Track day tire decision

[Bossdog]

I have a 2019 GT PP2 I use at HPDE's, All the normal suspension upgrades. Track day wheels are BC Forged KL11's 10" up front, 10.5" rear
Currently I'm running Toyo Proxy RR's, 295/30/19 (replaced in 2025 by the Proxy R's) on all 4 corners. The Toyo RR's (and R's) have a 40 treadwear rating. I have 20 heat cycles on them; I can tell they are coming to end of life based on my last session this past weekend .

Here is my quandary:
My Next Track weekend is Watkins Glen, Do I try to get another 7 heat cycles out of the tires or Start with a new set?

Tires have become the most expensive part of the HPDE experience. $2000 +/- for a set of tires that will get 20 to 25 heat cycles, that is 6 track days (3 weekends) Around $700 per weekend. ( $500 per weekend if you squeeze 4 weekends out of the tires ( 28 – 30 heat cycles)
The Toyo R's sell for about $1,400 for a set of 4, heat cycled but they are sold out nationwide with no restock date available. Even at that bargain price, 6 track days (3 weekends) is just under $500 per weekend.

My Alternative to the Proxy R's are Vitour P1's at $2,000 for a set of four (Heat cycled). Squeezing 1 more full weekend out of my current RR's puts $500 to $666 in my pocket. The risk is if they get greezey and sloppy early in the weekend, I've blown a bunch of cash to participate, Travel 9 hours, and not be able to push the car.

There is no "right" answer, so, what would you do?

I appreciate everyone's input

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[LFSoccer2k6]

I’m in a somewhat similar boat. I got a good 18 or so heat cycles with my Cup 2, including my 3 hour drive on them to the track and back home the next day. The cup 2 are just ridiculously expensive. I had a buddy try the new pirelli trefeo that come on the darkhorse and they barely lasted 10 heat cycles. From some other track buddies, the potenza re-71rs (newer model is rz) come highly recommended. You can get them with rebates for roughly $1800 now. I am probably going with these for my next tire unless I find some deals on a cup 2.

 

[WItoTX]

Supercar 3Rs. Awesome tire in general.

But yes, tires are expensive.

 

[VictorH]

I'm currently running Vitour P1 tires and have only one weekend on them. However, based on the wear pattern I'm seeing, I don't think they're going to be very durable and will probably show cords before they heat cycle out.

 

[NightmareMoon]

Life is too short to run on dead tires.

Track days arent cheap in these heavy large cars. If cost is starting to become a problem, try to learn to like a slower endurance tire, or follow the herd and get to know the Miata or BRz, which are still delightful to push on track, faster in the corners, just not as fun in the straights

 

[Bossdog]

I'm currently running Vitour P1 tires and have only one weekend on them. However, based on the wear pattern I'm seeing, I don't think they're going to be very durable and will probably show cords before they heat cycle out.

That is interesting, all the other info i have gathered on the P1's indicate they should be long-lived as far as the 200 tread ware category. My other option is the GY F1 Supercar 3. I'll probably try the Vitour first then the GY Supercar 3 next

 

[DRAGOON]

I run Falken RT660 & get good wear, plus you can run them on a damp track, green track and all dry. My cup 2’s are only dry track for obvious safety. Falken has a RT 660+ which is on my list soon. I don’t keep “heat cycles” but observe tire condition during and after every track day during post track safety inspection.

 

[allfivefifty]

You can use used race slicks for half the price and beat those 200 tread wear tires mentioned. Unless you plan to drive the car to the track or use them in the a lot of rain they are good options.

 

[SBR70.3]

Allegedly, the new RE71RZ is more durable than the outgoing RS version. I have used the RE71RS for 3 seasons and have been impressed.

Ya, tires and oil aren't cheap when it comes to HPDE. One more reason I almost prefer to track my GTI over my Mach 1.

 

[LFSoccer2k6]

Allegedly, the new RE71RZ is more durable than the outgoing RS version. I have used the RE71RS for 3 seasons and have been impressed.

Ya, tires and oil aren't cheap when it comes to HPDE. One more reason I almost prefer to track my GTI over my Mach 1.

I have heard the same about the RZ. I was looking to get the RS or RZ but ended up finding a steal on some cup 2 so maybe after those ones are toast I’ll get the RZ.

 

[VictorH]

That is interesting, all the other info i have gathered on the P1's indicate they should be long-lived as far as the 200 tread ware category. My other option is the GY F1 Supercar 3. I'll probably try the Vitour first then the GY Supercar 3 next

There might be a driver style component to this factor.
I've been though many sets of Cup2s and only once heat cycled a set out. The rest all wore out by showing cords and I run a pretty good track alignment.
Maybe the Vitours will be just fine and if you've got the $$, give them a try. The more data we have on tires, the better choices we all can make when it's time to look for a new set.
I've not run the RE-71s (RS or RZ) on the Mustang yet, but I always got really good wear in another car of similar weight, that was front-engine too.

 

[SHOdaddy68]

The endurance league I race in is a "spec tire" series. We all have to run the Hankook RS4 tire. For a 200TW tire, they are remarkably good. Very predictable at the limit, decent grip, adequate in the rain, and we can get 20 or more hours out of a set depending on the track and weather conditions.

 

[The_sleipnir]

I’m using 325s Rydanz R53. This is their new tire between a full slick and a semi slick.

The performance is honestly surprisingly good. There’s no tire noise, it doesn’t feel scary in the rain, and it warms up very quickly.

It’s currently used on a lot of 1000hp+ cars and GTRs in China. The only problem is probably that they’re hard to get.

 

[Bossdog]

You can use used race slicks for half the price and beat those 200 tread wear tires mentioned. Unless you plan to drive the car to the track or use them in the a lot of rain they are good options.

What size race slicks work on the S550? It seems most are too tall.

 

[Bossdog]

I pulled off my Proxes RR's to inspect and scrape off collected marbles of rubber from the last track weekend. As I finished the last tire (Front Driver), I could see some cords exposed very slightly. Knowing what to look for I reinspected the passenger side front and did see the beginings of cord reveal on that tire too. So, No decision to be made, I ordered the Vitour P1"s.
The Proxes R's sell for $1550 with tax and heat cycling, $260 per track day ( 6 days, or 3 weekends) and they are Super sticky!
The vitour P1's were $2000 with tax. Thats $333 per track day if they last 6 days, $250 per day if they last 8 days.
I'll report back next time this year as I only get 3 weekends per season (first weekend this season used up the Proxes RR's only 2 weekeds left this season).

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