I just returned from a 3 day DE at Road America put on by PCA's
Chicago Region. It was exceptionally well organized and executed. Hat tip Chicago!

As usual, I was running on Bridgestone RE-11's as has been my custom for the past 3 seasons. They were fine at an indicated 160 mph on the front straight and good for 2:33 lap times around the 4.1 mile track which was faster than some and slower than others. They also made the 1200 mile drive each way from Colorado and look to have plenty of remaining life.

Yesterday I noticed that Tirerack no longer carries the RE-11 in 305/30 R19. When I "chatted" with a representative I was told they are being replaced by the RE-11A which will be available "next" summer. I assume that means 2014 but since it snowed last night here in Steamboat, perhaps it's just later this year. Anyway, the Tirerack rep said they still had a few 305/30 R19's laying around so best get after them if you want RE-11's. Personally, I'm leaning towards getting a set of track wheels with the R-888's and putting the Super Sports on my oem wheels for just getting around. Best,

PS Completely trashed a brand new set of brake pads over the weekend too!

 

What track wheels are you looking at? I'm looking at doing the extract same thing. I have a set daily wheels and tires. I have re-11s on my OEM wheels and looking to add another set with R888. I really could care less what they look like, I just want strong and right size and good price. Any suggestions?

Anybody else have ideas. I posted in classfieds WTB a set of OEM wheels.

 

2:33 in a street car is very impressive!!!!

also, dedicated street and track rims are always a good idea. i like light wheels for the street too, better ride and better steering feel.

 

I'll probably go with the OZ Ultraleggera HLT which I think combines reasonably light weight, good reputation, good looks, etc. Also, I am told to positively get the "heat cycling" service for the 888's from Tirerack. They then come "ready to go" and will get maximum heat cycles during there life which is around 25 on our cars. Best,

 

Steamboat: nice road trip!

Someone mentioned that on my thread as well. I checked and just thought they were out of stock for the time being....also the thought crossed my mind that they were just replacing the 305's with 325 to sync up with their 245's. Kind of a bummer. The RE-11a's are a harder compound as well.

I did see Dunlop has some new track meats (thread wear 80) in our sizes.

We may be forced into triple eights!

I can't believe you can hit 160+ at RA! That's impressive for sure!!!! I can only hit 128-133 at some of our NorCal tracks.

 

It would seem that Road America was designed with high horsepower junkies in mind although it is a favorite with many, many different classes. This is a good UTube of the Rolex race and gives a good sense of the track.
PS We'll have to keep an eye on the new Dunlap's. Hope whoever tries them first puts up some impressions.

 

wow, congrats.
(I am sure "things" happen pretty quickly and with excitement at 160?)

I hope RE-11 will be replaced and not removed. Was the rep fairly certain about RE-11A, or was he just shooting the breeze?

 

The RE-11A's are already out in smaller sizes so I think it's timing before they roll the whole line out. When I talked with some guys at RA they were of the opinion that the RE-11A would be a superior tire much in the same way the Micheline Super Sport is better than the PS2 despite higher thread count. Better living thru chemistry, I guess.

I've never gone 160 before. It's not how fast you're going.......it's how you are going to make the turn at the end of the straight. Quite the rush. And, I think the tendency without experience at that speed, one is inclined to brake much more than necessary. I am reasonably sure I could have found a few more seconds with a couple more days of practice. But, then again, this ain't my day job! Best.

 

The 11a should be a great tire as well, but I like mss right now.

 

Thanks. Would carrera S wheels be ok to track duty? Found some used ones for WB 19/8.5,11"

 

I'm not a big fan of used wheels for track duty as you don't know what they have gone thru in their previous life. But, if you examine them closely for structural damage and make sure they are round-like-new they should be okay. Best,