So, my first event of the season looks like it's going to be Feb28-Mar1 @ VIR with the Trackdaze crew. These guys run a top-notch event.

Anyway, I'm currently running Goodyear Eagle F1 ultra performance all-seasons. These did remarkably well my last time out back in November at the same track when it was in the 40's and wet. No traction issues whatsoever. Had plenty of grip (at least from a newbie track guy perspective). Considering the February event is still early in the year, and will probably still be a little cold and maybe wet again, do you guys think I should keep these on? The rears have a little bit of tread left...I was thinking just enough to get me into warmer weather.

My plan was to go after a set of summer tires before my first event, but realized it might still be cold and grip might not be as good with summer tires?

Before anyone recommends that I should think about investing in a dedicated set of track tires AND wheels, I already have...and can't reasonably justify it to the wife until I off-load all the extra crap in my garage...which has been a serious work in progress.

Maybe by keeping them on, I can establish a more current, fresh in my mind baseline for how she performs on the track with my cooling ducts and water/meth installed?

Maybe I already know the answer, but figured I ask.

Thanks for looking!

 

Hi Greg,

Since the conditions are likely to be similar to when we were there in Nov, at least temp wise, stick with your current GYs. They are a "know" quantity at least.

On the other hand, if you really want to get a new set of summer tires now - look into some of the Nitto offerings (there are many, many choices - I just happen to be most familiar with Nitto). The Nitto Invos are pretty popular with guys who are mostly street but like to do a few track days. The NT05 is the more hard core - its a street tire but with higher grip and less comfort. Either one would probably work very well for you but keep in mind next winter. These are both summer tires and don't like freezing temps much (assuming you are still in the DC area next winter).

 

Brad! What's up, dude!

Thanks for the input, man. That is what I was feeling: staying with the Goodyears until it warms up. I think it would be a good baseline to compare against whatever summer tire I decide to go with anyway.

What is your first event of '11?

 

Since you're a newbie (just like me, I've got one full season behind me), I'd just run the GE's till they're bald. You don't fight for tenths of seconds yet so it really doesn't matter that much.

If you want another advice on the tires, I've had Dunlop Direzza Star Spec's in 245/45/18 and loved them. Night and day difference between the stockers on my 06' GT and these. Too bad I have to sell them half worn, I'm upgrading to GT500 brakes and they won't fit on wider rims.