Rain Tires

J

Jeremy Billiel

New member
Going to NHIS in a couple of weeks and the likely hood of being there for 4 days with no rain is probably unlikely. With that said, I have been told that my Falken Azenis are crap. So what are you guys using? I have heard use full tread RA1's, but what will happen if the track begins to dry out? Won't the tires begin to chunk? I have also heard good things about the new Hoosier DOT rain tires, but they are like $200 a piece. Ouch!

Any suggestions?
 
Jeremy,
I use full tread Toyos also. To answer your chunking question, think about all of the people that use these tires (full tread) at HPDEs. Last year at NHIS it was lightly raining and I used the Toyos. Like you just mentioned, it dried out. (Should have used my drys!) Although they received some additional wear, they had no issues with chunking.

The other nice thing about these is that if they start to get old, use them at a HPDE or some other event. From what I understand about the Hoosiers is the track needs to be damp or they will chunk.
 
The Hoosiers are the best for the rain, however they certainly will chunk if it dries up at all and the tires get any sort of heat into them. Basic rule is that the Hoosiers can't be beat if it is actually raining out, however if the track surface is just damp you are better off with something else like mentioned above.

Last years NARRC Runoffs gave us all a rude welcoming to an exception, however knowone could have really been prepaired for the weather/conditions we had that day. I still wonder how Autocross tires would have performed....

Raymond
 
I ran full tread RA-1's at Sebring short in drying conditions...they worked flawlessly...I even set 3rd fastest lap at the end of the ITS ITA race when it was dry...they have not chunked and still remain good rains now (they didnt wear out completely) If it is a deluge...hoosier rains would be good if you are sure it will just rain all day.
 
If you got the scratch (and right wheel sizes), just stick with Hoosiers--wet dry and intermediate.

Dirt Stockers for heavy rain or unshaved RADIAL WETS

The WET Radial (shaved) for intermediate conditions

The slick for dry.

They are simply the best. Everything else is a wannabe.

I use KUMHO Victoracers (old style) for intermediate conditions because I am not sure that Hoosier has the WET Radial out in all sizes yet. The Kumho is a fine substitute as would be a Toyo, but they are still "wannabes."

The only tire you can ruin in dry conditions is a Dirt Stocker.

Cheers.
 
I've run the fully treaded Kumho's for rains and they did very well. And if it dries out, not that big of a problem. If you have deep standing water the Dirt Stockeres are the way to go. I have heard the new Hoosier rain tire will be the tire to have in the wet......

Jeremy,
I wouldn't worry about having a super fast rain tire for the school. And don't worry about the race, the other ITS guys can't drive anyhow!! :lol: (I used to be on of them, so I can make fun of them!!)
 
I am not worried about winning, as the driver has a lot to learn, but I also do not want to be a hazard...
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Just stay away from the Audi's and your all set!!! :wacko: Also feel free to block any Volvo's or VW's that might show up... :unsure: oh and Hitting a Honda always "wins you a prize." :cavallo:

Raymond "Sooooo Excited for the season to start!!!" Blethen
 
try the kumho escta full thread for rain or dry works great better than the toyo wet or dry and last many heat cycles just like the toyos. priced pretty good.
 
Just stay away from the Audi's and your all set!!! :wacko: Also feel free to block any Volvo's or VW's that might show up... :unsure: oh and Hitting a Honda always "wins you a prize." :cavallo:

Raymond "Sooooo Excited for the season to start!!!" Blethen
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Raymond - If ITB cars are catching me I really have issues!!! :D Just kidding!

I will be sure to hold up the Volvos and let the Audi drive right on by! :rolleyes:
 
If you got the scratch (and right wheel sizes), just stick with Hoosiers--wet dry and intermediate.

Dirt Stockers for heavy rain or unshaved RADIAL WETS

The WET Radial (shaved) for intermediate conditions

The slick for dry.

They are simply the best. Everything else is a wannabe.

I use KUMHO Victoracers (old style) for intermediate conditions because I am not sure that Hoosier has the WET Radial out in all sizes yet. The Kumho is a fine substitute as would be a Toyo, but they are still "wannabes."

