AX tires

[Tim Souza]

This is my first full season of AX (I ran the last 4 events of last year).

I need to know what the best tire is for me to run on my 01 996. I will be using the 18" classic wheels.

I would prefer to drive to the track on these tires if they can handle it, however, I do have "street" wheels and tires and could change them out at the track. Any help would be appreciated.

[RickK]

You could get a bunch of different answers to this question because everyone has their own opinion as what is best from their own experience. However, to give us more information to help you, what class are you planning on running in? You mentioned hoping to be able to drive to and from the stadium on these tires which leads me to think that you are thinking of running on DOT R tires in S or above. For a brand new driver in this sport I and probably most others would recommend staying on street tires for the first year or so.

[Tim Souza]

I'm running in MSS. I bought (and used) a set of Pirelli's and after 4 AX, 1DE and the performance driving school, I think they are done.

At this point i'm totally stock, so I have a few points use and thought this was the best avenue.

[Greg Phillips]

If running SS, I would look at the Kumho Ecsta MX, Yokohama AVS ES 100 in the bargain category and if price no object the BFG G-Force TA KD.
If you had 17 inch wheels, the Falken Azenis sports are another good tire.

Greg

[RickK]

I'll second the Ecsta MX. I have been quite happy with that tire after running several other more expensive ones that did not offer the same performance and long life.

[bryanearll]

Hey Tim!!!
Don't change a doggone thing. I haven't, despite lot's of advise and questions. We will both be running NS/S. I did buy the Kumho MX's, but they are not yet installed. After getting the tires I'm thinking I still have some DOT 280 tread left on the bad boy Bridgestones. Or go ahead and put the Kumho's on and if you are the better driver then I'll be able to blame the lousy tires!!!! HAHAHAHA!!!

Point being, it was good hanging with you at the driving school and there is nothing better than a friendly rivalry.
Bryan

See you on the 30th!!
b

[Tim Souza]

Any idea of how long the kuhmo's should last if I just use them for AX?

Hey Bryan, what is up with NS/S - Unless they changed something, I ran MS/S last year!?!?

[Steve Grosekemper]

Ya! there are changes to the 2005 rules!
Go to the rules page and about 1/3 of the way down you will find

2005 rules in plain english!

http://www.pcasdr.org/tech/rules.html

This is where I have outlined all the major rules changes for 2005.
after reading this download the registration form and find your new class.

[Kim Crosser]

FYI on the BFG T/A-KDs. I like them and have been running them for almost 2 years now (on my 4th set currently), but you need to plan on replacing them at around 6500 miles if you go to every AX. They are slippery for the first few hundred miles, then they handle very well until you have about 30-35% tread left, when they get slippery again.

I always try to get that "last" AX out of the tires, since there is still plenty of wear before hitting the wear bars, but it is always a bad idea.

Cost-wise, they are pretty competitive with the Bridgestones, Michelins, and Pirellis - my last set (17") was only $950 installed and balanced at Discount Tire (of course, I don't take the extended warranty - when the tires only last 6500 miles, there isn't any point).

[Tim Souza]

Thanks for all the information!!

Steve, thanks for the info. on the rules, I knew there were some changes, I just didn't think it effected my class.

If anyone is looking for MS/S magnets...let me know.

[RickK]

I run the MXs and get a full season out of a set, this sometimes even includes a big track weekend, but those will change your replacement frequency. Of course I do not drive the car on the street much during the year, doing 15-20k street miles will have some effect as well, I would imagine.

[Brett Souza]

I'm sticking with the stock Bridgestones. I imagine seat time will be more important than any other modification.

See you at the Q!

[bryanearll]

The threat of rain has retired the old tires. The Kumho's are on Tim. BTW they feel kind of frisky!!
Bryan