First Track Day - Tire Question

[Nordo]

Hi everyone, I've read over a bunch of threads but I wanted to see if I could get other's opinions. I have a stock 2014 Fiesta ST with Dekagrams (16x8) with Hankook Ventus V2 Concept2 in 205/45/16. They probably have about 5/32nds tread left on them. I'm planning to do my first track day in April and autocross. I've gotten everything else sorted (brake pads, fluids, etc.)

But I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on if I can run the all seasons on the track / autocross. I know I'm not going to be setting any records as this is my first time for both, but one of my friends said that if it were her, she would switch out to something like RT660 in 215/45/16ing before the track because I'll just spend all day managing tire slip than learning proper lines and braking points. OTOH, this is my first track day (novice) so does it really matter?

My goal really is to have fun.

Thanks!

 

[M-Sport fan]

Which track; NJMP, Pocono, Summit Point?

 

[madhatter]

flush your brake fluid and get some new (good) pads. keep your old ones, as those new pads will likely be done by the end of the weekend. put about 35 psi into the tires before you go, and air them down as the sessions go on to keep them around 32.

Summit point is the only one i can make any comment on, but the LF will be toast if you push it, so keep an eye for cording, and mind your brakes. the E-diff on these cars will burn the front pads to the ground.

 

[SteveS]

When I did the ST Octane Academy at Charlotte Motor Speedway, we did the autocross (urbancross) and track driving on Michelin PS AS3 all season tires. They did just fine. Obviously if you are actually racing others all season tires will not give you the same lap times as track tires, but if it's your first time you are not there to compare lap times with others but to learn how to drive. In any track endeavor you learn to drive with what you have in and on the car. And if you have to make it home but are destroying the left front or the brake pads, then back off and preserve your equipment.

 

[Nordo]

Thanks all, this will be NJMP Thunderbolt (though I hear Lightning might be more the Fiesta's forte.)

 

[atlantaM3]

So, I would not recommend going to a track tire/ 200tw near track tire for your first time out, even your first 2-3. Here is the reason - they have a lot of grip, so they dont let go until near the edge of traction. If you are new to tracking, that release can be a LOT faster/harder and at higher speeds than you are able to correct as a driver, as it is a skill you learn with experience. All seasons will complain loudly as they near their limit, whereas true HP tires may not until right at the very edge of traction. Depends on the tire/compound involved.

Speaking from a fair amount of experience track time on both 2 and 4 wheels, learning to control tire slip angle and manage/correct the cars behavior at lower speeds is frankly where you want to start, and move to 'better' tires, etc. as your skills increase. You dont want to find yourself at tire breakaway at speeds you are not familiar with, nor experience with wrangling back into line.

First day should be about learning the car, how it behaves at higher speeds, where you are comfortable, etc. Other peoples opinions of your speeds, etc. that arent track instructors should be irrelevant until you have a few sessions under your belt and are running at the top end of the novice group.

 

[tri-pedaler]

So, I would not recommend going to a track tire/ 200tw near track tire for your first time out, even your first 2-3. Here is the reason - they have a lot of grip, so they dont let go until near the edge of traction. If you are new to tracking, that release can be a LOT faster/harder and at higher speeds than you are able to correct as a driver, as it is a skill you learn with experience. All seasons will complain loudly as they near their limit, whereas true HP tires may not until right at the very edge of traction. Depends on the tire/compound involved.

Speaking from a fair amount of experience track time on both 2 and 4 wheels, learning to control tire slip angle and manage/correct the cars behavior at lower speeds is frankly where you want to start, and move to 'better' tires, etc. as your skills increase. You dont want to find yourself at tire breakaway at speeds you are not familiar with, nor experience with wrangling back into line.

First day should be about learning the car, how it behaves at higher speeds, where you are comfortable, etc. Other peoples opinions of your speeds, etc. that arent track instructors should be irrelevant until you have a few sessions under your belt and are running at the top end of the novice group.

Agreed here. All Seasons are the way to go for starting. You can listen to them howling, and feel out the limits safely. Tire warming is also not a factor with A/S tires.

There's a learning curve with everything. Don't rush it, enjoy the experience of trying something new.