I have been to the track a half-dozen times, and I am definitely going to go back. A lot. Probably will be driving another ten events this season.

I got rid of my RFT's and got a set of Star Specs (205/ 50 - 16), and I love them. Had them for four track days so far, and I can probably get another two or three more.

I am considering tires with greater than 200 treadwear to replace them. Some considerations are ExtremeContact Dw, Potenza RE760, GForce T/A KDW, something with a 300 wear rating or higher.

My thinking is as follows:

1. I'm not crazy about replacing my tires after 6 or 7 track days. Maybe these will last longer.

2. I realize that the rubber is not as sticky, and I will not be able to corner as aggressively, but maybe this will force me to work on my skills, as opposed to being faster because I have better rubber. If I have less grip, then maybe I have to learn to use it better.

I would be disappointed if the car felt a lot different, as I really like the steering response and the way it handles with the Star Specs. I also want a tire that can take some heat without getting greasy.

Does anybody have any experience with this? Either going up or down the softness/grip/treadwear continuum?

Thanks in advance

 

What suspension mods do you have on your MINI?

What driving schools have you attended? Any High Perf Driving schools?

Driving well on the track will help no matter which tire you use.

I have gone to track events where a very good instructor in a stock mid sized import sedan on worn all season tires can lap modded MINIs on Max summer tires.

Without upgrades to the suspension you can't make good use of tires on a track. The stock MINI lacks enough front negative camber to corner making full use of it's tires. As a result you'll just wear through your tires on the outer edges in a hurry.

Extreme summer tires like the Dunlop Direzza Z1 Sport Star Spec are a good choice for street and track use. You will wear them but less so if you can add some adjustable front camber plates and attend some driving school so that you understand how to drive well and conserve your tires.

Max summer tires are not as sticky but still fairly good. There is a large variation of choices, the Continental ExtremeContact DW is good, not too costly and you might even consider 205/45-16 for stiffer sidewall, 1 lb less weight and smaller overall tire diameter for better gearing on acceleration all for $126 each (closeout at tirerack.com).

I would not use Ultra High Perf Summer tires or any All season tires. You'll wear them too quickly and likely chunk the tread by overheating the outer layers of rubber too much.

If you do use lesser tires you just find yourself needing to slow down more and put up with a lower level of performance. You'll still wear out your tires.

Other suspension mods-
Adjustable rear swaybar
performance alignment with max negative front camber, front toe 1/16" out, rear -1.2 degrees camber, rear toe 1/16" in.
Linear lowering springs/ Koni yellow shocks or full coilover system.

 

I respect your thinking, but it may be hard to go backwards after being spoiled on track with Star Specs. The Conti DW is a good tire, but apparently gives up dry (but not wet) traction, cornering stability, and steering response to the Star Spec, according to Tire Rack survey numbers. That may also be the case for just about any other street tire that you consider in the 205/50/16 size.

 

Yo - what they said!

1. if you don't have camber, get some. are your tires wearing out on their outer edges? i assume so, because stock minis do that

2. with all humility, use smaller slip angles!




(just as one sinner to another)

 

I went off the star specs for track days, they grained a lot. I didn't notice much difference between them and what I was using before (Goodyear Eagle F1 DS-G3). I do notice a lot of difference between the star specs and the Bridgestone RE-11s I'm using now, like about 1.5sec a lap. Though I had to go to 205/55-16 to get them. They're not cheap though, but I consider it money well spent. At the current rate of wear they'll be done in another 4 track days (8 in total), that's with 2 of us driving.

 

So, you're saying you like the RE-11's better than the Star Specs?

 

I once did an experiment and mounted the same wheel and tire combo on a stock Cooper vs a Cooper S with suspension upgrades including -2.2 degrees front camber.

The tires were expensive Michelin Pilot sport cup 205/50-15 newish

The tires wore twice as fast on the stock MINI than on the modded one even though the performance and handling were much better on the Cooper S.

Driver skill level for both was intermediate so not due to driver alone.

Track sessions were about 15 minutes x 2 sessions then did tire inspection.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

@Minihune: I have done three HPDE's with NASA. Will be taking more DE's with Porsche and BMW clubs. am very interested in improving the driver rather than the vehicle, which is sort of what this post is about. Car is mostly stock, except for a rear sway bar, stop tech brake pads, braided brake lines, and better brake fluid (forget which -- has higher boiling point). Haven't addressed camber. I looked at the tires, they MIGHT be a little more worn on the outside edge. Will probably do the 'free' DIY front camber adjustment first, see how that works.

 

Use the highest treadwear tire you can get away with. What you will find as you improve is that they will start to chunk. When this happens go back to the Star Specs - they are great!

The higher the treadwear rating the greater the slip angle for maximum grip. They are also more forgiving (they warn you when you are near the limit). If you can hold out, don't go to 100 treadwear or less till you are in the fastest run group.

 

Yes, I'm not quite sure if its the RE-11s are that much better, or the old star specs were heat cycled to death by the time I repalced them.

 

Thanks Btwyx... Given the price difference and size difference, I went with the Star Specs. I'm sure either will be a huge improvement on the all-seasons I had for the for the last track day!