Last summer I bought a set of RE11's from Tire Rack for my track tires. (street legal sticky azz tires)

I only used them for 2 track days so they're almost brand new.

About 2 months ago, I decided to powdercoat my street OZ's so I put on the track OZ's and RE11's for a few days.

Well, apparently, I picked up 3 nails in one tire.

My question is, can I put a patch on the tire?

I use plugs when the tire gets a hole normally but somehow I don't see a plug holding up as I'm sliding sideways across the pavement.

I've got a track weekend coming up this weekend and completely forgot about the nails/holes.

Suggestions?


Thanks,

Mark

 

I have been plugging race tires for years. Probably the worst one was a 12 mm hex bolt that I drove over in the pit lane. It went into the center of one of my rear tires. I had to unscrew it with a ratchet to remove it (19 mm socket).

Since I was 140 miles from home and it was getting dark, I shoved a plug in it and drove around paddock for a while to see if it held. I drove home without incident and forgot about it for a year or so.

When I finally remembered to check it, I was at Road America half way thru a 2 day event. That plug saw 130-135 MPH many times that weekend. I eventually corded the tire and the plug was still holding air.

You may not feel comfortable with this and probably any tire dealer will tell you that the speed rating is gone and the plug is unsafe. If the tire was wet and you did not use the adhesive, I suppose you could loose the plug at high speed, but even that seems like a long shot.

 

Yep I've tracked tires with plugs in them too.. There are some new plugs that mushroom inside the tire if it makes you more comfortable, the motorcycle guys use them a lot. Also they shouldn't be anywhere near the sidewall.

 

Thanks guys, I wasn't sure... I'm use to sport bikes and the rule was to never plug a tire.

I'll try it and see what happens.

Thanks,

Mark

 

OC,

Just be careful. And try to minimize the risks you take.

 

I think I'll try it and keep it in the back. I'll keep an eye on it and see what happens. Obviously I don't want to trade my life for less than 200 bucks.

Thanks slinger... btw, you still doing VIR? (I accidently cleaned my PM box. Let me know, other than a cruise this year and my father visiting for a week, my summer is open)


Mark

 

That is a great idea to put the plugged tire in the back, especially the low stress corner.

S-driver and I are doing VIR 4.2 mile Grand Course with Mazdadrivers June 12-13, Saturday and Sunday. They run 4 sessions, about 1/2 hour each. I have a couple of other friends going as well but they drive Miatas. Can you meet us there?

 

I'm gonna try... I'd love to go.

Mark