So what do you recomend for a track only 749s. Pilot Race, Pilot Power, Sport Cup?? I don't have tire warmers or extra rain tires. Thanks, Gavin
I don't have warmers either, yet, but I tried a set of the Power Race (PR1/PR4) at Autobahn and really liked them.
Pilot Powers all the way. Don't really need warmers with them as much, and they do decently in the rain. Works well even at A group speeds as long as you are smooth and aren't coming close to lap record times.
Tire Selection... Well Gavin... A bit more info (your skill level) would help. On a 749 I would go with the new Pilot Power 2CT in a 120/70 front and a 180/55 rear or if you are budget minded... regular Pilot Powers in the same size(s) The 2CT (2 compound technology) has 20% softer (more sticky) compound on te outside 10% of the tire. This offers increased grip on smoother tracks. This combo will take you up to a mid pack A group pace with no drama, you do not need (nor do we suggest) tha you use warmers, they work very well in damp, wet and dry conditions and they offer excellent "feel". I will go so far as to say that the the Pilot Power front is the most forgiving and pridictible front tire I have ever used. Period. When the rears "go-off" they do so slowly. Added plus... Powers seem nearly immune to heat cycle deterioration.
Skill level right now is in the faster half of intermediate. If I could find time to do more than 2 or 3 days a year I would move to A group fairly soon. Now that my wife shot down the idea of doing 2 days at the Beaver, budget is not as big of an issue. I don't see the 2CT's in the on-line store, does STT have them and how much are they? Thanks, gavin
any word yet on pricing for the Pilot Power 2ct yet, Monte? will you be at BeaverRun with tires, or conversely do you know if the vendor that works with Dave & STT East will have them and will his pricing match yours? Thanks, Lance
You guys should go racing and buy some tires at the track; then you'd know just HOW GOOD the tire prices are at STT events.... Y'all are in heaven, and ya don't even know it! I've got some new sticky slickies coming for the Mid Ohio dates. Woo Hoo! I love slicks!
I have a question about the tire service at the track. Do we have to remove/remount our own wheels for the tires, or will they do this for you, at a fee ? I'm curious, as it would determine if I were going to ride to the track or trailer ( to bring tools ) etc.. Thanks Oz
you should see what other clubs charge... TPM wants $300 for a set of Pilot Powers, the list it as if that's a great deal. they want $340 for a set of Diablo Corsa III's which are supposedly the Pirelli equivalent of Pilot Power 2CT's. you also have to pay $40 or more to join their parts club, on top of the ridiculous $70 to join their club to ride track days. STT is the bestest. Monte, please, please, please get more dates out here in the northeast, next year. Please!!! Lance
Oz, generally we do not remove and replace your wheels. We've done it for an extra fee on weekends where we have the tools and the time, but it's not the norm. At the very least, you'd be last in line for mount/dismount behind all the guys who took off their own wheels. Worst case we don't have the time or equipment to do it for you, so you're SOL....
Ok, that makes sense, good to know. I just have to make sure to bring stands and tools etc, if I were going to get tires.. Thanks Oz
Pilot Powers Rock! No need for warmers. Much better than PRs if it happens to rain. They last considerably longer than the PRs too.