Tires for 3k mile drive & HPDE at COTA

[Grandpa ray]

That is a very great offer. I’m doing the Chin event Nov 14-15. I’ll have an instructor. Since I’ve not been there before will start at Novice (Per their rules) then hopefully bump up. I’ll see if I can find any slicks but honestly I’m just there to have fun and sometimes the best way to learn is on tires not the best. I’ve just retired from road racing motorcycles for over 18 years at expert level. I know this is Different as I did track days before motorcycle racing. I’m hearing the ECS2 are not hobble especially if it is cool out. They did ok at Barber in August 90+ heat.

 

[TMSBOSS]

I did the “no spare” thing for a while. Then one screw from another car decided to lodge itself in my tire and my weekend changed. I had to get someone to bring a set of tires so I could finish the weekend……..And get home. Food for thought.

 

[Junkyard Dog]

@Grandpa ray - first, love the username ha

Second, COTA is my home track. Personally, I think driving all the way to COTA and running a true street tire like the ECS2 is going to be pretty disappointing (unless it rains). If you want to buy some 19in slick take offs, I'd be happy to bring em on my spare wheels for you to use. (Normally I'd offer the tires too, but the wheels don't currently have any tires on them). I can also ask the local FB groups if anyone has any 19s they'd be willing to sell.

Outside of something like that, I'd highly suggest a proper track tire. COTA is extremely demanding track for tires and I think you'll hit the grip limit of your stock tires so early you'll be bummed.

I might have missed it, but what event are you doing?

It's great having a community of real people willing to help out like this!

 

[Grandpa ray]

I know I’m blown away at how helpful everyone is.

 

[Grandpa ray]

I did the “no spare” thing for a while. Then one screw from another car decided to lodge itself in my tire and my weekend changed. I had to get someone to bring a set of tires so I could finish the weekend……..And get home. Food for thought.

Great point! I carry one of those skinny spares that fits into the recess in the trunk the clears the GT350 brakes. Obviously not suitable for the track but can get me to a tire store. Also carry tire plug kit and small compressor.

 

[Junkyard Dog]

Obviously not suitable for the track

 

[HolmesAtx]

Hey Grandpa Ray! Awesome roadtrip/adventure you have planned! I live 45 mins from COTA and a have a shop at my house with quick jacks, tools, etc if you need to do any work prior, during, or after your track day. I've got a set of 20" forgelines with Toyo 888rs that should fit your car if you get in a bind. There are a lot of gt350/gt500s that run at Cota, so you will have Mustang folks to talk with. You will probably see more gt3rs, gt4rs, and gt4s than you could imagine, but thats a different story.

I've made the beginner, intermediate, advanced progression in the last 12 months at COTA. I've done lots of laps on stock M3 tires (Michelin ps4s) and stock 911 tires (Pirelli PZeros) at COTA. I can run both cars at mid-pack Advanced group pace on stock tires. I would guess your run group will slow you down more than your tires.

Sounds like you have a great mindset around the pace and having a fun adventure. Reach out if I can help in any way. 512dot781slash3514

Brian

 

[Grandpa ray]

Brian what an amazing offer thank you! I am realizing car track people are the same as motorcycle racers - we are all family. Once after putting on new bodywork (also known as asphalt magnet ) I crashed in first race of the weekend. I sat in my pits dejected staring at my bike and ready to call it quits pack up for the weekend. 4 of the guys I race against walk over to my bike with tools and spares and start fixing it. I said I guess I’m still racing. Incredible people! You all are just like them. Thank you!

 

[honeybadger]

love motorcycles. Grew up racing dirt bikes. Still miss the adrenaline. Broke everything, tho. The dr was right, older me wishes younger me found a roll cage sooner ha

Still miss it tho