Bargain Track Tyres

masertel

Member
Messages
102
Seems the Porsche Cup racers have been busy this year and there is a glut of used Michelin 25/64-18 and 27/65-18 competition slick tyres available.

Just by chance these tyres are a perfect fit for a 3200/4200 18 in wheels (both front and rear). I used a set of them at a track day this year and the difference between them and a road tyre is night and day (not recommended for a wet track though!!).

Thankfully I have a spare set of 18 in wheels to fit them on as have aftermarket 19in wheels for road use. As you can't legally drive to the track on them you will need a mate to transport the race tyres to the track as they won't fit in a 4200.

The tyres can be purchased for £30 each from SW Adair Tyres, 49 Killymore Road, Omagh, Co. Tyrone N.Irealnd Tel : 02881648428 (Ask for Bill Adair). They retail tyres to many of the Rally guys throughout the UK & Ireland and I got to know Bill as he provides a very good tyre service at the track days here in Norin Iron. (photo of tyres attached)

Although used there is still plenty of life in the tyres and they are ideal for doing the odd track day thus avoiding the hassle of destroying your road tyres. A set of these racing slicks new retails for around £1300 so at £120 for a full set has to be a bargain!!

Bill advised me he can ship the tyres and is happy to quote competitively. I live about 70 miles from his premises and he only charged me £10 per tyre to deliver so not worth me taking the time to collect.

Rubber up Gents and play safe!!

Terry
 

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dunnah01

Member
Messages
648
I thought you needed to have a roll cage fitted to trackday on slicks or is that just the circuits I've messed about on?
 

Corranga

Member
Messages
1,219
Given recent discussion in the wheel spacers thread with folk worrying about additional load and suspension wear, it's probably worth noting that the potential additional stresses you can put on the car with slicks on over road tyres absolutely will add more wear and stress.

Most Elise guys wouldn't run slicks on a standard car, and that's a car that weighs about half of these big GT's.

Something to consider if you're not sure anyway..
 

philw696

Member
Messages
25,119
Back in my Rallying days and we were allowed to use slicks the grip was amazing and reduced stage times immensely.
The cost was drive shafts and CV joints on my MK1 Golf GTi.
Would love to have tried slicks on my 4200 on track.
 

masertel

Member
Messages
102
I thought you needed to have a roll cage fitted to trackday on slicks or is that just the circuits I've messed about on?

No issues using slicks at a track day in Ireland- many cars without roll cages use them. Not sure about the rest of the UK as never tracked there. At £120 per set makes sense all day long as the car is more predictable, faster and you're not trashing your expensive road tyres.

All cars are stressed more when on track however the higher profile 18in slicks absorb the curbs better than low profile road tyres especially if running a 19in wheel. If anything the slicks should be better suited to the track and less strain on the car than low profile road tyres with soft sidewalls. The 4200 Trofeo cars raced for many years on slicks without major issue although no doubt helped by a 300kg weight reduction. Overall the 4200 suspension when fitted with revised springs and ARB is well suited to track work. Have no doubt the ball joints will wear out faster when tracked but for me the joy of driving flat out round a circuit is worth the extra maintenance. In the long-run a Garage Queen will most likely give more trouble than a car that gets driven hard occasionally.

If you're planning to do several track days I think using a set of slicks will save money over time as won't be spending thousands on tyres. Of course I could be wrong- only time will tell!!