Speed Channel World Challenge GT switches to R-compound tires

[nsx1164]

SCCA PRO RACING®, TOYO TIRES ANNOUNCE MOVE TO PROXES RA-1™ RACE TIRE FOR SPEED GT IN 2003

LAS VEGAS , Nev. (November 12, 2002) – SCCA Pro Racing Ltd. and Toyo Tires announced at the Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas that the SPEED World Challenge GT Championship will compete exclusively on the Toyo Proxes RA-1™ race compound DOT-approved tire in 2003.

Since Toyo Tires and SCCA Pro Racing began its relationship with the SPEED World Challenge Championships in 2001, the SPEED GT and Touring Car divisions have raced on shaved Toyo Proxes T1-S™ street tires.

“Over the past two years, we’ve proven that the Toyo Proxes T1-S is, indeed, an ultra-high performance tire,” said Mitch Wright , SCCA Pro Racing Vice President and General Manager. “Toyo is ready to roll out some new sizes in its RA-1 racing tire, and premiering them in SPEED GT is the natural evolution of our relationship with Toyo.”

...

The Proxes RA-1 is a DOT-approved competition tire that comes in either “V” or “Z” ratings, and is available to fit rim diameters such as 13-, 14-, 15-, 16-, 17- and 18-inches. The RA-1 has a tread molded to 8/32” depth for superior wet traction, while it can be shaved to 3/32” to generate extreme dry cornering force. In addition, the Proxes RA-1 has a Tread Wear of 40, with A-ratings for both Traction and Temperature.

see full article at http://www.speedvisionwc.com/news/02press134.html

 

[Ponyboy]

Too bad this tire doesn't come in 235/40 17 and 285/30 18's. It'd be a perfect DE tire!

 

[Peter Mills]

Originally posted by Ponyboy:
Too bad this tire doesn't come in 235/40 17 and 285/30 18's. It'd be a perfect DE tire!

Toyo RA-1 are available in 235/40ZR17 and 275/35ZR18 or 335/30ZR18.A few of us NSX track rats will be running RA-1 this year.
235/40ZR17 F& 275/40ZR17 R.

 

[maomaonsx]

Where to buy toyo R tires?

------------------
George W
Porsche 996 for sale!

 

[Hrant]

Originally posted by maomaonsx:
Where to buy toyo R tires?

Given your location George, try Infineon Raceway, there is a tire store behind the karting area that caters to racers are giving really great prices .... one of our locals drove all the way to get the Toyo tires.

 

[justin hall]

it is called AIM tire (american international motorsport) . they guy to talk to is ron cortez, very cool dude. his website is here: http://www.aimtire.com/

hrant is right, he is in the first row of buildings as you come up the hill. stay straight, instead of veering to the right to head to the go kart track. he is 1/2 way down on your left.

 

[Ponyboy]

...235/40ZR17 and 275/35ZR18...

Just saw these new sizes on their, Toyo, web site. But they don't give any more info besides their sizes so I didn't know if they were widely available yet. I suppose the Speed GT teams need a few sets to test on and stuff.

If they're comparably priced to the Ecsta V700's then maybe I'll go with these mid-season.

 

[maomaonsx]

thanks guys!

------------------
George W
Porsche 996 for sale!

 

[RacerX-21]

The Proxes RA-1 is a DOT-approved competition tire that comes in either “V” or “Z” ratings, and is available to fit rim diameters such as 13-, 14-, 15-, 16-, 17- and 18-inches. The RA-1 has a tread molded to 8/32” depth for superior wet traction, while it can be shaved to 3/32” to generate extreme dry cornering force. In addition, the Proxes RA-1 has a Tread Wear of 40, with A-ratings for both Traction and Temperature.

see full article at http://www.speedvisionwc.com/news/02press134.html [/B][/QUOTE]

A new rule requires all World challenge competitors to purchase tires from one supplier, this supplier puts a unique brand on the tire to reduce cheating. According to this tire supplier; The RA1 comes with 5/16 (10/32) of tread, and is shaved to ¼ (8/32) for rain, and 3/32 for dry. Realtime would have had a problem with the new tires, as he is required to run 18’s on both front and rear… the 245/40/18 is 25.91” high and too large for the NSX.

 

[cojones]

Originally posted by NSXEE:
In addition, the Proxes RA-1 has a Tread Wear of 40, with A-ratings for both Traction and Temperature.

Not an issue with Speed WC events, which are sprint races. The higher traction allows the higher-hp GT cars to better put the power down, a complaint with the prior spec tire (T1-S Proxes).

Realtime would have had a problem with the new tires, as he is required to run 18’s on both front and rear… the 245/40/18 is 25.91” high and too large for the NSX.
Is the Realtime NSX even running SWC-GT this year ??

 

[RacerX-21]

Originally posted by cojones:

Originally posted by NSXEE:

Is the Realtime NSX even running SWC-GT this year ??

Peter wasn’t sure he was even running touring until a few days ago.

Here are a couple posts from SCCA PRO

Since there has been discussion of whether defending Speed Touring Car Champion Peter Cunningham would make Sebring or not, it's apropos to make this announcement, as it means Peter should be racing his Acura after all.
Peter and Rhainey are the proud parents of Audrey Loraine Cunningham, born this morning, March 5. Both mother and daughter are doing just fine.
Congratulations from the entire SCCA and World Challenge staff.
Unfortunately he will not be running GT this year. His race record will be difficult to follow, but I will hopefully have a good showing for all NSXr’s
I have been reluctant to mention my future involvement, as I will not be in the point’s race until 2004. I am currently building an NSX with parts and support from Peter/Realtime Racing. The car may be race ready by Road America this August, and will defiantly enter qualifying at my home track Road Atlanta. Realtime has been extremely helpful in all aspects of this project… I also wanted to publicly thank Peter, Andrew and Nathan for sharing the development that went into this platform.
Rob Morrison

 

[Ponyboy]

Well that sucks. Good for Rob...in '04. Bad for NSX fans this year though.

Crap.

 

[cojones]

SWC Touring Car will move to 18" RA-1 tires next season. They currently run 17" T1-S Proxes (max performance street tires).

##############

From initial results at Sebring this week, the new RA1 tires are having a SIGNIFICANT effect on the laptimes in GT class, particularly in the higher-powered cars (C5-Z06, Viper, Audi RS6).