Hello all. I was reading an article on racing with street radials(not D/Rs) and in the article(HRM I believe) it says to not use the burnout box, heat will affect the street tire ability to grip, and to increase tire pressure slightly beyond stock. Also to test the tires' contact patch on a dry, clean surface. Tread impression should be consistant across the width of tire(meaning optimal tire pressure).
Any comments, or experiences on this method?

 

Sounds about right, except for the overinflation thing. That would reduce the contact patch.

 

In road racing we over inflate to decrease side wall roll, increase slip angle, and thus increase/alter cornering traction and steering bias.


I dont know about drag racing. The method described for checking optinum tire pressure for the largest possible contact patch is valid.

 

pressure should go down. i did however make my best run after doing a rather wicked burnout in the box on street tires. byut generally avoid the water box and just give them a quick spin the clean off any debris from the pit area.

 

+1. well everyone says dont heat up street tires, but my best launches came after doing a 2nd gear 15sec burnout. To each his own I guess. Do what works for you, not what everyone else "says" works.