Hi guys, a couple weeks ago at Putnam I came off the track after my 3rd morning session on Sunday and noticed one side of my front slick had some bad tearing on it. I started out the weekend in Intermediate and got bumped to Advanced on Saturday, so I was running Advanced on Sunday morning. I didn't change anything on my bike, kept the tire pressures consistent, used my warmers, but my tire got eaten up. Any ideas what this could be? Could it just be from change of pace and the front not being inflated enough. I was running the front at 34-35psi, which I know is a little on the low side but not too far off from setups I've seen. Also, is the tire safe to ride on still or do I need to toss it? I only did one session on it like that and it seemed to ride like normal but I noticed it when I came off the track. The weather was warm (high 80's and the track was a little damp that morning but dry and hot by the time I rode). Thoughts? Thanks!
Pressure is right. Sounds like wrong compound and or setup issues. SC2 is usually the trackday choice. You were not out riding the tire. Trust me.
Not anymore. 2018 recommendation is 32-36 and my rep generally recommends 35-36 as a starting point. Some guys run them even higher (the really fast guys that is).
I also saw this asked on the WERA board but the following question wasn't asked. Have you verified your tire pressure gauge is accurate? I've seen multiple people chase tire issues only to find out their gauge was 3-5 lbs off.
That is a good question. I have never thought to get it verified, I just assumed it was good. It's a pretty decent gauge, but maybe I should grab a new one and see how they compare.
I wouldn't necessarily run out and grab a new one, they can be off out of the box. Just maybe compare it to someone who has a known good gauge. The Pirelli rep in the southeast James Bock carries a Dill calibration station so you can check your gauge. I have tested mine (a Motion Pro digital) and know it is 2 tenths high so it is well within tolerance. The important thing is to find what yours reads compared to a solid reference, even when I was on another brand the tire guy for that had worked with the riders and used his gauge to develop reference pressures. If someone tested their gauge to his and found theirs read 2 psi lower, that wasn't a problem as long as they know the compensation factor, in that case if he told them 33, they just set to 31 per their gauge.
pirelli is one of those tires that your suspension has to be spot freakin on to get the most of, even a click of this or a turn of that in your suspension can be the difference in a great time or eating up tires with no clue why, i use bridgestone r11 DOT's for that reason, not as sensitive to suspension adjustments, they grip like a mf and wear even at every track ive ridden them on
Samm - I think you were the one who bumped me at Putnam. I was on the Aprilia RSV4. The tires came on the bike and have been great but the rear has actually shown some signs of uneven wear. It looks a little lopsided... Not sure what I will be doing with my next set. Might have to try out DOT R11's.
yeh anthony that was me that bumped you, contact joe denowh at turn one racing on facebook, he is my tire guy as well as the majority of the midwest, bridgestones are priced better than pirelli and a much better option for me, im sure you will be highly pleased, im still podium'ing on the same front tire i started the season with back in april and the rear lasted me several track days and race days as well, come on ... everyone is doing it lol
I will need new tires soon so I’ll talk to Joe! He did my suspension and I think I may need to make a few tweaks now that my pace has changed since when he set it up in Novice. Will you be at ACC this weekend?
unfortunately not, gotta work, but im doing gman next weekend, you should too, and yes get the suspension done when u get the tires, a new tire and new pace means new settings