Autocross tire and wheel recommendations
 

I couldn't find that much recent on this, so here goes.

I've got a 2008 JustACooper. It came with 15" wheels, which seem to be kinda heavy. I've done a couple of driving clinics and one AX, and the front tires are trashed already. I'd like to get something lighter and better performing for future AX in HS class for SCCA, and C class in BMW land. And the occasional non-competitive track day. I'm not a serious competitor, so I'm obviously not into spending tons.

What would you recommend that would keep me in the same class? It seemed from a brief scan that if I go to 17" I might be out of the HS class in SCCA; or does that depend on tire size, not wheel size? I think my MINI only came with 15s or 16s. Seems like there are more tire choices for 17s. I realize that might be kinda harsh for the street, so I might just keep the 15s. I don't need all seasons.

Any help appreciated,
Rob

To stay in HS you need to be using a wheel size available stock on your car - the 16x6.5" is the biggest for the Cooper. You can use any tire that fits the wheel so go as wide as possible. If using a non-OEM wheel, it must have an offset within 6mm of stock.