Tyre Choice for TOTB

[ZR1forFun]

I've been considering what tyres to use for the 1.25 mile, mine are OK for dragging but not top speed runs, so I will need replacements.

I assume (hopefully not too optimistically) that I will need ZR tyres that are at least 'W'(168mph) rated.

What tyres did you guys run last year and what are you running this year?

[C5RagTop]

I ran my standard EMTs which were perfect for my run. Mind you it was my first ever run and I messed up totally, backing off way before the end (only because I thought I had reached the end and NOT because I had bottled it, I might add) and posting some miserable speed which I can't remember but no doubt others will remind me of. At least my times were posted against Joe (ha, ha). I was going to try again, but unfortunately ZR1427's mishap intervened. I seem to remember that VHR was fiddling with his tyre pressures. Don't know why I answered this thread as I'm the last person to ask - no doubt someone else will tell us more.

>> Edited by C5RagTop on Sunday 7th March 21:33

[vetteheadracer]

The problem with Elvington is you need a compromise tyre. It needs to be E marked or DOT approved, it needs to be good for grip, top speed and handling.
Plus, needs to be able to get you there on the road and cope if it rains!
Last year I ran on the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tyres that the Z06 comes with and as Elsie pointed out I "fiddled" with my pressures! I increased the fronts and reduced the rears for the 1/4 and then reversed it for the 1.25 mile and left them at the factory settings for the handling.

This year I will be using something special!

[te51cle]

C5RagTop said:

Mind you it was my first ever run and I messed up totally, backing off way before the end (only because I thought I had reached the end and NOT because I had bottled it, I might add) and posting some miserable speed which I can't remember but no doubt others will remind me of. I was going to try again, but unfortunately ZR1427's mishap intervened.

Yeah yeah yeah Elsie, of course you didn't bottle it when you got to a miserable 121.8MPH !!

How about Michelin Pilot Cup Sports, or the Yokohama A032Rs ? They should be about right for all disciplines. Though it may be possible to swap tyres around for the different disciplines, I think I saw someone doing it last year, as long as all the tyres are road legal I don't see it being against the rules. So you could use the DRs for the quarter mile and Michelins for the other parts of the event.

[stevieturbo]

A few people were not quite sure where the 1.25 mile marker was last year.
It wasnt marked very well at TOTB either. I have already emailed Chris about this.

In fact, a friend was actually told by an official incorrectly where the 1.25 mile finish was. The official seemed very sure that it was at the chequered caravan thingy. In fact, it was 120yds past that point.

I dont think rain will be a worry if the past 2 years weather is anything to go by.
Id think any soft compound tyre should work well, although if doing the handling, not too sure how warm the fronts will get on such a short track.

[ZR1forFun]

I would have thought they would have had big boards put up to mark the 1 mile and 1.25 mile points.

How did they mark the 1.25 mile last time?

I'd hate to find out the hard way that I've overshot and run out of braking room....

[vetteheadracer]

Big checker boards either side of the run way and a big sign saying BRAKE!

Also you know where the 1.25 mile is as there is a viewing platform / stand on the right and you can see the tri-pod with the photo-electric beam which measures the speed.

[ZR1427]

Or simply set your trip

[ZR1forFun]

That's handy to know VHR, I'd have kept going until I saw the gantry with 'Santa Pod' and 'Halfords' on it....

Cliff, I don't fancy looking down at 160 mph...

[vetteheadracer]

....that's the beauty of HUD!

[stevieturbo]

The chequered boards were 120 yds BEFORE the timing gear.

And having to watch the side of the road at 150+ for timing gear isnt really the best way to do things.