Toyo's RA1 being disscontinued

#1

Just got off the phone with my tire rep and he told me that toyo is phasing out the RA1’s but because there are so many spec miata and the spec 30 guys the 205 should be able to last sometime deep into 08
He also told me that the replacement tire model ??? was similar to the yokahoma ?? that he was not impressed with.

#2

I believe the new tire is the R888? and has been available overseas for awhile now.

Maybe this would be a good time to discuss the possibility of moving to a 150-200 treadwear tire such as the T1-R for future use?

The tread pattern on the new tire is very similar to that of the Yokos:

#3

I like to run a lot of events and a 150 rated tire would help me a bunch…Do the ST class guys shave them? If Toyo makes em we ought to talk to them, the idea may not work from a tire construction point…

Al

#4

When is Toyo announcing the switch? Will the R888 be the spec tyre for SM?

#5

It was a while ago, so I’m not sure if I’m right or not but I remember reading that the new tire is the same compound as the RA-1. I’ll try to find where I saw that.

#6

You’ll just shred the rubber off. It needs to be a real race tire.

#7

Toyo announced the R888 today and mentions discussions with SCCA and NASA on the transition …

http://www.toyo.com/docs/tires/tires.asp?lpid=30029&name=Proxes%20R888&category=sport [file name=Toyo_R888_Release07.doc size=75776]http://spece30.com/media/kunena/attachments/legacy/files/Toyo_R888_Release07.doc[/file]

#8

Went to a very informative session sponsored by Gran Turismo East (GTE in the ATL), where two Toyo guys came and gave a little presentation on the R triple 8 (their pronunciation).

To sum up what I learned, others may have already heard this but it was news to me:

  • Same rubber compound as RA-1, just different casing and tread design
  • 6/32s new vs. 8/32 for the RA-1
  • Their tests have it outperforming the RA-1 in everything, including wet handling and braking, but not aquaplanning resistance
  • RA-1 isn’t officially discontinued and won’t be until SCCA / NASA negiotiations are complete (and seemed to hint that even then it may not be)
  • No word on price.
  • 205 / 15 available 4th Q 07

The event was awesome, GTE is the same store that dropped $50 on Travis for winning 6th place at RA. Kieran is a good guy and they love to help racers / de’rs, etc. Free food and beer, stickers, hats, thanks to GTE and TOYO…

#9

Interesting. I wonder if there will be any advantage to shaving them with the reduced tread depth?

#10

The tech guy said shaving to 4/32s for best dry grip is still the suggestion along with -2 to -5 camber.

I think shaving eliminates the few voids around the shoulders, but I don’t think we’ll know for sure what difference if any it makes until someone tries them.

#11

I think most of us are more concerned about stability and cost (both price and lifespan).

The RA1, most of the time, seems like a pretty consistent tire that we can run right down to the end.

With a spec tire requirement (e.g. a captive audience) we don’t want to get hosed financially by the new tire if and when it is adopted. Does anyone know at what level of NASA these decisions are being made? Is it the national organization, or the series directors, (Mills/Hunt), or what?

We should get our voices pointed in the correct direction on this topic before all the decisions are made.

#12

Chuck, If this is a money issue, it is highly unlikely there will be substantial price difference between the new verses old tire. Furthermore, it sounds like Toyo is driving this train without concern about what we think. Obviously, performance, not price is more important to them. If they don’t make the RA-1 and we want tire money for podium finishes, what choice do we have?

#13

No 14"?
Bottlecap budget racers screwed again. :pinch:

#14

Any update on this yet? Will RA-1s still be the tire for this class next year? I have a line on a couple of sets locally for a great price, but dont want to get something that I wont be able to use.

#15

I haven’t heard any news on this yet. I asked the Sasco rep at the track this past weekend if they had seen or had the the new tire available. He hadn’t seen them yet. I would imagine we will have the opportunity to use up what we have before the new tire is mandated, but that is just a guess.