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Scrubbing in new slicks

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I bought some of last years IMSA Continental slicks new and was wondering if it's necessary to perform the break-in procedure for track day use. According to Hoosier, I heat cycle them on day 1 according to their procedure then after one run they are put away for at least 24 hours. That pretty much means I have to use my narrow, old, hard compound tires the rest of the day? That sucks for a single day event when all I have are new tires but if it makes a difference I will do it.
 
Honestly those tires are not much faster than a NT-01 and while they may last a little longer if they go through the heat cycle recommended by Hoosier I am not sure that it will make a huge difference. I have run my track tires both ways, being ever diligent to make sure they get a proper rise to peak temp then get them off the car and rested for at least 24 hours, I have also put on fresh sticker and ran them for an entire day before they got a chance to cool down. My best guess is you may get another heat cycle or 2 out of a set but if you have to waste an entire track event running on a slower tire what is that worth to you.

I am sure they know how to get the best out of the tire they make but unless you have several sets of tires and wheels so you can manage them perfectly you just have to do the best you can and make it work. If you can get the car to an open parking lot and run a 200 foot skidpad in each direction for about 10 min you will likely be able to generate enough heat to get the first heat cycle done prior to your event. Bring a bucket as you may get a little sick doing 20 min on a skidpad.

Dave
 

Bill Pemberton

0ld Ford Automotive Racing Terror
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Doc, sounds like you are fine, I just tell my wife I am having a Senior moment and she says she understands ------ well, so far she does not understand it is just a convenient excuse, hehe! " Dang, honey, I completely forgot I already ordered a set of race tires, I am embarrassed two sets arrived?" " Boy , getting older sure is frustrating, ( tear in eye)? " The sympathy card gets whipped out as she really is a sweet lady!

Racer Lives Matter!!
 
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Here's the deal, if you want them to last longer, put a heat cycle on them before annihilating them, that's another reason why teams limit their qualifying laps, because they will have to use those tires in the race..then of course, the second race (in PWC) is usually started on sticker tires and run for the duration. different parameters, different pressures, 3 different scenarios there. Generally though, you can run them out of the box without worrying about them going away early, and those tires don't drop of precipitously. Always remember, a tires first 4 laps will always be the best, so do you want to use it or scuff it?
 

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