Trackday tyres for a novice
Discussion
I'm about to undertake my first full trackday (Llandow) in a seven type kitcar as a novice and was wondering about tyre choice.
I've got hold of a spare set of wheels 5.5x14" (to save my normal tyres)which I'm going to shod with some suitable rubber.
Trouble is I don't want to go to the expense of spending hundreds of £££££'s as I'll only be doing 2-3 days a year.
I've heard that the cheapest solution is to use very worn normal road tyres. Is this true ? or am I going to make an arse of myself ?
If true which ones should I look for at my local part worn emporium?
Next cheapest solution is some used purpose made rubber (yoko's or Avons) Which ones and where from?
If I get the bug and want to do more events then I'll smash that piggy bank and get some new hoops !
Cheers
Clanger
I've got hold of a spare set of wheels 5.5x14" (to save my normal tyres)which I'm going to shod with some suitable rubber.
Trouble is I don't want to go to the expense of spending hundreds of £££££'s as I'll only be doing 2-3 days a year.
I've heard that the cheapest solution is to use very worn normal road tyres. Is this true ? or am I going to make an arse of myself ?
If true which ones should I look for at my local part worn emporium?
Next cheapest solution is some used purpose made rubber (yoko's or Avons) Which ones and where from?
If I get the bug and want to do more events then I'll smash that piggy bank and get some new hoops !
Cheers
Clanger
Avons or Yokos would be the best choice IMO and should last well for road and 2/3 track day use - on a lightweight vehicle (unless of course, you drive sideways all day at the circuit 
).
The Bridgestone SO3 on the Chim have done about 8 track days and are nicely worn in (i drive the Tiv with a lot of Respect on a track
).
On the other hand,on an airfield day,my Pug 309, can finish off a front pair of part worn tyres in two 20 minute sessions
(although ,in the Pug ,on an airfield i prefer to drive sideways 
).
Dont be tempted to buy cheap new tyres (example WOOSUNG Dark Horse 90's
)and go straight on track.
Without curing ,they'll probably delaminate or chunks of tread will fall off (i now this from bitter experience).
Good quality Part worns -preferably of the same make -might be the best option.
Part worn tyres should have the rubber patch on the sidewall - stating as such - This suggests that they have been checked for damage before re-sale.
Hope this helps.
). The Bridgestone SO3 on the Chim have done about 8 track days and are nicely worn in (i drive the Tiv with a lot of Respect on a track
). On the other hand,on an airfield day,my Pug 309, can finish off a front pair of part worn tyres in two 20 minute sessions
(although ,in the Pug ,on an airfield i prefer to drive sideways ). Dont be tempted to buy cheap new tyres (example WOOSUNG Dark Horse 90's
)and go straight on track. Without curing ,they'll probably delaminate or chunks of tread will fall off (i now this from bitter experience).
Good quality Part worns -preferably of the same make -might be the best option.
Part worn tyres should have the rubber patch on the sidewall - stating as such - This suggests that they have been checked for damage before re-sale.
Hope this helps.
Definitely stay aware from worn out tyres. If I were you I'd use ordinary road tyres. The locaterfields are generally pretty light on tyres unless you're a complete animal (not to be recommended). As long as they're nicely bedded in before you start, and the pressures are right, you shouldn't get excessive wear. You can go for some stickier tyres if you want, but you'll have more wear and probably find the car more challenging to drive (responds faster, you have to react faster to stay in control).
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