Slicks - rules?
Discussion
From my experiences, many specifically forbid the use of racing slicks .... Track days "should" be for enjoying road cars with road tyres. Thinks may have changed a bit, with the difference between a trackday car and a race car becoming very grey. Some people seem obcessed with lapping quicker and quicker on track days .... Not that anyone ever times their laps of course.
Also worth remembering that racing slicks on a mildly modified road car will not work at their best ... A standard road tyre, or trackday tyre, will work a lot better without overstressing road standard components. Have a look at the geometry of a race car running slicks next time you wander around the paddock.
IMO, therefore, even if you can run them, doesn't mean that you should!
Also worth remembering that racing slicks on a mildly modified road car will not work at their best ... A standard road tyre, or trackday tyre, will work a lot better without overstressing road standard components. Have a look at the geometry of a race car running slicks next time you wander around the paddock.
IMO, therefore, even if you can run them, doesn't mean that you should!
cheers for the info
my car's (BMW E46 325ci) running KW V2 suspension and I currently use Toyo R888s - I was looking into reducing tyre costs really....part worn slicks are available for around £150 for 4...compared to Toyo R888s which are at best £720 for 4...
I've seen plenty of cars on trackdays running slicks...all with cages though.
my car's (BMW E46 325ci) running KW V2 suspension and I currently use Toyo R888s - I was looking into reducing tyre costs really....part worn slicks are available for around £150 for 4...compared to Toyo R888s which are at best £720 for 4...
I've seen plenty of cars on trackdays running slicks...all with cages though.
NorthernExposure said:
cheers for the info
my car's (BMW E46 325ci) running KW V2 suspension and I currently use Toyo R888s - I was looking into reducing tyre costs really....part worn slicks are available for around £150 for 4...compared to Toyo R888s which are at best £720 for 4...
I've seen plenty of cars on trackdays running slicks...all with cages though.
The trouble with secondhand slicks is that you rarely know what you're getting in terms of either compound, or the number of heat cycles the tyre has gone through and the way it's been run-in. Most second hand slicks have really bad graining on them, and are likely to go greasy fairly quickly, as they've often been overheated. They will then give less grip than a dedicated "track day" tyre such as R888s, etc.my car's (BMW E46 325ci) running KW V2 suspension and I currently use Toyo R888s - I was looking into reducing tyre costs really....part worn slicks are available for around £150 for 4...compared to Toyo R888s which are at best £720 for 4...
I've seen plenty of cars on trackdays running slicks...all with cages though.
t11ner said:
I've seen the rule saying no slicks without a cage but I've never actually seen it be enforced.............
i agree, seen many a car with slicks and no cage on track and even contemplated it myself BUT if you ever look at the lateral increase in forces using slicks on bends you might decide like me it probably aint worth itNorthernExposure said:
they're Dunlop BTCC 235/610 that I've had my eye on...(c 68 D-823 Compound) - from a reliable source I'm told....
Sound like ex BTCC tyres. You'll knock a few seconds off a lap and they last longer than R888's too. You'll need something else if it's damp though.most people i know running slicks do have cages, ive fell into the trap and now got a set but waiting for spring/summer to give them a try, one thing ive seen though is seems to be a different ball game running slicks, with time to warm them properly but more so the potential for increased corner speed resulting in should they loose traction they do not do it progressively like 888's/track day tyres with potential for big off's leading for the desire for a full cage
I think Bookatrack have a rule of no slicks without a cage for tintops, they seem OK about Caterfields etc. Castle Combe used to, and may still, have a no slicks rule on their own track days to stop racers using the days as a test session.
One thing to watch for if you are thinking of running slicks is that you've considered oil surge, with the extra grip available, it's easy to end up with a wet sump car sucking air from the sump
One thing to watch for if you are thinking of running slicks is that you've considered oil surge, with the extra grip available, it's easy to end up with a wet sump car sucking air from the sump
How are you?The second number in the tyre spec is a percentage of the first number, representing the profile. I think slicks must have a different notation because I doubt the tyre profile is 610% of 235mm. 
You need to check with the organiser regarding usage of slicks. As mentioned before, BaT insist on cages in tin tops running slicks, IIRC this was following a Fiesta at Anglesey many years ago ending up on its roof at Radar. Don't know of specific rules from other organisers.
As others have said, the geo needs to be altered to get the best out of slicks, the suspension components also need to be uprated to cope with the loads. I found this out the hard way at Castle Combe, having been running 340R tyres on my Elise for a few events and having a toe link sheer as I came around Camp Corner. Massive Mars-bar moment insued but fortunately no other damage done.
You need to check with the organiser regarding usage of slicks. As mentioned before, BaT insist on cages in tin tops running slicks, IIRC this was following a Fiesta at Anglesey many years ago ending up on its roof at Radar. Don't know of specific rules from other organisers.
As others have said, the geo needs to be altered to get the best out of slicks, the suspension components also need to be uprated to cope with the loads. I found this out the hard way at Castle Combe, having been running 340R tyres on my Elise for a few events and having a toe link sheer as I came around Camp Corner. Massive Mars-bar moment insued but fortunately no other damage done.
Edited by mattdaniels on Tuesday 2nd February 11:19
mattdaniels said:
The second number in A NORMAL tyre spec is a percentage of the first number, representing the profile. I think slicks must have a different notation because I doubt the tyre profile is 610% of 235mm.
Correct. For slicks the seccond number relates to the rolling diameter, so you can calibrate your speedo correctly.Edited by mrmr96 on Tuesday 2nd February 11:23
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