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Hey guys. Let me ask you all a question. Are you currently satisfied with the Hoosier 650S and 450S tires that we are mandated to run? Are you finding, like I am, that they are only good enough to be competitive and win on for the first night you run them? Do you find this unacceptable since they are $520+ a set and these classes routinely run for less than that TO WIN (nevermind 2nd on back)? Well, I think I have the answer. I have done some research on a suitable tire that could be a replacement and have come up with the Hoosier 800 tire. Why the Hoosier 800? First and foremost this tire has a reputation of LASTING. It also is exactly the same design as the 650/450 tires (grooved bias ply 8" tire) except for the rubber compound. The switch to this tire should be a smooth transition for a few reasons. First, being of the same design it should require minimal set up changes (as opposed to going to a different tread type or manufacturer). Second, by running the same compound all the way around the car you don't need all your tires to be dedicated "Right Side" and "Left Side" tires (like the OWM's now enjoy with the F-53 all the way around those cars). Third, by having the same compound all the way around the car, bolting up 2 new right sides only will make a difference (whereas with the 650/450s the lefts are so soft that you need four tires). Lastly, the price should be about the same for these tires (actually less for the prices I have seen). But don't take my word for it, here's what people who race on these are saying:
"...they last a real long time. They just plain don't wear out. The 800 is a very good tire...will far outlast the 970 or 880. I would like to see more tracks go to these tires. The 800's have more grip and will last longer than the Hoosier "Sportsman"...I know many drivers are very happy with them."-Day Racing 11
"We run them at Kalamazoo with the Sportsman. Kalamazoo is a tire eatin' track. We have a set with over 200 laps on them that are putting down the same times as a set with 30 laps on them. Some of the Pure Stock cars haven't changed tires all year. They are basically hard slicks with grooves."-Russrace
In the Midwest many Late Model teams are mandated to run these tires, so they are certainly up to the task for our type of racing. Check out this old press release from Hoosier themselves:
www.hoosiertire.com/HOO800.HTM
IMHO a change to these tires for these classes would really do wonders to make racing more affordable and greatly increase car counts on a week to week basis. Here's why:
Changing to the 800 would require you to buy less tires all year (the budget racers biggest expense by far). Buying less tires make you able to afford to compete waaaaaaay more often. You could still buy the same amount of tires but race 2-3 times more often.
A harder tire makes expensive motors less important and puts a premium on driving, handling and setup. Think you're a great driver with a good handling car but can't afford the big motor? With these tires you may just be competitive again without having to break the bank. Instead of a lot of cars sitting in mothballs, they could be out racing competitively again.
A lot of drivers are discouraged because they don't have the money of the "rich guys" who buy four tires every race. I know myself, I won't even load the car up if I don't have new tires on the car. Wouldn't it be nice to know that you can take your car to the track with 3 race old tires and a tired old motor and still have a legitimate shot to win?
If you compete in these classes and I'm "preaching to the choir" with what I am saying, then now is the time to sound off. We are in July and the tire deals are getting to be made for 2015 for every track. Either chime in to this thread with your opinions/agreements/points and/or let the people at your home track know your feelings on this matter and what you would like to see.
Here's why this change is good for EVERYONE who goes to the racetrack:
FANS- Wouldn't you rather see races on a regular Saturday night at your local track with A LOT more cars in these classes? And not just field fillers, but more cars with a LEGITIMATE CHANCE TO BE COMPETITIVE? Wouldn't that be more entertaining? Wouldn't that make you want to come out more often for just a regular event?
TRACK OWNERS: If you sell tires or not the point is moot. I've said before, as racers we have a budget. Part of that budget is for tires. For almost all of us, we will run as many races as we can buy tires for that will allow us the chance to be competitive. REGARDLESS OF THE TIRE WE ARE ON, MOST OF US WILL BUY A SET NUMBER OF TIRES PER YEAR. Now if we were on a tire that lasts longer and evens up the field you are going to get more racers to compete more often and will get cars off of jackstands in garages and back to the speedway if there is a feeling that they can compete. Waaaay more racers. True, you might sell a few less tires. But are you guys in the tire selling business or the armband selling business? If you make $20 on a tire and $25 on a Pit Pass, which would you rather sell? Everyone knows it's a domino effect. More cars, more often puts on a better show, sells more pit passes, draws more fans, sells more hot dogs, beer, programs, 50-50 money, etc and so on and so on. Ask yourself a question. Do you think your fans want to see the 5-7 car fields that regular events for Sportsman, ProTrucks, Super Stocks and Street Stocks are routinely drawing?
