Region: SW - Houston
Car #: 6
Year : 99, 96 Posts: 2262
Status: Offline
posted
quote:Originally posted by MPR22: My practice tires are running low on tread, do vendors usually attend regional races that will sell, mount and balance a new set of shaved tires?
I wouldn't count on it. I'd get a set before I went.
-------------------- Blake Clements
PhillipsRacePrep/SP Induction Systems/East Street Racing/MiataCage.com/Carbotech/WBR Graphics
Region: SW Division
Car #: 32
Year : 1999 Posts: 194
Status: Offline
posted
Michael,
I get my tires from Treadzone (speak to Joe). I thought it odd to have to go so far out of Texas to buy tires - but he has been extremely responsive. You can get the tires shipped directly to a Discount Tire (or similar) and get them mounted and balanced there for about 30% less than the cost at the track.
For what it is worth if you are buying RA-1's, consider 4/32" shave if you want some longevity, but a tad slower, 3/32" if you are feeling racy (most of the front of the grid will be 3/32"). 4/32" is fine unless you have a bunch of experience.
Region: Southwest
Car #: 49
Year : 90 Posts: 91
Status: Offline
posted
for Joe at Treadzone. Great Service!!!
If you mount and balance at the track, you'll pay a premium for convenience. 30%? sounds about right but what's 30 or 40 bucks amongst us friends??....I guess your gas for the weekend.
RE: Tire wear - I've been told that RA-1's hold up pretty well almost all the way down till they start showing cord. I guess that means, don't get rid of them too soon.
Perhaps some of the more experienced guys on the board can chime in on that. I don't have enough experience to validate that but when I heard it it was music to my ears since the 888 fade quickly mid-way through their life.
Region: WDCR
Car #: 13
Year : 1990 Posts: 178
Status: Offline
posted
I run the RA-1s until they cord. The last sessions are often the fastest.
-------------------- #13 SSM ME Solutions LLC Windsor Customs Racing PBC Automotive
Qik Nip
Loose Member '09 & '10 Great Lakes Regional Points Champion
Region: Cincinnati Great Lakes
Car #: 60
Year : 1990 Posts: 1487
Status: Offline
posted
quote:Originally posted by Scott Zetterstrom: The last sessions are often the fastest.
My guess it's more about the lower weight of a near finished tire than some "grip magic" that occurs as we near the cords. It's pretty amazing what 3-4 pounds less rotating mass per wheel will do for acceleration. Rick
-------------------- Fortune Cookie Racing SM 60 Directions for use: Race, Rumple, Repair ... Repeat!
Region: WDCR
Car #: 04
Year : 1993 Posts: 519
Status: Offline
posted
^ I'm glad you mentioned the shave. I have seen some other shaves that came from other "less expensive" sources. Not only were they not down to 4/32, they looked like someone had done the shave with a wood chisel.
-------------------- Lee Tilton 1993 Meowta #04 Brimtek Motorsports/ Team Four Racing Team Four Racing
Region: NER
Car #: 80
Year : 99 Posts: 100
Status: Offline
posted
Stay away from anyone trying to shave without the proper equipment. I had to buy tires hand shaved like that once because I did not think ahead to buy tires before a race weekend. You'll spend so much time with white knuckles focusing on the horrible vibrations that by the time they wear down enough to be enjoyed they are ready to be thrown away.
I have used Joe's and they are excellent. His shipping is reasonable, and the service is exceptional.