The only tire you can ruin in dry conditions is a Dirt Stocker.

Cheers. [/b]
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The only thing I will disagree with in this post is about the drys. We have found the Goodyears to be the fastest dry tire, money no object. The GS-CS and now the RA are the best IMHO. Look to what the guys run at the runoffs on your type of car. RWD cars seem to really like the GY if they make your size. AS, T1, T2 are dominated on these tires.

The 205/50/15 RA set the Track record and fast lap at last years ARRC in SM amidst a Hoosier-fest.

I will be on RA's for drys and Radial Wets for rain.
 
Raymond - If ITB cars are catching me I really have issues!!! Just kidding! [/b]
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Catching and passing. :o

I will be sure to hold up the Volvos and let the Audi drive right on by![/b]
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Oooh, I see how it is! Sure, I'll be sure to help "fix" the car while you're at the school. Aren't you a Honda/Acrura driver? And you want to help those other cars? In your school, you'll be tested. Just remember the right answer is Yellow ITB Honda Prelude good, any other car bad. I knew I should have instructed at the school! We could have gone through some of the basics including your primary objective is to slow down those other evil ITB non-prelude cars. :D

This should be a fun year!
 
Catching and passing. :o
Oooh, I see how it is! Sure, I'll be sure to help "fix" the car while you're at the school. Aren't you a Honda/Acrura driver? And you want to help those other cars? In your school, you'll be tested. Just remember the right answer is Yellow ITB Honda Prelude good, any other car bad. I knew I should have instructed at the school! We could have gone through some of the basics including your primary objective is to slow down those other evil ITB non-prelude cars. :D

This should be a fun year!
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Dave has a good point. Unless I want him to sabatoge my car in school I better let him by first.

Jeremy - Who has already been to school once, but wants to go back again for fun!
 
Dave has a good point. Unless I want him to sabatoge my car in school I better let him by first.

Jeremy - Who has already been to school once, but wants to go back again for fun!
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We have some cool stuff also... :unsure:

Lots of Crew who have been with us for 10-20 years each (Thank you very much guys!!!) :happy204:
Scales (Loyal crew person ownes them, but is willing to help out those that are nice to us :happy204: )
Laser Alighnment tools (Again a loyal crew person ownes them, but is willing to help out those that are nice to us :happy204: )
Camber guage (Again a loyal crew person ownes them, but is willing to help out those that are nice to us :happy204: )
Lots of tools (Again a loyal crew person ownes them, but is willing to help out those that are nice to us :happy204: )

And a lot more... Crap we are dependant on our crew.... You better not offer them a clean shirt, we may loose them!!! :018:

Raymond "Yes Dave, I think this year will be fun beating you :dead_horse: " Blethen
 
So I spoke to our local IT sponsor Phil and it looks as though RA1's are in my future. If anyone wants/needs times seriosly give Phil a call he is a great guy and another racer like us.

Phil gets :023: :023: from me!
 
I try to look at tires as not just a competitive asset, but a safety element, also. Don't just go for what will be okay in the rain and cheap, but what will help you go fast while saving your butt. That said, the R-1's or the Hoosier's would be my safe bet. B)
 
Raymond - If ITB cars are catching me I really have issues!!! :D Just kidding!
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Jeremy-

I never saw you at NHIS??? where were you??? lol... I tried to catch you and put you a lap down... did I??? ;) (Sorry had to give you a little dig, welcome and congrats on your first race!!!)


Also as a FYI, my tire choice for Sundays race was a thought from outside the box... I think I made the best choice I could have... never be afraid to try something new!!!

The Conditions:
Thick cloud cover with a cold track and drizling rain, but the line was dry...

My Tire Choice:

Hoosier Dry tires in the front, and Hoosier Dirt Stockers in the rear.


PS: I was ~ 3 seconds a lap faster than my brother on the New Hooser Rains, and ~ 5 seconds a lap faster than any other ITB car. Finished 1st in class (ITB) and 5th overall against the ITS crowd (Total 25 cars qualified)
 
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