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[mc68386]

I've got a 330 w/SP and I'm planning to do 4 or 5 track days this year. I did a couple of hours of track time at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway (not the NASCAR track - this is a small track with lots of turns) last month and I'm hooked.

My stock tires (Potenzas) did great, but I hear that the track will destroy street treads quickly, and that I really ought to get track tires.

So, what's the most economical way to get decent performance on the track? I have no need for anything stickier than my stock tires - I just want the lowest overall cost.

My alternatives as I see them are:

1.) Drive on my stock tires and replace them more often (at about $1200 a pop).

2.) Buy new 17" wheels and track tires - $500 for wheels and $850 for tires. This would have the side benefit of doubling as winter rims if I should need them. However, I can't get a good feel for how long these would last. From what I've read, I'm not sure any track tire would last longer than my stock tires.

3.) Buy the cheapest street tires ($450 a set) I can find and let the track destroy them. Anyone actually tried this?

MC

[larryn]

I ought a set of Kosei K1's 17x8.5, and put azenis 615's on them. Total cost was $850 for the wheels, and $700 for the tires. I figured that's nearly the cost of replacing the stock 18" runflats, plus I get beefier tires... 255f/275r

[ward]

if you're just learning you're not ready for track rubber yet

best plan is to just burn through your tires and replace as necessary (with non runflats)

You will learn how to drive better quicker on tires with less grip

[mc68386]

Thanks for the replies.

Sorry, but I need my runflats on the street. Giving up my trunk or relying on goo & a compressor aren't viable options for me.

Next track day is at the end of April. I'll see how the stocks look after that & go from there.

[larryn]

Originally Posted by mc68386

Next track day is at the end of April. I'll see how the stocks look after that & go from there.

Can you please post what your tires look like after the track day? Since these stock runflats have a wear rating of only 140, I'm thinking they won't hold up to many track days.

[ward]

imagine your tires with little rubber balls sort of looking like the tires melted and reformed

it's like the standard tires with little deformed melted squashed balls of rubber all over them

[BMW0]

See if there is a Discount Tire Co. near you to help you out with your weekend racing assitance and tire choice.

Choice #1 is the easier way to go but will be costly.

1.) Drive on my stock tires and replace them more often (at about $1200 a pop).

#2 will save you money in the long haul if you do decide to continue your weekend hobby.

2.) Buy new 17" wheels and track tires - $500 for wheels and $850 for tires. This would have the side benefit of doubling as winter rims if I should need them. However, I can't get a good feel for how long these would last. From what I've read, I'm not sure any track tire would last longer than my stock tires.

Choice # 3 is limited, there's a limit to how many times you can safely uninstall & install runflats and vise versa.

3.) Buy the cheapest street tires ($450 a set) I can find and let the track destroy them. Anyone actually tried this?