Tires for HPDE - Update from Slick to High performance

[gone_n_60]

I've been running Falken RT660's for the last year but am finding as I move up from Novice to Solo or Intermediate that the Falkens are wearing a lot quicker now. I just tried some Pirelli slick take offs that seem very good but because I'm doing HPDE not serious time attack I'd rather run a tire that will last as I improve. I've heard Nitto's do well and last longer, looking for recommendations for a track tire that can go at least two full weekends. thanks (the search didn't help fwiw)

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[1 old racer]

I am going to try the Hoosiers Track Attack the next time I need to buy tires. You may look into them for your consideration.

 

[thelostotter]

People used to recommend Nitto NT01 for durability but that is a very old tire now and personally I have much better wear with Continental Extreme Contact Force 315/30R19s squared. Nitto doesn’t make anything else for HPDE.

I feel like most 200tw tires should be able to go two events, even your RT660s. What size are you running and how do you have camber set?

 

[gone_n_60]

The RT660's are 19" 295's camber (think) is -2.5 front and -2.0 rear. I have gotten two weekends out of the RT's but last outing I had cord showing on the shoulder while the tire itself still had a lot of life left. fwiw I have upgraded my magnaride with steeda springs and steeda sway bars over the PP1.

 

[thelostotter]

I think if you increased the camber to -3.0 or slightly higher you’d even out the wear, extend the life, and get a better handling car at the same time. If you have 11” wide wheels I’d try to stick 305 tires on there. 305/30R19 is a common size and works great but does require close to -3.0 camber to fit in the fender.

 

[Biggsy]

Continental ECF as mentioned. I think that will be the best tire for your use.

 

[991GT]

If you aren't chasing times the Hankook RS4s wear like iron. I push the car super hard and have 11 days on a set of RS4s and they are about half starting tread. If you look at GRM for comparisons they are off the pace of the super 200s by 1-2 seconds but they are still a great tire.

 

[WItoTX]

RE-71RS are fantastic tires, and they definitely last more than one weekend. And when they overheat, they are still incredibly controlled.

BUT, with the ECF's, you will definitely get more laps, albeit a second or two slower, and get to experience a bit more slip, which then makes your driving skills improve that much more when you get back to a stickier tire.

Honestly, the best learning is a rainy track day. 2/3 the speed, and tons of learning that can be applied when you go 10/10ths.

 

[Turbeau]

My vote is RE-71RS or the Nankang CRS V2. The V2 will last longer (but take longer to warm compared to the RE-71RS).

 

[gone_n_60]

I think if you increased the camber to -3.0 or slightly higher you’d even out the wear, extend the life, and get a better handling car at the same time. If you have 11” wide wheels I’d try to stick 305 tires on there. 305/30R19 is a common size and works great but does require close to -3.0 camber to fit in the fender.

My wheels are SVE's 19"x10".

 

[gone_n_60]

Continental ECF as mentioned. I think that will be the best tire for your use.

Nice but they ain't cheap! Woof!

 

[Biggsy]

Nice but they ain't cheap! Woof!

You’re right. Track Day Tire used to have a crazy promo going on Buy 3 and get 1 some time ago. They have a promo going on now but for 2021 date codes

https://trackdaytire.com/product/continental-extreme-contact-force-closeout-older-production-dates/

 

[Biggsy]

Also I switched to 18s for tire costs but if a $1600 set lasts you 6-7 weekends then you’ll still come out better than a $1000 tire that will last half that. I dont know the match but might be something to consider.

 

[RedCanPp2]

I really like the chart in this page comparing lots of them:
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/track-tire-buyers-guide/

 

[Ewheels]

NT01 and RS4 were great options but they are simply old nowadays and are out-gunned by newer options.

If you are looking to simply turn laps and practice: ECF is king right now. Toyo RR or the newer R last forever and are dirt cheap but they are quite slow.

A bit faster paced and still decent life: V730, Rival S 1.5, RT660

If you're going for lap times on a 200tw: CRS, RE71RS, A052

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