1st auto-x on Toyo RA-1's
 

I finally got to auto-x w/ my new Toyo RA-1's. They were definitely sticky but they do not squeal at limits, so you have to pay attention. I guess they got pretty hot because the tread block that is 1 block in from the edge had some chunking on the outer edge on my front tires. These tires are 8/32" deep new, which is pretty deep. I will have to try to wear them down this week because I have an all-day auto-x practice event next weekend.

I ran at 36 psi (cold), temp was about 70 degrees and sunny, on parking lot asphalt.

I'll take a picture tonight to show you the strip that came off the tire.

I had an inside sidewall blow out on one. Very strange. At least it was after the autocross, though it doesn't do much for my confidence in the tires.

Otherwise, I'm very happy with the performance thus far.

I've got a strange taper happening on one of my tread blocks on my V700s but I'm told it's one of the negatives of not shaving.

http://www.outbraking.com/images/v7001.jpg

RA1s are also designed for 2-5 degrees of negative camber. If you ar running less than that it can cause some odd wearing.

I have a question for you guys....I have an all-day autocross practice this Saturday. Since I noticed the chunking, I want to wear down my tires some more. The auto-x is a 75 minute drive away from me. Do you think freeway driving for that long would be bad for the tires? I'm thinking of heat build-up over constant 70-80 mph driving.

I could also put on the OEM's and install the racing wheels at the track if you don't think it is good to drive down on them. Thanks guys.

I haven't personally driven far on the highway on them yet, but I know a guy that goes from Vegas to Willow Springs on them and he doesn't have any problems. I asked him the same question.

I've done 180 miles to & from the track on Yokahama R compounds - no problem. I would be a little concerned if you have any extended construction zones along the way though, grooved pavement could do a job on those hot tires.

Thanks, that will save me the time to change the wheels 3 times, since the RA-1's are currently on the car. There shouldn't be any construction zones (I hope). I'm going through a mountain highway (17) because it's more fun than 101.

BALZZ, the picture you posted of the V-700 is the typical wear pattern with our camber challenged cars, not due to the lack of shaving the tire. The cupping on the side of the tire happens just before you cord the tire, so beware. I have been flipping the tires on the rims to equal out the wear, in addition to rotating the tires front to rear if you run the same size all around. Every four or five events works okay. But... your handling will be wierd for one or two runs after you flip. I decided it was a small price to pay for the extended tire life. I talked to Kumho about reversing the rotation direction on the tires and having the 'tread' on the wrong side of the tire. They said that they have not experienced any problems due to tire direction of rotation.

D'oh...just before I cord??? I only have 2 HPDEs on these tires...I'll rotate them left/right at my next event.

P Diddy...are you playing around with your tire pressure? With your new setup, if you're not, you really should. You know the whole shoe polish thing...

I went to an all-day auto-x practice last Saturday with the Toyo's and a newly installed rear Stillen sway bar set to its softest setting.

The results are in the link below. As you can see, the Elises clean up the top spots, except for a few cars w/ race rubber. I thought I did pretty well! :) The course was very wide and pretty fast. The tires had a lot of grip and I was able to floor it through the sweepers. I had to shift into 3rd because I was going so fast.

http://www.gglotus.org/ggpast/2005autox1/results.pdf

The RA-1, and its newer recent cousin the Nitto NT-01, are DOT-R offerings that are really designed for a road course set up, not for Autocross. The tire needs to be warmed up with a practice lap or two before it reaches proper temperatures, and on an autocross course you do not get the opportunity to do that. Best to go with the softest compound tire you can get, with a strong sidewall modulus that helps the car on those hard, sharp turns.

I run both the RA-1 and Nitto NT-01 and think that they are excellent performing tires for the track. The stickier, stiffer sidewall NT is good on dry smooth road, almost like a slick. For a bit rougher pavement, and any water at all, the RA-1 is perhaps a better choice of the two.

I had to go w/ the RA-1 because I could not find the Kumho Victo V700's anywhere.

I agree with your choice for the AutoX in the Kumho offering, if available. For the track the RA-1 is really tough to beat for the price/performance combination, and I like the tire very much. The new Nitto NT-01 is even better for dry work, as it has a stickier compound and more of a slick design. I understand that there will soon be a new RA tire out using the same or similar sticky compound as the Nitto tire, and that should be very fine as well. The new Oct 5 issue of Modified magazine has an article on the testing of the new Nitto tire. There is a picture of my G in there going through the chicane on the infield straight wearing the new NT-01 tires.....and labeled by the photographer as a "missile". Bit of an overstatement, but still appreciated. (and no, I am not an employee. I just have some friends there and they invited me to come on out and try the tires on the track during a press release/introduction a month ago).