Crazy, but very interesting (and funny)!

Nobody likes the R-888's. We will not be back on them next year, just have to decide on our options.

Sterling Doc wrote:


Well, Eric and Chuck is a bit too early to say that straight up, but there ARE things in the works to resolve this.


Now Weston let me say that RA-1 do cycle out just like R888's. However in my experince of some 11 sets of RA-1 that is somewhere form 24-36 heat cycles. How far you get depends on driver and the tracks you run. In my use the fastest laps from RA-1 always came when they were about to cycycle out. They would be good then go crap very rapidly. At that point you had maybe 1 qualy left with 4-5 laps before they went away again. They still had rubber. Sadly the R888 does the same thing, but at 1/2 the life.


I still think Prime R888 vs Prime RA-1 is a wash for lap times. I will be on R888 at Nationals.

I would raise what I think is a valid point. The R888s have quite large grooves in those tires - this would in effect cut the amount of actual traction compared to the RA1s (which are essentially slicks) of the same size. I would wonder if the actual footprint / traction of a 205 RA1 would actually be closer to the 225 R888 due to its nature of being an actual slick.

I can see the R888 being most favored in rain races as it will actually be able to channel water much better than the RA1 thus cutting hydroplaning.

By looking at simple physics if we go down to a slightly smaller and lighter tire and do not have major traction problems - we get better acceleration through gearing and less rotational inertia. It would also help cut unsprung weight making the suspension work slightly better.

The change from a 225 to a 205 is not a trival thing. We could slap them on and go, but before we make another change that turns out poorly we need some more information.

Our class is not tire develop class, but over the past 12-18 months it has turned into one. Our goal for 2010 and 2011 is bring it back to a driver's class. 2009 is done interms of rules so National will be either/or. Like it or not is is the way it will be. It is too early say what will happen in 2010, but but rest assure both us as directors and NASA National are on it.


BTW... remember comparing a old R888 vs an old worn RA-1 is pointless. The old RA-1 is superior due to its step tread design and abiliy to maintain grip after alot of heat cycles. In all my years of RA-1 running they were always faststed at 20+ heat cycles when the looked ready to cord. The NEW R888 needs to be compared to old RA-1 if you want to look at tire performance. I still think the R888 will prove its speed at National. It may not have the life, but with a good set-up I believe will show enough speed.

Removed post to discus among the series directors 1st.