Street tires on a Spec E30 for training

#1

I’ll have my SpecE30 in a couple weeks. What are your thoughts on this idea?

I have 45ish DE days on street tires in a 911. I figure that since I’m used to streets, why not stick with them for a while? They’re cheaper, they last longer, and there’s plenty to be learned on them.

I intentionally delayed going to a DOT-R tire. I think that too many novices prematurely go to a DOT-R. So why does getting a SpecE30 mean an immediate shift to DOT-R? Why not spend the next 6 months worth of track days on DOT-R’s?

Ok, I’ll be slower. Who cares? It’s skills I need now. I’ll astonish everyone with my speed later.

Your thoughts?

#2

I’m running in quite a few HPDEs first on falken azenis, then once I have the car fairly sorted out, I’ll switch to the R compound. But I agree that aggressive street tires can help you build skills.

#3

I wouldn’t wait too long to start running the toyos. Racing means pushing closer to the edge everywhere and if you don’t know where the edge is you won’t push to it. The good thing about a spec series is you can look at what others are doing and tell yourself that the car should be able to do X and if you’re not doing it then it is you who needs to develop.
cheers,
bruce

#4

Part of this issue is cost savings. I figure that street tires should be cheaper ($64) and more durable. Where are you guys getting your Toyo’s?

#5

I think Edge Racing has the best price on Toyos.

#6

I have found a source on ebay for used RA1’s from a Spec Miata team. Most of the tires have 70% or more of the shaved tread depth left. I just got a set for $200 shipped and they have at least 2 weekends left in them. I bought them for practice but they looked so good I raced on them last weekend. Maybe I shouldn’t have given out my secret source.

#7

IMO RA1s behave exactly like really good street tires, albeit with a tiny bit more grip. They are wussy r-comps. :stuck_out_tongue: