Choosing the Right Tyres for Fast Road and Occasional Track

[Jane Will]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice on tyre selection for a car that’s mainly used for spirited road driving but also sees occasional track days. I want something that offers good grip in both dry and wet conditions while maintaining decent longevity. Any recommendations on specific brands or models that strike the right balance? Also, how much of a difference does tyre pressure adjustment make on track days?

Appreciate any insights!

[brillomaster]

Michelin pilot sports if you can afford them. But look at the latest reviews on tyrereviews, pick something that has the characteristics you want.

FYI what sizes you after? 19s and over has some ultra ultra high performance tyres available, 17 or smaller slightly less focused choices.

And yes, tyre pressures make a bit difference on track. Usually a hot tyre goes up by 6psi or so... if you do a trackday take a good tyre pressure gauge so you can let some air out when it gets hot.

[Matt_T]

Yokahama Advan Neovas are well regarded, I know lots or people who run these on the NSXs.

https://www.yokohama.eu/en/tyres/pcr-tyres/summer/...

...or AO50s if you are not driving in wet much
https://www.yokohama.eu/en/tyres/motorsport-tyres/...

[Krikkit]

Jane Will said:

Any recommendations on specific brands or models that strike the right balance?

Start with Michelin Pilot Super Sport and see how you get on.

Jane Will said:

Also, how much of a difference does tyre pressure adjustment make on track days?

Massive. Adjust them hot during the trackday, but expect all road tyres to suffer pretty quickly.

Edited by Krikkit on Wednesday 19th February 16:39

[GeniusOfLove]

Regular Pilot Sport is, despite the name, not a sporting tyre and is quite a squishy thing when you're pressing on. The PS4S is better for what you have in mind but consider the Continental Contact Sport 7, it's a fantastic tyre and also usefully cheaper than the PS4S.

Longevity seems good, 14k miles on the back on a 5 litre XKR with a fair bit of sliding and hooliganism, and they look like they might do another 5k.

Very easy to utterly destroy any tyre on a track even in a light car though, it's worth having a 2nd set of track wheels/tyres.

Edited by GeniusOfLove on Wednesday 19th February 16:34