Back in the day, you ran R-comps. Or you were way off the pace. Then you had to run Hoosiers. Glad to see the latest developments and offerings in the category.
Photograph by Tim Harper
R-compound tires are a uniquely American thing. Born out of amateur motorsports rules restrictions, they have evolved into close cousins of purebred racing slicks–but with just enough puncture and heat resistance to meet U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regs for street legality.
Not that they’re actually suitable for that purpose. As it says right on the label, “Not For Highway Use.” …
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Back in the day, you ran R-comps. Or you were way off the pace. Then you had to run Hoosiers. Glad to see the latest developments and offerings in the category.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
It's good to be spoiled for choice when it comes to go-fast tires.
Very interesting. I was hoping the R8 had more pace!
When you look at the tread width size order, it somewhat follows the lap time order, as well. They seem quite significantly different, despite your efforts to somewhat equate them. I was not the biggest fan when I tried the Pirelli Trofeo Track tires myself a few months ago, but perhaps it's a bit unfair to them? They seem to have a similar size in 18" size I think...
Andy,
Helpful test as always. Is there a reason you did not run the same size 245/40R17 Hoosier Race R8 as the Yokohama? It is available and has more comparable tread width at 9.3" and height at 24.3" to the Yokohama.
"The only other question would be A8 or R8 for Hoosier. Both the A055 and Trofeo Track are circuit racing tires, not so much focused on autocross or time trials, so the R8 seemed the most logical comparison. Pirelli also gave us that same advice"
Just as an aside, people go circuit racing on A7s and A8s all the time -- A6s were only suitable for autocross/TT/qualifying, but on a reasonably light car (and an ND definitely qualifies as such!) the newer models are widely used for road racing.
And the cynical part of me isn't surprised that Pirelli recommended comparing against the slower tire from their competitor. :)
MCOOK said:Andy,
Helpful test as always. Is there a reason you did not run the same size 245/40R17 Hoosier Race R8 as the Yokohama? It is available and has more comparable tread width at 9.3" and height at 24.3" to the Yokohama.
Because it is not an equitable test. We matched physical tread width for a fair fight.
The 245 Hoosier r-comps are sized like a 265 and won’t even fit our car.
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