Tires...worth the Change?

[mhoward1]

I know how much of a pain it was for many to go from the Kuhmo's to the Toyos, and especially from the RA1’s to the R888’s and back again.

BUT…

Looking at the contingency from BFG and the reviews on the GF R1 seems really good. The tire payoffs are for groups as small as three cars.

http://www.nasaproracing.com/contingency/bfgoodrich_contingency_program/2012_BFGoodrich_Tire_Regional_Contingency_Info.pdf


Thoughts?

[Bob Cowan]

I used the R1 last year and I liked it. I'm just an amateur, but I thought i was easily as good as the Kumho V710, and a little easier to find. I've been keeping an eye on the durometer, and they seem to be holding up well. If the contingency looks good to you, I'd go for it.

This year I think I'm going to use a Hoosier R6; only because they have they size I want to use. I don't think they'll be any better.

[johngeorge]

Marty, I tried these tires at NHMS in a HPDE session and didnt like them at all, seemed too greasy and not the same consistent grip that the Toyos give. Also I found it hard to get them back if you over heated them.

I personally like the Toyos and find their contingency very nice for 2012
http://www.nasaproracing.com/contingency/toyo_tires/2012_Toyo_Tires_Regional_Champ_Contingency_Info.pd f

John

[mhoward1]

John,
just out of curiosity when did you try them. BFG introduced a new R1 V2 and compound back in January 2012 and I wonder if you had the new ones or the old ones. They actually have new order numbers to separate the V1s and V2s.

I will say the Toyo 2012 program looks better than last year, but still lacking the BFG one.

[johngeorge]

It was on the old BFGs then.

Also switching tires will not be easy, its a political issue with NASA as Toyo is their tidal sponsor and am sure they are keen to keep the spec classes they have now.

[mhoward1]

It was on the old BFGs then.

Also switching tires will not be easy, its a political issue with NASA as Toyo is their tidal sponsor and am sure they are keen to keep the spec classes they have now.

Good point. With the Contract running to 2015 I bet you are right we won't see any change for a while. Seems BFG is going after the SpecZ, PTx, and STx classes.