Quote:
Originally posted by Hotshoe:
I see a lot of opinions from people that do not have a dog in this fight. Which makes me wonder why the concern? This is a SEDiv class, and if the change is made it will only effect us.
Only effect you in the short term. It could have the effect of the idea of a spec tire becoming more generally accepted. Sometimes, those without a vested interest in the outcome can offer a more objective opinion. However, I do have a dog in this fight--indirectly. The tire I race on is more expensive and lasts less time than the 13" Hoosier. There is only one other tire manufactured that is approved in the class and you will not run up front on it. So those who choose to use it are those without the rest of the things required to run up front. I'd love it if we all used that other cheaper, slower, longer lasting tire because then I could utilize that same dollar for more seat time. I'd love to see spec tires more widely accepted.
Quote:
<font face=\"Verdana, Arial\" size=\"2\">Seems to me that a few of the people that are making comments have also stated class philosophy that \"everyone knows the rules before they choose the car they build\" Hoosier and Toyo where there before IT7 so what happened to that soap box?</font>
I'm still on it. I knew going in that if I wanted to run up front, this (expensive tire) is what it is going to take. Doesn't mean that I would not support a cost reducing measure that affects all makes and models equally. I am not willing to go to the cheaper tire if others don't, but certainly willing to do so if everyone else does. If it gets to the point where I think I can win on that other tire...I'll do it, even if I believe I am losing a little time relative to the other tires. The more important thing is I am not losing time and position to my competitors.
Quote:
<font face=\"Verdana, Arial\" size=\"2\">Class philosophy states that we run ITA rules. I knew that when I built my car and I would prefer for the rules to stay that way.</font>
Now there is a point I can get my head around. If you want the flexibility to run ITA or IT-7 and still have a chance at being competitive in each without requiring two sets of tires and two different optimum setup's, I can understand that. You are able to now, a spec tire for IT-7 only would change that. Some might say "tough crap--at least you have the option of two different classes." Some people don't seem to like it when you have more options than them because you did your homework. Now they'd be changing that after the fact---not cool.
Quote:
<font face=\"Verdana, Arial\" size=\"2\">If someone wants to run a spec tired car I would suggest a SRF.</font>
Ex-nay on the Spec Racer Ord-fay. I have no interest in running that class. I prefer enough spec to know that my driving is what is making the most difference, but want enough freedom to tinker a little bit and have more variety between cars than the number and paint job.
I don't feel spec tires work in all situations. I have raced in three classes with a spec tire.
#1. Pro series with manufacturer support. Had to run their tire. It was cheap (Hoosier Dirt Stockers at $60/ea mounted) AND Hoosier contributed to end of year point fund. Good for everyone other than Mc Creary.
#2. Go kart spec hard tire. Allowed us to spend money on other go fast stuff and race more for the same buck. This class rotated the spec compound year to year--Bridgestone one year, Dunlop the next and then Vega the year after that and continued the cycle. Two spec tire classes out of 19 meant that it didn't hurt the tire importers/distributers too bad because they still had 17 other classes with an open tire rule. The drawback was that dealers knew you had to run that tire and prices went up about 10-20% that year. However, those same kart shops that were only selling me 2 sets of tires a year instead of 15 were now doing my motor 6 times a year instead of 3. Where they were enjoying a larger margin on the motor instead of the tires.
#3. Club Formula Ford--Tire was cheap and could last 20 or more heat cycles. Problem was that it lost about .5 second a lap by the third heat cycle. This meant that if you wanted to run up front you needed newer tires all the time anyway. I don't feel that is the case with the TOYO. However---If the old toyo is faster because of the shorter treadblocks then the fast guys will come out with new shaved to 1/32" toyos all the time and then you have done nothing to reduce costs. Only made it mandatory that you show up with new shaved toyos all the time.
Merry Christmas!
[This message has been edited by Quickshoe (edited December 26, 2004).]