I'm really frustrated by the longevity and fall-off of the cup2s (both MO and ZP versions), they are good in the first 3-4 sessions, then the drop off is steep following that. Longevity is definitely not on par with some of the other tires in the same category.

Wondering what tire options are you all running at the track other than the cup2s? I see that Toyo R888R and soon there will be availability of Nankang CR1, thinking of making a move to try out the Toyo R888R (I think Bish and others don't recommend this tire, but still want to give it a shot).

 

I you want to keep the original wheels I would go with Hoosier R7.

 

What size of the fronts would you suggest for R7?

 

I do run R888R with fairly good success. They gradually drop off; not off the cliff with performance that we see with some R compounds. A decent choice if also using as a street tire and not swapping wheels and tires at the track. Better and quieter than the old R888. They can be tough to get these days in certain sizes that work with OEM wheels. 315/30/20’s for example are on back order at Tire Rack and many of the other tire outlets.

 

Thanks, that's very good to know. I do have a separate set of wheels for track but I still drive to/from the track on them, so R888R does fit into that needs. Thinking I'll give them a shot, they do have 275/35/19 and 325/30/20 in sizes.

 

You would run the 295/30F and 335/25R

they fit on stock wheels, no rubbing

 

Same. For me the ZPs are either terrible or cord after 4 track days. On day 4 I cannot put any power down on them.
The R888Rs are a bit cheaper so I may try them.
Also thinking a Hoosier is probably the best for longevity.
Nankangs would be great, watched a few videos and they get very good reviews.

 

Thanks Mariano! that's very good to know!

Nankangs have been a great success at my local region, both the AR-1 and CR-1 has been ran by TA cars in various of classes. I do want to give them a try as well.

 

I run AR1s, great 100tw tire but only get 4 good track days out of them. Arguably fastest tire outside of a dedicated R compound. I am switching to the CR1s next opportunity. My goal is to run on a single set for a season. I run stock GTS wheels, 275 35r 19 and 305 30r 20 in back. Would love a 315 option but there are only 2 at this level... R888R and Cup2. Been there done that. The AR1 and CR1 are proven winners for ultimate grip in a street tire.

 

295 30 19 front

 

Hoosiers FTW!

I used to run NT-01s and like them a lot. Not sure if they have the right sizes though.

 

I´m considering Pirelli Trofeo R, 285/35/19 and 335/30/20. Has somebody tried this combo?

 

I may as well chime in. On our old race cars we ran all kinds of different tires. Since you guys mentioned these I will tell you what we found out about them. The toyo r888r is a very flawed tire. Compared to the cup 2 the toyo also has a drop off but it doesn’t handle as well as the cup 2 tire. The cup2 is a superior tire in every way other than straight line acceleration. The toyo was not built as a drag tire but it does work well off the line. The 888r is a very loud tire and tends to tramline on the freeway. It’s not a tire you want to use on the street especially on a car that weighs over 3700lbs. We found that the heavier the car the worse the 888r would do. My modified 2012 c63 did poorly on the 888r tire. The tire I would use for track is either the Hoosier or the trofeo r or the cup 2/cup 2r. All tires have a drop off from when it’s at its peak. The 888r has a lower drop off, but it’s a drop off from the other tires on your list anyways. The toyo proxy r of old was a superior tire in every way, but it’s for smaller sizes. I’d rather have the 4s than the 888r on the GT for the track as it’s much better in every way, but probably equal for times on the track but the other advantages would outweigh it. The other tires will just have better track times period.

 

I have a set of Hoosiers waiting to on my stock wheels and they are 295 in the front and 335 in the rear.

Challenge is I drive my car to the track haha.

 

Thanks for the info, it's really good to have data like this on the r888r, appreciate it.

I'm on the same boat

 

Hoosier specifically states to not drive these tyres on the street. They are light and thin walled compared to an actual street tyre and hence easy to puncture even from debris/potholes, etc. that normally wouldn’t be an issue. The only way to use the Hoosier on the car track wise is by either trailering the car with them already mounted, or switching wheels/tyres trackside.

I guess if you lived close to the track and know that the roads to/from are in great shape it would be fine, or at least the risks would be mitigated.

Interested to know what Mariano thinks as he has more experience with them on the GTR than anyone else I’m betting.

Bish

 

Yeah the Hoosier is a great tire for the track. I cannot remember the treadwear rating on it but I know that it is very soft and very thin walled compared to a street tire. If you’re driving to and from the track I would go with the Trofeo R. We have had great luck with that tire with wear and track times. If you get these tires through the tire rack make sure you get them heat cycled. It’s an extra $10 per tire but it’s definitely worth it as far as wear and tear and also longevity of track use. It really does work. It’s a 60 tw tire but it also works well with heavier cars. It’s not going to last 15 or 20,000 miles on the street but it’s a very good street tire that you can use on the track. At Laguna Seca you will shave about 2-3 seconds off of a lap compared to a cup 2 and 5-6 seconds off of an 888r