Solo performance street tire FAQ
Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 11:53 am
Novices often ask what kind of tires to get for Solo events. Similarly, autocross regulars are often interested in the latest information on "Street Touring" style tires (200 treadwear or higher).
These "Extreme Summer" 200TW performance tires have the necessary grip and tread design to work well at Solo events, but superior durability and pricing (usually) than a full race tire. You probably wouldn't want these all four seasons on your daily driver, but they work great for both Solo and the drive to the event and back.
Helpful Articles
2017 Street Tire Preview by Tracktuned:
http://www.tracktuned.com/feed/2016/12/ ... e-overview
2016 Grassroots Motorsports Street Tire Shootout by veteran autocrosser Andy Hollis
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/artic ... -shootout/
2013 update from Andy:
Street Tire FAQ Part II: 2013
http://www.facebook.com/notes/hollis-ra ... 2972476008
2012 guide from Andy:
Street Touring and Track Day Tire FAQ - UTQG 140+
http://www.facebook.com/notes/hollis-ra ... 8598916447
(For more good info from Andy, also read his top ten autocross driving tips.)
Picking a Tire
There is no one perfect tire for every vehicle. Each model of tire has its own driving characteristics on the limit, and may behave differently based on the car's weight and suspension geometry (ex: heavy camber-limited car vs. lightweight car with upgraded suspension). It's hard to go wrong with the BFGoodrich Rival-S or Bridgestone RE-71 as of today, but a little homework might yield the best result.
To see what is available for your car, the easy button is to go to TireRack.com and plug in your tire size. From there, narrow the search results by Performance Category to Summer Passenger Tires, then further to Extreme Performance Summer. There you will probably find the usual suspects. If your car has an uncommon OE size, may also want to search a slightly different size to get more options. Owners of similar cars on forums and social media may be able to offer some tips.
Other than improving driver skill, a dedicated set of performance wheels and tires is the single biggest upgrade you can make. Before you buy, do consult the Rules under the Autocross/Solo program section at SCCA.com. Some of the lower classes do have modification limits on wheel diameter or width.
These "Extreme Summer" 200TW performance tires have the necessary grip and tread design to work well at Solo events, but superior durability and pricing (usually) than a full race tire. You probably wouldn't want these all four seasons on your daily driver, but they work great for both Solo and the drive to the event and back.
Helpful Articles
2017 Street Tire Preview by Tracktuned:
http://www.tracktuned.com/feed/2016/12/ ... e-overview
2016 Grassroots Motorsports Street Tire Shootout by veteran autocrosser Andy Hollis
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/artic ... -shootout/
2013 update from Andy:
Street Tire FAQ Part II: 2013
http://www.facebook.com/notes/hollis-ra ... 2972476008
2012 guide from Andy:
Street Touring and Track Day Tire FAQ - UTQG 140+
http://www.facebook.com/notes/hollis-ra ... 8598916447
(For more good info from Andy, also read his top ten autocross driving tips.)
Picking a Tire
There is no one perfect tire for every vehicle. Each model of tire has its own driving characteristics on the limit, and may behave differently based on the car's weight and suspension geometry (ex: heavy camber-limited car vs. lightweight car with upgraded suspension). It's hard to go wrong with the BFGoodrich Rival-S or Bridgestone RE-71 as of today, but a little homework might yield the best result.
To see what is available for your car, the easy button is to go to TireRack.com and plug in your tire size. From there, narrow the search results by Performance Category to Summer Passenger Tires, then further to Extreme Performance Summer. There you will probably find the usual suspects. If your car has an uncommon OE size, may also want to search a slightly different size to get more options. Owners of similar cars on forums and social media may be able to offer some tips.
Other than improving driver skill, a dedicated set of performance wheels and tires is the single biggest upgrade you can make. Before you buy, do consult the Rules under the Autocross/Solo program section at SCCA.com. Some of the lower classes do have modification limits on wheel diameter or width.