Hi all.

So, here is my question. I have a set of Falken Ziex 512 tires. My question is, are these tires safe to track on? The reason I am asking is:

I am planning to do a track day in January at Thunderhill. My other set of tires, Goodyear Eagle F1 GS D3 are kind of out of the picture. One of my tires punctured in the sidwall and replacing it will be expensive (tire, mounting and balancing, tire shaving). This will be my first track day so I doubt I'll be doing anything really hard. Is there really any danger to running A/S on the track? Of course I'll have grip issues and stuff. I just can't really afford another set of tires at the moment. As much as I want to, I just can't. If I can run on these tires safely, that is what I prefer to do.

Your input is appreciated.

TIA.

 

the track day I did, I ran Avon Tech all seasons and they were fine, although it significantly reduced their lifespan

the reason I'm getting rid of the azenis tires is because they supposedly tend to get greasy on the track, I dont know how similar the rubber compound on your tires is though, so I don't know if you'll have that problem

 

That's good to hear. I guess they'll be fine. I don't mind killing off the tires. They were really inexpensive. I would really like a nice set of tires for next season for auto-x, though.

 

they're pretty good and really affordable. to be honest, i'd be a little hesitant, but i think you should be fine.

 

i ran 512s and went up hammy, and i wouldnt personally drive on those tires hard. they screech a lot under hard turning.

my .02

 

I did a track day this summer with my brother in his .:R32 and he was running these because he was in a similar situation to you. They did fine. They definitely weren't the stickiest, but they were predictable and really let you know when they were close to the limit.

This was my first track day and I personally think that these tires were a good thing because it was easy to tell when you were sliding and losing time. They helped make sure you were running the correct line and not over-driving.

We drove to OK from CO and back and had a drag and a track day all on the same tires. You'll be fine.

 

They are great street tires, but they don't really grip. I actually notice now compared to my other set. Thanks for all your input. Really appreciate it.

Since it'll be my first track day, it'll be more learning than spirited driving. So super sticky tires may be a waste.

 

Exactly.

 

I just want to make sure they are safe to run on. That is all. I've auto-x on these tires before. They work, but they don't grip as well as the other set. I just don't want to die.

 

No reason to think that any tire in safe condition will be a unsafe on the track. Your max avg speed will be a bit slower than it would theoretically be on stickier tires, but that's not what you should be worring about on your first track day. Beside, it is likely to rain in January and they might be better than someone else on sticky tires! If it's dry, everyone will certainly hear you squeal your way around the track, but that's life!

 

No worries. It isn't like we are competing or anything. Just there to have fun.

Oh, btw, I found those clamps. They are sitting in my trunk right now. I'll take a look at them tomorrow. I think they are for the front though.

 

You're not going to be doing 9/10 your first time on the track. These tires should be fine for your first couple of track days. Once you start pushing it and reaching their limits, then you'll want to look into something else.

Besides that, tracking in January may requires something that sheds water well.

 

Sounds good.

 

Azenis RT215s do get alot more sticky compared to the newer RT615s the longer you are on track; however, the cool down times in between runs are more than enough. Water sprayer, helps too

+1, you will probably look to R compound tires if you do start going 9/10ths on the track.

If it's your first time at T-hill going the normal direction you'll be more worried about memorizing the track. Just watch out for Cat's craddle (Turn 5/5a), driving the correct line and keep track of the brake warning areas (sign posts on the side); they help alot.

Important part is to have fun . Keep track of your tire pressures, brake fade, engine temp, lose/gain of grip depending on temperature help too. Good luck!