I am almost sorry I brought this up, but if anyone cares...
For the record, I replaced my old A008s with Khumo V770 205/50-15s. I made
this choice because (a) CVAR allows my class to run 50 series tires, (b) The
smaller diameter allowed me to avoid getting a lower ratio diff and (c) They
were a lot cheaper than Hoosiers or Dunlops. Unfortunately, the wider tire
created some suspension interference problems that cost a lot more than the
difference in tire cost to remedy.
The problem as I see it is this:
1. When Yokahama was still making the A008 in the 195/60-15, life was good.
The tire was durable, sticky and the 60-series was the standard for most
organizations.
2. In spite of the demise of the A008 for 15" wheels, some racing
organizations have continued to insist on a 60-series tire (or equivalent) and
some have not. CVAR and VSCDA, for example allow 50-series tires in some
classes. However both require a DOT-approved tire. SVRA still requires a
60-series, but has a provision in their rules for non-DOT tires provided they
are pre-approved and an appropriate note is in the logbook. So, even if we can
get our hands on those big Yokahama mammas, we may not be able to use them.
3. Because of this conflict we are forced to run tires that are not only more
expensive than the old A008s, but are not as durable or sticky. If we are
fortunate enough to be in a club that allows 50-series tires for our class, we
may have to buy a new set of tires just to go race with another organization.
Yes, I know that some organizations will give waivers for certain non-safety
related items, but it's a hassle both for the tech inspectors and the car
owners. Sometimes you may not be sure you can run until you get there, and you
always hope the tech guys are not having a bad day.
This is vintage racing. In the old days (which I can remember) everyone
ran on street tires ( The films of XK120s and the like power-sliding through
the corners are really spectacular. Try that on your Yokahamas! ). The issue
is not whether the tires we are allowed to use are the stickiest available or
whether they are the best in the rain, but about establishing a level playing
field. If we were all running on Hoosiers or Dunlops, so what? Remember, it's
not whether you win or lose - but how you play the game. Right...
I don't know much about the Vintage Motorsports Council or how it operates,
but it seems VMC would be the appropriate venue for either establishing tire
standards across all (about 30 at last count) the affiliated racing
organizations. So, all you people get in touch with your organization's VMC
representative and see if we can get the issue on the table.
John
|