Best 200TW for the TRACK

So the RE-71R is the best 200TW tire for autocross. But I keep hearing rumors it does not last long for a powerful & heavy car on the track. Especially if it's hot. I live in the south, it's always hot.

I was planning on BFG Rivals, but they seem to have stop making most of the Mustang appropriate 19" sizes. Wheels are 19x10 ET40, and I was targeting a 285/35R19, but that seems to limit me to the RE-71R and the old RE-11 now.

I'm using a Yokohama AD08R, it's 180TW and is lasting much better than I expected. Unfortunately I don't have experience with other tires but I am happy with this one.

Once it heats up its been very predictable and grip seems fine in the high temps of Texas, cold grip is not good, as in daily street driving. Also surprised its lasting so long for a 180TW tire.

Plimmer said:

I'm using a Yokohama AD08R, it's 180TW and is lasting much better than I expected. Unfortunately I don't have experience with other tires but I am happy with this one.

Once it heats up its been very predictable and grip seems fine in the high temps of Texas, cold grip is not good, as in daily street driving. Also surprised its lasting so long for a 180TW tire.

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+1 but not SCCA autox street/CAM legal IF? that is a concern.

Peter

Apex15stangpp runs the re71 and runs some quick times in the AZ desert.

I'm in Texas and I like the RE71R just fine on hot days. It's worth trying a set at least.

On a 19x10 for the best 200tw tire for track days I'd look hard at a 275/35/19 Dunlop Star Spec or Hankook RS4.

But I'd really recommend an 18x10 and 275/35/18 Azenis RT615k+. I have a pair of those up front on 11" wheels and the 315s in back and they were awesome in the couple sessions I ran them through on track. There is a certain "New Blue" S550 tearing it up in Optima and One Lap running these tires.

SteveW said:

On a 19x10 for the best 200tw tire for track days I'd look hard at a 275/35/19 Dunlop Star Spec or Hankook RS4.

But I'd really recommend an 18x10 and 275/35/18 Azenis RT615k+. I have a pair of those up front on 11" wheels and the 315s in back and they were awesome in the couple sessions I ran them through on track. There is a certain "New Blue" S550 tearing it up in Optima and One Lap running these tires.

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Yes, too late to change wheels. I made that call when I thought the Rivals were still available in big 19" sizes.

The RS4 isn't available in 275/35R19.

RE71R hands down

I have 3 hard trackdays on them and they are still alive

I wouldn't reccomend the hankooks. I believe the rs4 sidewall is still soft.

This car needs a stiff sidewall.

xXANCHORMONXx said:

RE71R hands down

I have 3 hard trackdays on them and they are still alive

I wouldn't reccomend the hankooks. I believe the rs4 sidewall is still soft.

This car needs a stiff sidewall.

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Just talked to a friend who does a lot of tire testing for Magazines and 1Lap. His comment was the RS4 is more of a track day tire then autox as it handled the heat better than the 71R. The 71R is better autox but drops off after about 3 laps on the track. Just another data point. I will give the RS4 a try after I finally wear out the OEM PSS but that won't be until the middle of summer.

Peter

BlkGT3 said:

Just talked to a friend who does a lot of tire testing for Magazines and 1Lap. His comment was the RS4 is more of a track day tire then autox as it handled the heat better than the 71R. The 71R is better autox but drops off after about 3 laps on the track. Just another data point. I will give the RS4 a try after I finally wear out the OEM PSS but that won't be until the middle of summer.

Peter

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I agree with the hankook being more of a trackday tire. I personally picked up 3 sec with the 71r over the rs3.

I will most likely get Hoosiers next.

xXANCHORMONXx said:

I agree with the hankook being more of a trackday tire. I personally picked up 3 sec with the 71r over the rs3.

I will most likely get Hoosiers next.

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Have you noticed that it falls off as descirbed above? For TT or Time Attack, only your best lap matters. But for racing or trackday use, a tire that holds up for a full stint/session is needed.

Grintch said:

Have you noticed that it falls off as descirbed above? For TT or Time Attack, only your best lap matters. But for racing or trackday use, a tire that holds up for a full stint/session is needed.

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Not sure about falling off, toward the end of a 25 minute session they do drop off a bit.

However I am much faster in those than I ever was on pilot sports or rs3s

Grintch said:

Have you noticed that it falls off as descirbed above? For TT or Time Attack, only your best lap matters. But for racing or trackday use, a tire that holds up for a full stint/session is needed.

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Are you doing time attack or just lapping? If time attack then sure, RE71R but for lapping I'd say something else.

I have both Azenis RT615k+ and RE71R. The RE71R is a better autox tire while the Azenis definitely felt like it was better than I was on track. It seems to do best with a sustained, hard run over a long time like a track day session where as the RE71R is best for short bursts like autox.

I hear the new Azenis is very similar, if not the same, as the Star Spec so that's why I thought it would be good for your to consider that tire on your 19" wheels.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...dewall=Blackwall&partnum=735WR9Z2SS&tab=Sizes

I've heard there are a few fast people on Nexen SUR4G's.

I would have never even considered the Azenis for a track day. They were notorious for overheating and getting greasy during autocross events. Something I experienced 1st hand doing back to back runs in my Miata one event (got a free rerun for reasons I can't remember).

But that was on the 615Ks. Maybe the 615K+ is much better at heat resistance.