Foam Tyres - the great debate

andy110m · #1 25-10-2011

First let me start by saying I fully understand the clubs view about not wanting a big debate over this but I think a discussion is warranted over this subject. I've started a new thread as not to dilute the offical statement.

I believe Simon should be congratulated for a very innovative idea that will save the average club racer a fortune and compromise nothing in doing so, in fact looking at Simons performance I'm sure he'll agree there is a performance benefit. To buy a pair of 8th on road tyres and cut them costs £6.50 for the pair. That does both ends of the car, add the wheels at lets say £5 an end and thats £16.50 for the season in tyres.

Now lets contrast that to what we're now faced with, these are general rounded figures, tyres, £7.50 rear, £6.50 front, wheels £10 set, inserts £2 a pair. So to go racing on rubber costs £28 a set x 6 rounds and we're looking at £168 per season if we only us 1 set a day (some people were using 2 sets due to high tyre wear). That could be a saving of £151.50! And lets think of those doing 2 classes, £35 in foam, £336 in rubber, thats a £301 cost saving!

I'm not trying to get at anyone or upset anyone but real cost saving innovation, and it is innovation, should be encouraged in these tough financial times. Its not beyond anyone to make a set of these up so I really do not see an issue. Some will use additive? I don't think that risk would be any greater than it is now with rubber. Look at touring cars, they run rubber and have a staggering choice of additives. In fact the buggy guys at Ribble run certain ones on Mini Pins at because it extents the life of the tyre by another 2 meetings. That said I do understand the issue and you'd have to trust us that we aren't going to be idiots and spoil it for ourselves and I'd support anyone caught is banned for life from the club. Should be enough incentive not to do it.

If anyone has reasons why they wouldn't want to enjoy such a saving and performance, Simons car was on rails, I'd be interested to hear about it. Like wise I'd be interested in all thoughts.

bigred5765 · #2 25-10-2011

as i see it theres no debate there not allowed end of,
of road car off road tires

Chrislong · #3 25-10-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigred5765

as i see it theres no debate there not allowed end of,
off road car off road tires

Agreed.
Got to respect the club decision, live with it. Or we could be faced with a control tyres and we don't want that.

BTW im using pre used tyres which Id normally bin. Used Minipins and minispikes, as long as yellow compound work well.

andy110m · #4 25-10-2011

Chris I agree we have to support the clubs decision and adhere to it but its got to be worth the discussion. I found my tyres got worse round by round and while I accept its the cost of racing, if we could avoid it....

I don't really agree with the "off road car so off road tyres". If that was to truely hold water it would have to be "off road cars so race them outside off road not indoor on the mostly flat".

I know this thread isn't going to change the minds of the officals and nor should it but provided its a constructive well meaning discussion I see no harm in having it. I mean if parliment can debate something that was never going to happen why shouldn't we.

kayce · #5 25-10-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigred5765

as i see it theres no debate there not allowed end of,
off road car off road tires

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy110m

Chris I agree we have to support the clubs decision and adhere to it but its got to be worth the discussion. I found my tyres got worse round by round and while I accept its the cost of racing, if we could avoid it....

I don't really agree with the "off road car so off road tyres". If that was to truely hold water it would have to be "off road cars so race them outside off road not indoor on the mostly flat".

I know this thread isn't going to change the minds of the officals and nor should it but provided its a constructive well meaning discussion I see no harm in having it. I mean if parliment can debate something that was never going to happen why shouldn't we.

Rationally, your "debate" doesn't hold water because using the same rationale onroad cars should only compete outdoors as well.
When was the last time you saw any indoor 1:1 race (flat or not flat)?

Then, when you factor in that most offroad guys don't have tyre-truers, while overlooking the added investment to do so, the added cost of what you're suggesting makes your original argument totally invalid.

And frankly, once the rules have been decided (what's good for one is good for all, as the rules are the same for all) all you're doing by bringing it up is stirring the pot and trying to start an argument and not "well meaning" at all nor are they doing anyone any good - being as any said "discussions" on the topic were not only likely had prior to the decision, but that's when it's time for those discussions.
After the fact, save it and bring it up next year.

If you're wanting to bring politics, or parliament, into it - then pull on your wig and argue with yourself in the mirror.

Chrislong · #6 25-10-2011

They were quicker, so by allowing them the handful who'd first use them would cause the rest to follow or literally drop several finals (or stop attending). So to allow them is forcing an unofficial control tyre, forcing the spending of money. As it is we can choose to use new rubber tyres (yes, expensive), or use worn tyres leftover from elsewhere.

Simon was told he couldn't use foam tyres at Southport too, so im told. Not sure of it is relevant. #justsaying

On the subject of part worns, ive found them to be more consistent than new. New tyres have taken atleast 1 round to 'come-in'. I also know many racers will use tyres at Worksop, then re-use them here for that reason, so costing £0 to use rubber tyres.