[f30_Vincent]

Hi all,

Was searching this forum for tire recommendations or just to hear other people's experiences, didn't immediately find a thread. I realize the answers to these questions can be everything from all-season RFTs to racing slicks, but still felt like seeing what folks end up choosing.

1. What tires are you guys running on the track for HPDE 1-4?

2. Within the context of HPDE, what are your thoughts on stock tires vs high-performance summer vs R-compounds?

3. There's so many options, I don't want to make a huge list, but any specific feedback regarding (or talk about any other specific tire, really):

1. Bridgestone RE-11 or RE-71R
2. Dunlop Direzza ZII or ZIII
3. Hankook R-S3 or R-S4

[Rob340i]

So i have the stock Michilin pilot supersport non runflat tires that came on my 2018 340i with track handling package with staggered size setup. Last sunday I took the car to Monza the F1 track and did about 10 laps. The tires felt very good however they leave you desiring a bit more. They did brake traction in the corners a little when pushed hard. In the corners they felt pretty stiff not to much sidewall flex. Other than that they worked well for the track and are great on the freeway i have had them to top speed. I have about 2k miles on them. If i was to continue to track the car, i would probably buy a set of street legal track tires closer to slicks and use those. I used to use the dunlop direzza z1 starspecs on my STI when i did autocross they were great for that application.

[bmwchue]

Federal rs-re they work and they are cheap

[Tchao]

Dont forget Sumo HTR Z III for cheap and good grip.

[ClevelandBeemer]

Do not go with RE-71R's. They are the best tire on the market for autocross but they to not hold up to extended abuse on a track. The tire gets too hot, becomes greasy, then becomes useless.

BFG has some good cost effective track tires.

[zinner]

1) I have used Bridgestone S-04 and RE-71R.
2) My BMW CCA chapter highly recommends street tires in D and C run groups. They are more forgiving, R compounds just let go with little warning per my instruction.
3) I think any summer performance tire will do well. I like bridgestone, they have served me well. You will see all variety of tires at track events.

[tomo7772]

Originally Posted by ClevelandBeemer

Do not go with RE-71R's. They are the best tire on the market for autocross but they to not hold up to extended abuse on a track. The tire gets too hot, becomes greasy, then becomes useless.

BFG has some good cost effective track tires.

71R is kind of competition tire, not good at practicing. Use well cost performance tires such as Federal 595RS-R or ZESTINO Gredge 07RR for practicing.

http://www.federaltire.com/en/produc...ts_detail_sn=5

http://zestinotyre.com/semi-slick-tyre/gredge-07rr

[zinner]

Also the RE71R are loud just driving around town. I would only consider them if you have a separate set of street tires or your car is track duty only.

[Niart906]

Lookup the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's for a budget friendly option. It's my understanding that they're an old Bridgestone design and compound. This is my second year running them and I've been seriously impressed by how they've held up, I got 5 track days out of the rears in addition to my normal commuting miles at 75mi a day.

Unless you're looking to buy a dedicated wheel and tire set, or spend big money on Michelin PS4's, I'd give these a seriously look.

[f30_Vincent]

Originally Posted by zinner

Also the RE71R are loud just driving around town. I would only consider them if you have a separate set of street tires or your car is track duty only.

This is what I ended up getting. Yes, they are LOUD... like, very very loud, but WORTH IT for the monster grip. The car felt like it was riding on rails around the track. Now let's see how long they last as daily drivers with track days sprinkled in every couple weeks. What's the over/under?

Definitely should just get a 2nd set of wheels to put these on for track days only.

[zinner]

Originally Posted by f30_Vincent

This is what I ended up getting. Yes, they are LOUD... like, very very loud, but WORTH IT for the monster grip. The car felt like it was riding on rails around the track. Now let's see how long they last as daily drivers with track days sprinkled in every couple weeks. What's the over/under?

Definitely should just get a 2nd set of wheels to put these on for track days only.

I road around on them for about 3 weeks before my HPDE weekend, but they came off the next day. I so enjoyed the quiet.

[Anthony235]

I've ran NT01, RS3, and RE71 all on road courses. Please make sure you have appropriate braking before stepping into those tires or you'll cook your brakes way earlier than you're used to. I'm surprised no one has emphasized that yet.

I daily drive Federal RSRR.

They are all loud and obnoxious to drive with (except for the RS3).

Honestly any of those tires will be a waste of money unless you can take advantage of them.

[f30_Vincent]

Originally Posted by Anthony235

I've ran NT01, RS3, and RE71 all on road courses. Please make sure you have appropriate braking before stepping into those tires or you'll cook your brakes way earlier than you're used to. I'm surprised no one has emphasized that yet.

I daily drive Federal RSRR.

They are all loud and obnoxious to drive with (except for the RS3).

Honestly any of those tires will be a waste of money unless you can take advantage of them.

Hawk Street 5.0
Happy with their bite, seemed well up to the task. I plan on some high-temp brake fluid in the near future, but that's it. I think I've got plenty to work with there. Probably get some new wheels and tires for daily driving.

Not sure I follow the waste of money comment though. What would qualify as "taking advantage of them"? I went faster... mission accomplished?

[Anthony235]

Originally Posted by f30_Vincent

Hawk Street 5.0
Happy with their bite, seemed well up to the task. I plan on some high-temp brake fluid in the near future, but that's it. I think I've got plenty to work with there. Probably get some new wheels and tires for daily driving.

Not sure I follow the waste of money comment though. What would qualify as "taking advantage of them"? I went faster... mission accomplished?

I meant no offence. Just trying to offer money saving advice The RS4 tire could be a good match for those Hawk pads, but probably still a little much. The RE71 or comparable tire is too much for them if you're actually using all that tire.

Did you go faster because you have more confidence in the new tire or because you were actually at the limit of your previous, less capable, tire?

Many a track day you will see people with big money parts/cars being lapped by people in less capable or stock cars.