Hoosiers vs. either Toyo RA1's, R888's, Nitto NT01's, etc.

[George3]

Just got back from the new Lightning course at NJMP.  I was running the Toyo R888's.  Gotta say I was impressed with the tires.  Better grip than the RA1's (IMHO).

I'm still learning the Lightning track and the asphalt was very hot these past 2 days... got a little rotation, but didn't want to push it.  Many that did went off, for one reason or another (but this is not a track review )

Next event is at the Glen with the R888's.  If they do well there . . . well, then . . . (?)

[betegh9]

George3 wrote:

Just got back from the new Lightning course at NJMP. I was running the Toyo R888's. Gotta say I was impressed with the tires. Better grip than the RA1's (IMHO).

I'm still learning the Lightning track and the asphalt was very hot these past 2 days... got a little rotation, but didn't want to push it. Many that did went off, for one reason or another (but this is not a track review )

Next event is at the Glen with the R888's. If they do well there . . . well, then . . . (?)

I understand that the R888's are stickier than the RA-1's, but I heard, first hand, that they WILL heat cycle out. Just don't know how many heat cycles. The Nitto (subsidiary of Toyo) NT-01 has a stiffer sidewall, large treadblocks and the same compound as the RA-1. If you want a tire to drive on the street, track and AX, the NT-01 is probably the tire........If you want to WIN, Get Hoosiers or GY slicks. Here is the order of tires based on SPEED:

Goodyear slicks or Hoosier slicks. Non DOT
Hoosier A6's for qualifying, TT, AX
Kumho V-710
Hoosier R6's, BFG R-1's
Toyo R888
Nitto NT-01
Toyo RA-1 being discontinued this yr.

I am sure that there are more tires out there, but I focused on tires mostly used in AX and track. This order is also based on weather conditions being warm and dry. In 30 degree and dry, the R888 may be the top dog tire. Also, the difference between the fastest and slowest tire is probably about 3 seconds on a 60 second lap.
I love my RA-1's, and I am undecided yet which replacement tire I will get next............ can anyone convince me??


hock:hock::dude:

[Mark Fox]

 36 heat cycles on BFG R-1's.  3 days at Mid Ohio, 3 days WGI, 2 days Pocono Double infield and IMSA course, 1 day SP. Estimate 50% life remains.

Very similar to R6's, hot temps are higher than R-6, don't fall off late in session like R-6's, still have a ton of stick.  I have heard they are slower than R-6s, but for DE who cares, more gradual break a way than R-6's before extreme limit.

[George3]

Mark Fox wrote:

36 heat cycles on BFG R-1's. 3 days at Mid Ohio, 3 days WGI, 2 days Pocono Double infield and IMSA course, 1 day SP. Estimate 50% life remains.

Very similar to R6's, hot temps are higher than R-6, don't fall off late in session like R-6's, still have a ton of stick. I have heard they are slower than R-6s, but for DE who cares, more gradual break a way than R-6's before extreme limit.

Mark,

So, what I'm hearing is the BFG R-1's are a close second to Hoosier R6's in terms of grip???
How would the R-1's compare with the R6's in terms of the comparison made above "about 3 seconds on a 60 second lap" for Hoosiers?
(Hope that makes sense)

Thanks.

[Mark Fox]

George,

"about 3 seconds on a 60 second lap" for Hoosiers?

 

That is probably liberal for 60 seconds.  PMR did a test at SP, same car, driver and R-6 Vs. R-1, they found R-1's to be 2 seconds slower.  The car was  either an S2 firehawk or 968 firehawk and times I would estimate to be around 1:30 + or -.

The tire has very consistent handling characteristics and would be a good option for you.  I haven't been on R-6's since 11/07 at VIR, but they may exhibit a very slightly more aggressive initial turn in than the R-1's. Hope this helps.

[George3]

Mark Fox wrote:

George,

"about 3 seconds on a 60 second lap" for Hoosiers?

That is probably liberal for 60 seconds. PMR did a test at SP, same car, driver and R-6 Vs. R-1, they found R-1's to be 2 seconds slower. The car was either an S2 firehawk or 968 firehawk and times I would estimate to be around 1:30 + or -.

The tire has very consistent handling characteristics and would be a good option for you. I haven't been on R-6's since 11/07 at VIR, but they may exhibit a very slightly more aggressive initial turn in than the R-1's. Hope this helps.

Great info, Mark. . . .
So, if the benchmark tire is the R-1. . . .

One last question, which tire. . . the BFG R-1 or Toyo R888 would be the better tire for grip and longevity?

[Mark Fox]

I have never driven the R888, but really did not like the RA-1's.  From what I have heard, experienced and read about the R-1 and Hoosier R-6,  The R-1 may be slightly slower.  It will be more consistent during sessions greater than 20+ minutes.  i didn't notice any fall off or greasyness at 30+ minutes coming in and then going right back out.  The longevity is still unknown, but suppose to be excellent.  Few bucks cheaper.

So if your doing events with long run sessions or open track days the R1 may be to your liking. 

If your racing the R-6 may be it for you.

If your doing the usual 18 to 25 minute DE sessions either one will work well.  You will start to slide more with the R-6 (still controlable) latter in the session.

[George3]

I would be using the tires for DE; typical 4 sessions per day.

What kind of car were you running . . . and weight.

I'm not finding the sizes I need in 18" R1's   (245-255/F and 305-315/R)

[Mark Fox]

3060 951 S