ITS for 2008

[robits325is]

Putting out a feeler for ITS in 2008. There has been some discussion recently between the 2007 front runners to create a gentlemans (ladies) agreement to all use the same tires this season. So far the top 4 finishers have agreed to use the Hankooks. Are there any other drivers or new drivers that would like to participate let yourself be known. This is completly optional and not yet 100% in stone. Myself, Jeff Henderson, Jeff Harding and David Maynard are in agreement.

Any thoughts?

[Greg Amy]

I'm interested, Rob, but I'm hearing rumors that 15" Hankooks are not available...

Care to offer any insight on this, Phil? - GA

[dj10]

Rob, this an interesting concept not only for ITS but to have a spec tire for all the IT classes. Does anyone think it's possible to save money this way at the same time?

[Knestis]

I'm going to get out my crystal ball and suggest that, while a gentleman's agreement to use the same tire MIGHT work (among those gentlemen), a mandated spec tire will create lots of issues.

The answer to Dan's question is, "It depends how much the spec tire manufacturer is subsidizing the effort." If you are able to get them REALLY cheap, then yes - it's possible. If you are paying anything close to retail, then it's a non-starter in terms of economy, because the market can't work.

K

[buldogge]

Besides...

225/45/15 Hankook = Never in stock.

Liked them...tried using them...couldn't ever get them...what's the point.

(...of course I don't have a horse in this race...just snooping!)

[it7rx739]

Only one example IT7 in southeast division, used to be good class til……….you gust rihgt, money saving in tires. (spec tires )
What are wrong whit Hoosier tires??? They pay the most prize out and they have the right size all the time and the rest …..no. This is only my Mad szekely opinion.:)

[Andy Bettencourt]

Hey Attila,

You must have a great Hoosier program down there. Hankook is paying $400 'Kook dollars for every win with just 5 starters or more.

Our Hoosier program just got released. $100 per win and a maximum of 2 rewards ($200) can be applied to any new set. You would have to buy 4 sets and win 8 races for a 'free set'. You could have a new set of Kooks at the end of every double you ran if you won both races....

With the amount of tires the guys at the front go through to win in these deep fields (and set track records) there is some serious savings to be had.

[it7rx739]

:Dgood luck!!!!!!!!!:D

[Ron Earp]

Interesting thread. Sounds like Hankook is really trying to sponsor in the NE. There is probably some Hoosier program here in the SE but it is so well advertised I've not heard of it.

What do the ITS fields look like in the NE, that is, what sorts of cars are showing up for the ITS races?

[JeffYoung]

SARRC Hoosier Contingency Program:

5 STARTERS IN CLASS: $150 PRODUCT CREDIT FOR 1ST
7 STARTERS IN CLASS: $100 PRODUCT CREDIT FOR 2ND
9 STARTERS IN CLASS: $50 PRODUCT CREDIT FOR 3RD

Just say no to spec tires!!!

For a variety of reasons, different folks like to run different tires. I've never seen a spec tire rule "work" without someone getting the shaft, whether it is a small group of drivers, a tire supplier, etc.

IT has always had open DOT tires. I see no need for change.

[Andy Bettencourt]

Hankook isn't doing anything here in the NE that they aren't anywhere else. What I quoted is the Regional SCCA contingency package Nationwide. Since Hoosier HQ doesn't have a plan, the local retailers have to do it out of their own pockets.

And it isn't about a spec tire. It's about the top guys getting together and running the Kook in an effort to take advantage of the money that is available. Nothing official is trying to be done.

ITS in the Northeast is about 15-18 cars at each race. E36, RX-7, Miata, E46, GS-R, 300ZX, 944S...

[JeffYoung]

I understand, should have qualified my post .... a group of guys doing that is just fine, I just don't want spec tire disease by agreement spreading down my way.....lol........

[tnord]

Besides...

225/45/15 Hankook = Never in stock.

Liked them...tried using them...couldn't ever get them...what's the point.

(...of course I don't have a horse in this race...just snooping!)

this is truth. my friend who just built a 944 ITS car was trying to get some hankooks in this size and couldn't find them anywhere. also, no one could give a firm estimate of when they would be able to get some, or even how many.

he ended up using the $100 R888 coupon and went with the 225/50/15. i plan on closely monitoring his tire wear.

[Ron Earp]

What is the price difference between a Hankook and a Hoosier? Hoosiers are $200 each for the 225-50-14 size I use. Given the support our local App Tires/Hoosier guys give Hankooks would need to be about free to make we want to switch, but it is worth asking.

R

[dominojd]

I'm interested, Rob,

Greg he said front runners not mid packers. :D

This is gonna be a fun year.

[Greg Amy]

Hey Joe, why don't you see if you can organize one of these "agreements" among all the guys that are going to be finishing in second place in ITA...?

[Jeremy Billiel]

Greg he said front runners not mid packers. :D

This is gonna be a fun year.

OUCH... That hurts!

[Andy Bettencourt]

Hey Joe, why don't you see if you can organize one of these "agreements" among all the guys that are going to be finishing in second place in ITA...?

Oh, Snap!

April 13th can't get here fast enough.

[Mark Gregory]

i WOULD BE IN AGGREMENT TO USE ONE TIRE JEFF PLEASE CALL ME AT 203 645 5942 .

[gran racing]

I'm going to get out my crystal ball and suggest that, while a gentleman's agreement to use the same tire MIGHT work (among those gentlemen), a mandated spec tire will create lots of issues.

Honda Challenge. :(

Jeff, Appalachian Tire sells the Kooks for $162 each. Even if a person has no shot at winning, that's still $152 less per set.

[dj10]

Hey Joe, why don't you see if you can organize one of these "agreements" among all the guys that are going to be finishing in second place in ITA...?

Greg, did you just unzip your fly? :rolleyes:

[Andy Bettencourt]

This just in:

The first shipment of Hankook's for 2008 won't be available until LATE April.

The 'improved' availablility is really starting out on the right foot...Hoosiers it is for NHMS.

[robits325is]

Yeah I heard this yesterday. I guess I will use my old Hoosiers from the 2007 Runoffs!

then again maybe it will rain....

[lateapex911]

Or snow!

Or theres so much runoff from melting snow you need rains?
Any site reports on snow depth and track condition?

[mazda49]

Hoosier has been very supportive of all forms of racing. I know the men at Hoosier and would support them for the years they have been there for racers. I am not for any spec tire. If we have a spec tire we need a spec class. Everyone of you want and advantage of some type.
If it is matter of saving money then get a Hobie Cat....as Harvey Templeton told me only the wind is free, horsepower and adhesion both cost $$$$$. I don't believe there is economical racing...

[MMiskoe]

Or snow!

Or theres so much runoff from melting snow you need rains?
Any site reports on snow depth and track condition?



I live in Concord, about 15 miles from the track. This past weekend there was 12-18" of packed snow (hard enough for me to walk on) out in the middle of a field that doesn't drift and has no shade. I asked someone who's working up at the track what they can see, if I get a response I'll forward it on.

I'm optimistic that it won't be warm and there will be no parking on the grass, but there will be racing.

Matt

[ulfelder]

Rob, count me in once the Hankooks are available.

Steve

[CSPRX7]

Has anyone tried the http://www.thetireshoppe.com (http://www.thetireshoppe.com/) , they are supposed to be the largest 'Kook dealer in the NE. Call Joe at 866-208-6551. He's also a fellow racer.

[Andy Bettencourt]

Yes. The container with the 1st wave of tires is due in late April/early May.

[robits325is]

The tires are here. Who is planning on using them?