18_2k]

Z214's come in 3 compounds I believe, all of which should work fine on track. The softest compound will most likely die after a half hour of lapping, but they should be fine for qualifying and sprints. Corvette guys run A6's during sprint races if that tells you anything..

that being said, no I dont have any actual track experience with these tires. Doing track days on slicks seems like a waste of money IMO. Get yourself some RA1's or NT01's, they will last much longer.

[Weltall]

I really only need them to last for two runs, with a very calm return to start in between. The course is a bit over 12 miles and tight... Longevity isn't a huge concern. But I do need them to be predictable and sticky for both runs. I plan on having a couple sets of tires for the event, from rain tires to whatever... Full slicks are not allowed.

[TitaniumTT]

This is my second year running the same R6s'... just barely touching the wear bars. It all depends on how you drive. I've broken the rears loose ONCE, and locked the brakes ONCE. I expect them to last the rest of this year into next.

[C. Ludwig]

Originally Posted by TitaniumTT

This is my second year running the same R6s'... just barely touching the wear bars. It all depends on how you drive. I've broken the rears loose ONCE, and locked the brakes ONCE. I expect them to last the rest of this year into next.

You driving Miss Daisy or what? Hammer son! No way Hoosiers should last more than 6 sessions.

[Dannobre]

Originally Posted by TitaniumTT

This is my second year running the same R6s'... just barely touching the wear bars. It all depends on how you drive. I've broken the rears loose ONCE, and locked the brakes ONCE. I expect them to last the rest of this year into next.

You must have special tires I go through a set of R6's in 2 race weekends if I am lucky. If it is really hot they don't even last that long

[DriFD3S]

Listen to TitaniumTT,
he's awesome.

[Pete_89T2]

Originally Posted by Dannobre

You must have special tires I go through a set of R6's in 2 race weekends if I am lucky. If it is really hot they don't even last that long

Maybe tire pressure is a factor in the difference in longevity of the R6's? I know TiTT doesn't drive like an old lady, so the longevity difference must be due to differences in tire pressure, track surface conditions and ambient temps when you guys hit the track.

[C. Ludwig]

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

Maybe tire pressure is a factor in the difference in longevity of the R6's? I know TiTT doesn't drive like an old lady, so the longevity difference must be due to differences in tire pressure, track surface conditions and ambient temps when you guys hit the track.

Nope. There's no way you can extract maximum performance from this tire and have it last that long. Some tires yes, a Hoosier, no. When I was racing, winning races, championships, and setting track records, our Hoosiers would fall off noticeably after 3-4 sessions. They'll provide decent grip down to the cords, but they heat cycle out of competitive grip much earlier.

My point isn't to bag on Brian. Well, maybe a little. It's to let the OP know that the A or R-6 isn't a tire of choice for long wearing performance. Doesn't sound like he's looking for that anyway.

[C. Ludwig]

Originally Posted by Weltall

I really only need them to last for two runs, with a very calm return to start in between. The course is a bit over 12 miles and tight... Longevity isn't a huge concern. But I do need them to be predictable and sticky for both runs. I plan on having a couple sets of tires for the event, from rain tires to whatever... Full slicks are not allowed.

To be competitive, I would say the Hoosier A6 would be the tire of choice. They are consistently a top choice for autocross and work well for half-hour-ish sprint racing. They would work well for what you're wanting to do. Just don't expect them to last more than a half dozen or so 12-mile runs. Even if you don't run them down to the cords you will run them out of heat cycles.

If you're on a budget and want something to last longer, there are other choices.

[RETed]

There is no such thing as "cheap tires" in racing, especially if you're trying to be competitive.

It's like asking if you can make 500hp with a cheap, eBay $200 turbo.

Cheap will bite you in the ass.

At a certain point, you will have to pay to play...

This thread should be closed.


-Ted

[Weltall]

[QUOTE=RETed;205915

This thread should be closed.


-Ted[/QUOTE]

Um... No.
I came asking for opinions, not judgement. I'm not asking about cheap tires, I'm asking about an affordable tire that caught my eye. I've never done this type of racing so any input would be greatly appreciated. TTT had some awesome input, as did C. Ludwig and most everyone else.
RETed, may I ask what tire you would recommend for a sprint up a 14,000 foot mountain? Keep in mind it can 90 degrees or better at the starting line, and below freezing or raining or snowing or all three at the top.
See my issue?