Quick Autocross rules question

405 Views 10 Replies 0 Participants Last post by jose_63042, May 21, 2003

Discussion Starter · May 7, 2003

I'm looking to purchase some new tires for autocrossing in Tulsa. I've read the issca rules and they seem a little unhelpful in this area. What tires are permitted, with no point hit? I'm looking to stay in stock class. Perhaps some one could give me an idea of what tires not to get, to take a no points hit?

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Discussion Starter · #2 · May 7, 2003

Basically, any "non-R" tire that'll fit on the stock SS size rims (17x8.5") is no penalty.

If you don't know what "R" compound (specialty compound aka Kumho VictoRacer, Nitto 555R, BFG R1, Hoosier A3S03/R3S03, etc) tires are.....well, you're safe

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Discussion Starter · #3 · May 8, 2003

It looks like the ISSCA tire rules are similar to the SCCA's, which means as long as you get a DOT labeled tire with a tread wear rating of 140 or higher, it is considered to be a street tire.

Some of the more popular tires in the SCCA STS class that is required to use street tires are:

BFG G-Force KD
Kumho MX
Falken Azenis Sport

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Discussion Starter · #4 · May 8, 2003

Thanks fro the info Rick. Ed is this statement true? Any tire that has a tread ware of 140 or higher will not cost any points?

-Jose

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Discussion Starter · #5 · May 8, 2003

I don't know if we explicitly SAID in the rules what the treadwear rating is for an "R" tire, but the INTENT is exactly what Rick said. Yes, we need to clarify this further for the 2004 rules

You can run any non-R (non "specialty compound") tire that fits on stock rims in the stock class (assuming you don't have other mods that kick you out of "stock"). And the tires that Rick listed are non-R tires.

FYI : I am running STX this year in my WRX (sort of like STS, except for cars with more HP). I am on the Falken Azenis.....and for their purpose, they work QUITE well! Not as stiff a sidewall (or as sticky tread) as a true "R" tire, but for a "street" tire it is VERY sticky as well as very affordably priced (cost me $420 shipped to my door for 4 of them in 215/45R16)!

Now the bad news......the only size they make it in that'd work on an SS rim is 245/45R17. It'd still stick better than anything available in 255/50R17 though. Also, they have HORRENDOUS amounts of tire noise, so they would drive you nuts on a daily driver unless you like that "4x4 tire whine" when doing 70 down the freeway! But for something you just "swap on" for AutoX only, they'd work.

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Discussion Starter · #6 · May 8, 2003

I have heard nothing but good things about the Azenis', but I myself couldn't fathom wearing 245/45's on the SS flogging it around. I'd have to opt for another brand in 275-40...just my 2% of a buck.

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Discussion Starter · #7 · May 9, 2003

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>I have heard nothing but good things about the Azenis', but I myself couldn't fathom wearing 245/45's on the SS flogging it around. I'd have to opt for another brand in 275-40...just my 2% of a buck.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree. Given the "street tire" constraint, I would go for the BFG KD or Kumho Ecsta MX in 275/40R17 first. My only point there was the 245/45R17 Falken will "outstick" any of the available 255/50R17 tires.

Since the Azeni is basically "made" for STS/STX AutoX, and that class has a tire width limit of 245, I don't see Falken doing the Azeni in 275/40R17 anytime soon

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Discussion Starter · #8 · May 10, 2003

I'll agree with the BFG KD's, they are awesome for a street tire, and have very stiff sidewalls, which is what our big cars need. Need more proof, see this skidpad shootout conducted during this years One-Lap of America competition.
One Lap Street Tire Skidpad Shootout

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Discussion Starter · #9 · May 17, 2003

just remember...the question was about quick!!

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Discussion Starter · #10 · May 20, 2003

Les and I have talked and what Rick said is correct. It will apply for both the Autocross and Road Course events at Tulsa Roundup.

Any tire with a tread wear rating of 140 or higher will be considered a "street" tire and not count against the points assessment. Any tire with a tread wear rating of less than 140 will be considered a “specialty compound” tire and count as 3-points.

We will include this as one of the rules clarifications for the 2004 published changes.

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Discussion Starter · #11 · May 21, 2003

Gary and Les;
Thanks for the correct info on the tires.
-Jose

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