Best tires to use for both autocross and track days?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 474
Likes: 36
From: Central Ohio
2017 C43, 1966 230SL, 2006 Jeep Rubicon
Best tires to use for both autocross and track days?
Hi. I'll be using my 2006 C230 in several autocross events and one or two track days (including StarFest). I used Yokohama Advan AD07 the last couple years for dual duty, but they're worn out. I'm thinking of trying R-Compound, and people have been recommending the following for track use:
Nitto NT-01
Toyo RA-1
Toyo R888
Hooser R6
Kuhmo VictoRacer V700
Kuhmo V710
What are your thoughts on a good tire for 5 or 6 autocross and 2 track events this summer, and maybe lasting beyond that?
Nitto NT-01
Toyo RA-1
Toyo R888
Hooser R6
Kuhmo VictoRacer V700
Kuhmo V710
What are your thoughts on a good tire for 5 or 6 autocross and 2 track events this summer, and maybe lasting beyond that?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 474
Likes: 36
From: Central Ohio
2017 C43, 1966 230SL, 2006 Jeep Rubicon
While the V710 looks very attractive from it's specs and descriptions, my concerns with it are:
1) Is it going to hold up for a few autocrosses and a couple track days? Sounds more like an autocross tire. Only has a 30 treadwear rating - must be super sticky.
2) I can only get the squared shoulder design in my size and I'm concerned about not having proper negative camber on my C230. I've heard these cars are not very adjustable.
http://www.kumhousa.com/Tire.aspx?id...6b9e6b2&cat=18
"Kumho’s DOT-approved, W speed-rated ECSTA V710 is designed to be the best race tire in its class, particularly in autocross racing."
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....del=Ecsta+V710
"In addition to looking like pro-level racing slicks, Ecsta V710 tires perform like them as well, trading longevity for performance. Achieving the best performance requires that fresh Ecsta V710 tires be used, as their performance level will drop off after a typical race weekend's use."
"Ecsta V710 tires benefit from vehicle alignments that offer some negative camber and tires with the squared shoulder profiles will typically require more negative camber than tires with the rounded shoulder profiles."
Last edited by GermanCarShow; Mar 17, 2010 at 01:28 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 327
Likes: 1
From: Isla Verde, Puerto Rico
SRT-6
I'm using Michelin Pilot Sport Cups and they have lasted 4 weekends of 80 minutes of track time each weekend. 2 Solo 1 events and 2 autocrosses as well as driving to and from the track. All in all close to 3000 miles. Tire pressure is critical in this tire but cornering grip is impressive. Acceleration grip is only average however, especially when cold. They have a treadwear rating of 80 and are expensive. When they wear out I'm buying another set.
Les
Les
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 474
Likes: 36
From: Central Ohio
2017 C43, 1966 230SL, 2006 Jeep Rubicon
Thanks for the info! I hadn't considered the Michelin PSCs because (on Tire Rack) they don't have a correct size for my rear wheels. I need a 245/40r17 or 255/40r17. I'm not ready to invest in another set of wheels. What tires do your friends swear by?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 327
Likes: 1
From: Isla Verde, Puerto Rico
SRT-6
I would say the Michelins are the most prevalent on heavier cars followed by Toyo R888's on the lighter cars. (could be a price consideration, don't know for sure) Quite a few Hoosiers but I'm told they fall off badly as they get worn down. Some of the tires mentioned may be significantly better for an autocross.
Les
Les
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 474
Likes: 36
From: Central Ohio
2017 C43, 1966 230SL, 2006 Jeep Rubicon
Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta
http://www.vredestein.com/Banden_Ban...erSessionID=73
Rick,
Have you used these on the track?
They come in my size. They're very affordable. They are not an R-compound competition tire, but rather an Ultra High Performance class tire. I've seen Vredestein tires on classic M-Bs, but I didn't know they made performance tires.
http://www.vredestein.com/Banden_Ban...erSessionID=73
Rick,
Have you used these on the track?
They come in my size. They're very affordable. They are not an R-compound competition tire, but rather an Ultra High Performance class tire. I've seen Vredestein tires on classic M-Bs, but I didn't know they made performance tires.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 474
Likes: 36
From: Central Ohio
2017 C43, 1966 230SL, 2006 Jeep Rubicon
I'm starting to think either Toyo RA-1 (people seem to prefer it over the newer R888) or, to save some cash, Kumho VictorRacer 700. Some of these various tires I'm having a hard time finding in my size, and some are expensive ($250+ per tire).
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: Puerto Rico
2005 SL55 AMG, 1986 Porsche 930S, 1996 Porsche 993tt
Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta
http://www.vredestein.com/Banden_Ban...erSessionID=73
Rick,
Have you used these on the track?
They come in my size. They're very affordable. They are not an R-compound competition tire, but rather an Ultra High Performance class tire. I've seen Vredestein tires on classic M-Bs, but I didn't know they made performance tires.
http://www.vredestein.com/Banden_Ban...erSessionID=73
Rick,
Have you used these on the track?
They come in my size. They're very affordable. They are not an R-compound competition tire, but rather an Ultra High Performance class tire. I've seen Vredestein tires on classic M-Bs, but I didn't know they made performance tires.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 474
Likes: 36
From: Central Ohio
2017 C43, 1966 230SL, 2006 Jeep Rubicon
I'm leaning towards Nitto NT-01.
