Which R-comps for Auto-X?

[Loren]

Very important that you understand that the grippier a rubber compound is, the quicker it ages. You're fresh Hoosiers, even if you only autox infrequently and they have half tread left, will be nearly useless in a year. Unless you keep the tires bagged and stored in a cool dark place, they will harden to the point that they're no better than an all-season street tire.

For "casual" use, I'd recommend the R888. They won't have the Hoosier grip, but they'll last a lot longer and be more consistent for a longer period, even in the "occasional use" environment.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Originally Posted by Loren

For "casual" use, I'd recommend the R888. They won't have the Hoosier grip, but they'll last a lot longer and be more consistent for a longer period, even in the "occasional use" environment.

That tire is such a turd that both SCCA and NASA have gone back to the RA1 for the spec Toyo classes (Spec Miata etc) due to member input

[Loren]

Originally Posted by Jason@SportsCar

That tire is such a turd that both SCCA and NASA have gone back to the RA1 for the spec Toyo classes (Spec Miata etc) due to member input

I thought they phased out the RA1. Good tire. Great tire. If you can get RA1's... do.

[SilverBack]

Originally Posted by Loren

Very important that you understand that the grippier a rubber compound is, the quicker it ages. You're fresh Hoosiers, even if you only autox infrequently and they have half tread left, will be nearly useless in a year. Unless you keep the tires bagged and stored in a cool dark place, they will harden to the point that they're no better than an all-season street tire.

For "casual" use, I'd recommend the R888. They won't have the Hoosier grip, but they'll last a lot longer and be more consistent for a longer period, even in the "occasional use" environment.

That's what I was gonna ask about next. Thanks for reminding about storage bags. I wasn't sure if they were necessary, or if Tire Rack was just looking to score an extra buck from customers.

I'll add the R888's and RA1's (if I can still find a set) to list of tires to research also. So far I'm liking the RA1 and V710 equally...