So let's hear it. How bad do you all want this? Now is the time to beat the drum. Or be satisified running tires that don't last and be faced with the choice of running around in the back or staying home a lot. The choice is up to you.
"...they last a real long time. They just plain don't wear out. The 800 is a very good tire...will far outlast the 970 or 880. I would like to see more tracks go to these tires. The 800's have more grip and will last longer than the Hoosier "Sportsman"...I know many drivers are very happy with them."-Day Racing 11
"We run them at Kalamazoo with the Sportsman. Kalamazoo is a tire eatin' track. We have a set with over 200 laps on them that are putting down the same times as a set with 30 laps on them. Some of the Pure Stock cars haven't changed tires all year. They are basically hard slicks with grooves."-Russrace
In the Midwest many Late Model teams are mandated to run these tires, so they are certainly up to the task for our type of racing. Check out this old press release from Hoosier themselves:
www.hoosiertire.com/HOO800.HTM
IMHO a change to these tires for these classes would really do wonders to make racing more affordable and greatly increase car counts on a week to week basis. Here's why:
Changing to the 800 would require you to buy less tires all year (the budget racers biggest expense by far). Buying less tires make you able to afford to compete waaaaaaay more often. You could still buy the same amount of tires but race 2-3 times more often.
A harder tire makes expensive motors less important and puts a premium on driving, handling and setup. Think you're a great driver with a good handling car but can't afford the big motor? With these tires you may just be competitive again without having to break the bank. Instead of a lot of cars sitting in mothballs, they could be out racing competitively again.
A lot of drivers are discouraged because they don't have the money of the "rich guys" who buy four tires every race. I know myself, I won't even load the car up if I don't have new tires on the car. Wouldn't it be nice to know that you can take your car to the track with 3 race old tires and a tired old motor and still have a legitimate shot to win?
If you compete in these classes and I'm "preaching to the choir" with what I am saying, then now is the time to sound off. We are in July and the tire deals are getting to be made for 2015 for every track. Either chime in to this thread with your opinions/agreements/points and/or let the people at your home track know your feelings on this matter and what you would like to see.
Here's why this change is good for EVERYONE who goes to the racetrack:
FANS- Wouldn't you rather see races on a regular Saturday night at your local track with A LOT more cars in these classes? And not just field fillers, but more cars with a LEGITIMATE CHANCE TO BE COMPETITIVE? Wouldn't that be more entertaining? Wouldn't that make you want to come out more often for just a regular event?
TRACK OWNERS: If you sell tires or not the point is moot. I've said before, as racers we have a budget. Part of that budget is for tires. For almost all of us, we will run as many races as we can buy tires for that will allow us the chance to be competitive. REGARDLESS OF THE TIRE WE ARE ON, MOST OF US WILL BUY A SET NUMBER OF TIRES PER YEAR. Now if we were on a tire that lasts longer and evens up the field you are going to get more racers to compete more often and will get cars off of jackstands in garages and back to the speedway if there is a feeling that they can compete. Waaaay more racers. True, you might sell a few less tires. But are you guys in the tire selling business or the armband selling business? If you make $20 on a tire and $25 on a Pit Pass, which would you rather sell? Everyone knows it's a domino effect. More cars, more often puts on a better show, sells more pit passes, draws more fans, sells more hot dogs, beer, programs, 50-50 money, etc and so on and so on. Ask yourself a question. Do you think your fans want to see the 5-7 car fields that regular events for Sportsman, ProTrucks, Super Stocks and Street Stocks are routinely drawing?
So let's hear it. How bad do you all want this? Now is the time to beat the drum. Or be satisified running tires that don't last and be faced with the choice of running around in the back or staying home a lot. The choice is up to you.
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