- They are DOT approved R compound, so they should be stickier than the Yoko Advan AD07 tires I had a couple summers ago.
- I can get them in an appropriate size - not true for all tires I listed in original post.
- They have a 100 tread wear rating, so they should last long enough for what I want. Kumho V710 had a 30 tread wear, and the web site said to use a new set for each race weekend!
- Nitto and Toyo are merged companies, and many people say (unsubstantiated rumor) that the NT-01 compound is same or very similar to Toyo RA-1 compound.
- I've read that they break loose gradually, no sudden fish tails or spins.
- Nitto NT-01 has very broad tread blocks, so I don't feel a need to shave the tires like I would with Toyo RA-1 and maybe even the Kumho V700 VictoRacer.
- Afordable price for a DOT approved R compound tire.
If anyone can refute any of these points, please do. I wan't to know the good, bad, and ugly of the choices I have available.
Thanks!
- They are DOT approved R compound, so they should be stickier than the Yoko Advan AD07 tires I had a couple summers ago.
- I can get them in an appropriate size - not true for all tires I listed in original post.
- They have a 100 tread wear rating, so they should last long enough for what I want. Kumho V710 had a 30 tread wear, and the web site said to use a new set for each race weekend!
- Nitto and Toyo are merged companies, and many people say (unsubstantiated rumor) that the NT-01 compound is same or very similar to Toyo RA-1 compound.
- I've read that they break loose gradually, no sudden fish tails or spins.
- Nitto NT-01 has very broad tread blocks, so I don't feel a need to shave the tires like I would with Toyo RA-1 and maybe even the Kumho V700 VictoRacer.
- Afordable price for a DOT approved R compound tire.
If anyone can refute any of these points, please do. I wan't to know the good, bad, and ugly of the choices I have available.
Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
C63 Seal Gray
I'm leaning towards Nitto NT-01.
- They are DOT approved R compound, so they should be stickier than the Yoko Advan AD07 tires I had a couple summers ago.
- I can get them in an appropriate size - not true for all tires I listed in original post.
- They have a 100 tread wear rating, so they should last long enough for what I want. Kumho V710 had a 30 tread wear, and the web site said to use a new set for each race weekend!
- Nitto and Toyo are merged companies, and many people say (unsubstantiated rumor) that the NT-01 compound is same or very similar to Toyo RA-1 compound.
- I've read that they break loose gradually, no sudden fish tails or spins.
- Nitto NT-01 has very broad tread blocks, so I don't feel a need to shave the tires like I would with Toyo RA-1 and maybe even the Kumho V700 VictoRacer.
- Afordable price for a DOT approved R compound tire.
If anyone can refute any of these points, please do. I wan't to know the good, bad, and ugly of the choices I have available.
Thanks!
- They are DOT approved R compound, so they should be stickier than the Yoko Advan AD07 tires I had a couple summers ago.
- I can get them in an appropriate size - not true for all tires I listed in original post.
- They have a 100 tread wear rating, so they should last long enough for what I want. Kumho V710 had a 30 tread wear, and the web site said to use a new set for each race weekend!
- Nitto and Toyo are merged companies, and many people say (unsubstantiated rumor) that the NT-01 compound is same or very similar to Toyo RA-1 compound.
- I've read that they break loose gradually, no sudden fish tails or spins.
- Nitto NT-01 has very broad tread blocks, so I don't feel a need to shave the tires like I would with Toyo RA-1 and maybe even the Kumho V700 VictoRacer.
- Afordable price for a DOT approved R compound tire.
If anyone can refute any of these points, please do. I wan't to know the good, bad, and ugly of the choices I have available.
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 474
Likes: 36
From: Central Ohio
2017 C43, 1966 230SL, 2006 Jeep Rubicon
I'll only have them on the street to get to/from events. I can actually get all 4 wheels/tires in my car for events that are far away, like StarFest (www.starfest2010.org). So, the noise will not bother me on the track.
After wearing out the Advan AD07 tires, I'm looking to try R compound, so I'll skip the Kumho XS. I considered the Kumho V700 VictoRacers, almost chose them. I considered the Kumho V710, but they wear way too fast and I don't have much camber adjustment in my stock suspension.
After wearing out the Advan AD07 tires, I'm looking to try R compound, so I'll skip the Kumho XS. I considered the Kumho V700 VictoRacers, almost chose them. I considered the Kumho V710, but they wear way too fast and I don't have much camber adjustment in my stock suspension.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 9
From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
On the rx-7, I've used about 6-8 sets of heat cycled V700's for track days only. Great tire .. you can almost dig the rubber out with a fingernail when hot!. They do start to require a warm-up lap after they age a bit, especially on cold days, so there may be a better option out there for dual use .. a tire that needs no warm-up for autox after a few events.
Last edited by kevink2; Mar 27, 2010 at 03:15 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 474
Likes: 36
From: Central Ohio
2017 C43, 1966 230SL, 2006 Jeep Rubicon
I bought Nitto NT-01. I'll report back on how I like them. Right now, I have 4 auto cross events and one track day scheduled. Would like to get another of each!!
