Not bad Charlie, but not quite valid either. When BFG and Yok offered their
"sticky" products, the autocrossers didn't have to buy them, then.
Competitors DID like them. An increase in demand told the manufacturers to
make more (Econ 101), they did. Since that time, we now have other companies
offering us products. Even if you were to say that we pull R tires, whatever
that Falken, Bridgestone, or BFG has out there, it becomes the next "big
dog."
As the esteemed Mark Sirota mentioned, the wear ratings are somewhat
meaningless, since there is no real standardized production or testing
procedure that can guaranty uniformity across the manufacturers products and
the relationship to ratings molded into the sidewall.
When I first started to run my 996 in late 2003, I hadn't jumped into the
extra rims and Hoosier Racing Tires yet. So I ran my local PCA's "Stock
classes" (see I have tried this) at the Zone 1 Autocross. After a bunch of
runs and learning the set up, I realized I really did not like a true street
tire for autocross. I was prepared to head down that route for the PCA
events, as I wanted to run in the PCA Parade in Harrisburg in 2005. It was
just awful. I liked the accuracy of the turning, acceleration, and braking
performance that R tires gave me. Believe me, I was perfectly happy to
accept not having to buy another set of rims, tires, and being able to just
"drive" to an event. But it did not work for me.
And you know what, I didn't try to force the PCA to drop the "Stock"
classes. Nope, didn't even draw a picture making fun of the Street Tire Idol
(and blasphamize the faithful).
So CHuck, go run your ST classes. Leave the flippin' R Tires alone (see, I
can name call, too!). :^)
Matt Murray
----- Original Message -----
From: Smokerbros@aol.com
To: autox@autox.team.net
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2006 3:05 PM
Subject: Re: Here we go: Street tires v R Tires
In a message dated 2/24/2006 7:15:56 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
<<<mattm@optonline.net writes:
There is a healthy amount of folks out there who *like* R tires. Market
forces drive the demand. If people didn't like 'em, they wouldn't buy
'em.>>>
What do you mean by "Like"? Do you mean "Like to win"? If they didn't
like
them, and didn't want to buy them, they would have no chance at winning in
Stock, SP and SM classes. They are forced to buy them to be competitive.
Autocrossers "like" what wins...
Charlie
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