Heat Cycling for DE Track Tires

[iaincamp]

I'm purchasing a set of Nitto NT-01 for my stock '01 Boxster S, to be installed on dedicated track rims for DE events. Comparing prices on the web, Discount Tire Direct has the best price, shipped, AND offers heat cycling for $15/tire. I drive my car to the track, so I can't heat cycle them myself without losing a track day. Any thoughts on the importance of this? Thanks.

[Jittsl]

I would argue that if you are driving to the track on them then heat cycling is irrelevant. Although perfectly acceptable (given that I presume you have no choice) the driving back and forth is not the "right" way to treat them in terms of maximizing their effectiveness. Since its a DE (and microseconds in performance difference don't matter) just put them on, enjoy them and throw them out when your not happy with them anymore.

[Topless]

Originally Posted by iaincamp

I'm purchasing a set of Nitto NT-01 for my stock '01 Boxster S, to be installed on dedicated track rims for DE events. Comparing prices on the web, Discount Tire Direct has the best price, shipped, AND offers heat cycling for $15/tire. I drive my car to the track, so I can't heat cycle them myself without losing a track day. Any thoughts on the importance of this? Thanks.

After chewing through a dozen sets of NT-01 tires I do think a heat cycle/rest period helps with consistent grip and longevity. As soon as I get a new set I take them for a mountain drive. I start gradually and work up to speed to get heat in them. I then take an easy cool down drive home and remove them till next track day. I am chasing every 1/10th in a TT series so it's more critical than DE days. I have not paid for the HC service from Tire Rack.

[iaincamp]

Thanks everyone. After talking to my race-prep guru and knowledgeable sales rep, I am convinced that heat cycling is worthwhile and best left to the pros. I can't wait to see how my times at Lime Rock change with the new tires.

[thstone]

Generally, driving to/from the track won't heat cycle a set of tires - they will get warm but not really hot enough - a good mountain drive, yes.

In my experience, there was no benefit to heat cycling NT-01's. I tried two sets heat cycled and two without and could not tell any difference in handling or lap times. Fastest lap times came within the first 8 heat cycles either way. Your experience may vary.

[kcpaz]

I have no idea why you would worry about it in DE. Honestly, I don't really even see a need for R-compound tires in DE, especially on a stock car. You would be better off with a less expensive, higher tread wear tire during DE.

Something like this would be a better choice IMO..http://falkentire.com/tires/car-tires/azenis-rt615k

[thstone]

Originally Posted by kcpaz

I have no idea why you would worry about it in DE. Honestly, I don't really even see a need for R-compound tires in DE, especially on a stock car. You would be better off with a less expensive, higher tread wear tire during DE.

Something like this would be a better choice IMO..Azenis RT615K | Falken Tire

I would suggest that it depends on where you are in your DE driving career and what your goals are. Of course, a novice doesn't really need r-comp tires but many drivers progress through basic DE to advanced driving and time trials where every 1/10th of a second counts. In this case, the drivers skills have become high enough that they can "out drive" performance street rubber.

In my case, I moved to r-comp tires on my stock street Boxster after about 25 DE's when I was at the top of my stock class (based on lap times) and felt held back by the grip limit of street tires.

[MikenOH]

Originally Posted by thstone

I would suggest that it depends on where you are in your DE driving career and what your goals are. Of course, a novice doesn't really need r-comp tires but many drivers progress through basic DE to advanced driving and time trials where every 1/10th of a second counts. In this case, the drivers skills have become high enough that they can "out drive" performance street rubber.


In my case, I moved to r-comp tires on my stock street Boxster after about 25 DE's when I was at the top of my stock class (based on lap times) and felt held back by the grip limit of street tires.

Well said--if you do enough DE's, track your lap times and mod the car to better your performance, eventually you will want to try r-comp tires at some juncture.

I've done DEs for 10+ years on the 986/987 platform and used max/extreme tires during that period ranging from PS2, Mxx3, KumhoMX, Kumho XS and Nitto NT05. All--save the MX--were good tires for DEs...to a point; at some juncture street tires overheat during a session--just like the Falken 615--and your driving pleasure during the session falls off as they get greasy.

The XS and Nitto were the best of that bunch, but on our new 981S I've gone to the NT01 mainly to max the handling/braking of the car during an entire session, but also for longevity--I'm expecting more heat cycles from the an r-comp tires compared to a max. performance street tire.


You may have a situation where you need to drive to the track on your "track" tires you because you don't trailer the car; that is where the extreme perf. tires really shine--like the RE-11. They perform well at the track and they can get you back home without drama if you get caught on a wet road. They aren't cheap, though--about the same price as the NT01.

[Topless]

Originally Posted by MikenOH

The XS and Nitto were the best of that bunch, but on our new 981S I've gone to the NT01 mainly to max the handling/braking of the car during an entire session, but also for longevity--I'm expecting more heat cycles from the an r-comp tires compared to a max. performance street tire.

This part will probably be a disappointment. I get about twice the life (heat cycles) from the Hankook RS-3 as I do from Nitto NT-01. Grim reality but the NT-01 is still my tire of choice most often.