Nankang AR-1 Tyre experience
Discussion
Has anyone got any race/ track day experience of Nankang AR-1 tyres, preferably in comparison to the usual suspects - Yoko A048s, Toyo 888s, Avon ZZR?
The Nankangs are a good price but seem slightly heavier, and for the same car and driver on the same track are they any faster or slower? Anyone done any back to back comparisons?
The Nankangs are a good price but seem slightly heavier, and for the same car and driver on the same track are they any faster or slower? Anyone done any back to back comparisons?
Hi Andy,
First, congratulations on your Mag Sevens debut and for being so refreshingly modest about it on a forum full of know-it-alls. Speaking of which.......
Yes, I bought a set of AR-1s a year or so ago to replace some R888Rs. I also have a set of ZZRs. I’ve run them all on track.
I compared the Nankangs back to back with the ZZRs at Snetterton and found them (surprisingly) almost as quick (maybe half a second in it). But the Nankangs feel heavier and stiffer, and somehow not quite as nimble. In road use they are noticeably noisier, but because they have a taller profile - same as the 888s - they give a nicer ride.
Overall they feel to me most like the Toyos on road and on track. For outright lap time I’d go for the ZZRs, or Kumhos of course.
All that’s just personal impressions - nothing scientific I’m afraid,,.
First, congratulations on your Mag Sevens debut and for being so refreshingly modest about it on a forum full of know-it-alls. Speaking of which.......
Yes, I bought a set of AR-1s a year or so ago to replace some R888Rs. I also have a set of ZZRs. I’ve run them all on track.
I compared the Nankangs back to back with the ZZRs at Snetterton and found them (surprisingly) almost as quick (maybe half a second in it). But the Nankangs feel heavier and stiffer, and somehow not quite as nimble. In road use they are noticeably noisier, but because they have a taller profile - same as the 888s - they give a nicer ride.
Overall they feel to me most like the Toyos on road and on track. For outright lap time I’d go for the ZZRs, or Kumhos of course.
All that’s just personal impressions - nothing scientific I’m afraid,,.
FST said:
Hi Andy,
First, congratulations on your Mag Sevens debut and for being so refreshingly modest about it on a forum full of know-it-alls. Speaking of which.......
Yes, I bought a set of AR-1s a year or so ago to replace some R888Rs. I also have a set of ZZRs. I’ve run them all on track.
I compared the Nankangs back to back with the ZZRs at Snetterton and found them (surprisingly) almost as quick (maybe half a second in it). But the Nankangs feel heavier and stiffer, and somehow not quite as nimble. In road use they are noticeably noisier, but because they have a taller profile - same as the 888s - they give a nicer ride.
Overall they feel to me most like the Toyos on road and on track. For outright lap time I’d go for the ZZRs, or Kumhos of course.
All that’s just personal impressions - nothing scientific I’m afraid,,.
Thanks for the reply - I have no choice but to be modest, the stop watch/ time sheet doesn't lie, and I can't even use the excuse that I am a novice as I have been racing various things 4-5 times a year on average for about 15 year!First, congratulations on your Mag Sevens debut and for being so refreshingly modest about it on a forum full of know-it-alls. Speaking of which.......
Yes, I bought a set of AR-1s a year or so ago to replace some R888Rs. I also have a set of ZZRs. I’ve run them all on track.
I compared the Nankangs back to back with the ZZRs at Snetterton and found them (surprisingly) almost as quick (maybe half a second in it). But the Nankangs feel heavier and stiffer, and somehow not quite as nimble. In road use they are noticeably noisier, but because they have a taller profile - same as the 888s - they give a nicer ride.
Overall they feel to me most like the Toyos on road and on track. For outright lap time I’d go for the ZZRs, or Kumhos of course.
All that’s just personal impressions - nothing scientific I’m afraid,,.
At least I am out there and I enjoy it. What the hell. I race on a tight budget and time is also precious, so testing etc is out. I didn't want to get to 70 and say, "I wish I had tried that".
I bought the Nankangs because I got a very good deal on them and every £ saved is a £ I don't have to justify! I am self employed.
The Caterham is very nimble compared to what I am used to (fwd tin tops, 924 or a 944 Turbo) so it's interesting that you say they seem slightly less nimble than the ZZR. I guess I am looking for an excuse for being slow & it would be good to blame the tyres, particularly as I expect I am the only one on AR1s (but I know the truth).
Interestingly a mate of mine raced a Midget last weekend on AR1s (similar power to weight, I think) and he has raced on Yokos and Toyos so can compare, although not back to back. Subjectively he reckons the AR1s are better / later braking and give better cornering speed. I prefer your view that they may be half a second slower than ZZRs, lol!
At the end if the day, my tyres are one race old and they will stay on the car for a while yet! And I will continue to enjoy my racing. Hopefully I will finish last but one next time out!!!!
Edited by andy97 on Wednesday 18th April 22:26
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