Anyone know if this is a decal or painted on the sidewall?

 

Looks like a decal that is meant to be removed after mounting. It looks like there is some other residue on the sidewall as well. The decal is not completely straight in relation to the rim, which to me makes it look like something that should come off. But what do I know.

What's with the wheel donut thing? Is that some kind of brake disc cooling apparatus? I had not seen this before.

 

BH...I am almost 100% certain those are transfers (a type of decal). I have see the Michelin guys putting them on tires and at major race events where they have a tire mounting station/tent and tires on hand for competitors. I have also seen them being applied to cars in the pits when there are contingency programs in effect for the top finishers.

 

Interesting. Thanks for the info, D.

 

The material used in these labels is rubber. It is applied with a special chemical and heated then applied on the tire. Pirelli and Pzero ones are out there but tough to get. If there are any Pirelli or Michelin representatives on this forum, be kind to contact us!