National Spec tire for regional racers

[Bruce]

I must first tell everyone that I know that this will never happen, but it's so funny that someone would even think that this has a chance of happening. It was suggested that we should have a grooved spec tire for regional racers. This tire is to be used nationally by all
FV drivers in dry or wet weather. The person that suggested this also thinks that the FV class is not a drivers class.
Brian McCarthy tried to explain to these#@$%!^&% why this will not happen and then tried to help them develop a spec tire rule for their individual regions. He even offered to give them all the input from our region, but was ridiculed as if he has no idea what he was talking about.
I have to say if this is the kind of input the adhoc committee has to put up with I think they are not going to get very far. I personally have given up on this concept, but will hope they succeed.

[tvracer]

Bruce, I wouldn't get all that shook up about it, it was only a few people ON A FORUM that had a problem with what Brian said.

I tried to help to set them straight.

Forums are funny things, a few comments can make one think things are hopeless, but really, forum comments are NOT the views of the group as a whole. Most (by a huge majority) Vee people aren't on forums anyway.

I do think the Committee needs to contact the majority of Vee drivers who are not on the forums.

Tom

[DerElf]

Well bruce, you peaked my interest and I went and looked at the thread on the interchange.

Man, I wish I had as much time to prep my car as they have to post!

I agree with Tom, this is not the majority in any way shape or form.

[sweenrace]

It seems clear that its unlikely to happen BUT!, as a hypothetical which would you prefer?

1. Open tire rule @ $600-$700 a set, competitive for < 10 heat cycles
2. Spec AR/Slick type tire @ $400 approx a set, competitive for < 10 heat cycles
3. Spec Treaded "long life" tire @ $700 a set, competitive for 1/2 season

I'm really interested on your thoughts in regard to racing a treaded tire versus slick tire? Do you care?

Ian

[DerElf]

Ian;

I am not into the treaded tire idea because of the weight that usually goes along with tires of this type. I drove a vee on the old recaped radials...not fun.

The open tire rules exists because "the guys at the top" are in bed with the tire comapnies, simple as that, and the tire companies are in bed with the SCCA. It all comes back to money.

FYI the IMCA modified American Racers in the pictures on the Team Elf Website are the dirt guys SPEC tires. They cost $94 retail and last quite awhile. Why do our AR's use a third of the material and cost almost as much?

As it stands right now the ARs are the best alternative...for much more that 10 cycles for cheap bastards like YHN.

Face it, we got it right in this region but no one outside of here will listen.

[sweenrace]

good point marty - hadnt thought about weight.

I know its not going to happen but i can still dream....i can see all those $400 tire bills going towards a nice new data aquisition system or one of those cool quiet honda generators or some new clothes so i dont have to wear thunderhill t-shirts into work anymore!!

[RichK]

One of the most satisfying things (to me) about driving a racecar is learning to really use proper racing tires. Warming them up, going fast on cold tires in an early morning qualifying session on a foggy Laguna morning, and saving them during a long National race all take experience & skill.

Going to grooved or "street-radial" type tires would suck, IMO.

[robert]

Bruce,

Guess I'm the #@$%!^&% that you are speaking of.

The subject of this thread that you started, national spec tire for regional racer, is not what I suggest. I would like to see a spec tire used through out FV, not just at regional levels.

So are you guys unhappy with the tires you are using? If not, what's wrong with all of FV enjoying the cost savings and increased interest in FV racing your region has experienced?

Would it ruin your tires if they were grooved or treaded? It would eliminate the need for rain tires, as well as reduce the number of wheels needed.

Tires are without doubt one of the single largest performance factors in racing, and when you have similar cars and comparable drivers, new tacky tires will be quicker than "experienced" tires, and be far quicker than the old "hard as my ex wife's heart" tires some have to run due to budget constaints.

Why not reduce the importance and cost of tires, and help make the driver a larger part of the equation?


There are plenty of really talented drivers that simply can't afford the tires it takes to run at the front. Therefore they can't win. Is that a driver's class?

I don't dismiss driving talent as an important factor, but without fresh tires you are very unlikely to run at the front of a national race.



DerElf,

the tire weight thing does not have to be an issue. A treaded tire intended for racing can be practically as light as a slick.

The tire they are using in Western Australia is a pretty tacky tire, with a tread that makes it all weather. It has does not have the deep grooves and thick tread of a street tire.

I guess if there is enough support for gumball racing tires that need pampering to last a long race, and require replacement for each race to maintain performance, that is what we will have. I happen to favor the reduced costs and level playing field that spec tires can offer, and would like to see them adopted throughout FV.

If the committee does a proper survey that reflects the majority, I have no trouble accepting the results.

robert