Out of curiosity why would you do something like that?[/b]
My guess would be to take advantage of better pricing from the prior year?
I'd not tar the entire organization with such a brush, though. I got a set of tires from Hoosier (Indiana factory) on contingency after the '06 ARRC, and they agreed to let me accept delivery the following March; I had no difficulties. Granted, a different situation, but I'd lay the blame with "MidWest" not Indiana.
Side note: Phil Phillips also sells Hankooks. And, in comparing our ARRC data - DiMinno on Hankooks and me on Hoosiers - I'm not so convinced about Hoosier's invulnerability. Couple that to significant differences in pricing and SIGNIFICANT differences in contingency, and the decision isn't so easy.
However, Hankook had some inventory supply issues this year, which I've been personally assured they are addressing for '08.
Another thing that keeps me bouncing back and forth to Hoosiers is support. Bob Smart of Northeast racing is at all of our SCCA events, and the crusty rat b*****d does everyone good. Then you've got Phil Phillips at all the NASA events. It really does suck having two organizations that I consider personal friends, both in the local area supplying tires. In that regard, we're truly blessed up here in the northeast. - GA