13" Race Tires

[blamkin86]

It's not all hatred for these decisions - I think most of know the path to where we are was long and convoluted.

What I don't get is the lack of updates. The wheel rules are really completely jacked up. A 7" wheel on a 1500lb car? Hell, at 1200+ pounds heavier, the 944 and 328 should get 10+ inch wheels.

That's my problem -the excuses for the way the rules are depends on who you talk to. I know it's a hard job, but there's little to no consistency or forethought. Yes, I can do much much better, but I don't play the political game so I've no chance of contributing.

Thanks for the info on the S2000 CR wheel sizes. I am not surprised they got that one wrong.

I'd be far more surprised if they corrected it, or gave the super heavy cars anything but stock wheel width.

 

[Matt Blehm]

RX8 gets 18x8 wheels at 2300lbs...
So does the BRZ/FR-S at 2400lbs. several other "modern" cars get them as well.

 

[JasonIsley99]

RX8 gets 18x8 wheels at 2300lbs...
So does the BRZ/FR-S at 2400lbs. several other "modern" cars get them as well.

That is the OE size on the RX-8, while the Twins come with a 17x7.

 

[Matt Blehm]

RX8 gets 18x8 wheels at 2300lbs...
So does the BRZ/FR-S at 2400lbs. several other "modern" cars get them as well.

That is the OE size on the RX-8, while the Twins come with a 17x7.

OE is 18x8 for the RX8. They also have a 16" option with a quick Google.

Other cars like earlier Porsche 944S2 get 18" wheels as well. Sure they "came with 'em from the factory", but how many racers are still running factory wheels in EP? The philosophy is all over the place with things like this.

 

[JasonIsley99]

RX8 gets 18x8 wheels at 2300lbs...
So does the BRZ/FR-S at 2400lbs. several other "modern" cars get them as well.

That is the OE size on the RX-8, while the Twins come with a 17x7.

OE is 18x8 for the RX8. They also have a 16" option with a quick Google.

Other cars like earlier Porsche 944S2 get 18" wheels as well. Sure they "came with 'em from the factory", but how many racers are still running factory wheels in EP? The philosophy is all over the place with things like this.

16" was only on the automatic trans RX8, and we don't class automatics.

 

[Matt Brannon]

Well, I tried... :think:

HP
1. #16724 (Matt Brannon) 13x7 / 15x7 on All HP Cars
Thank you for your letter. At present there are sufficient tire options available for the listed wheel sizes in HP so that this change, which would result in a significant expenditure by competitors to go to the larger wheel size requested, is not warranted.

A number of issues relating to wheel/tire sizes in Production are being reviewed with decisions anticipated by the end of 2015.

-M

 

[blamkin86]

HP
1. #16724 (Matt Brannon) 13x7 / 15x7 on All HP Cars
Thank you for your letter. At present there are sufficient tire options available for the listed wheel sizes in HP so that this change, which would result in a significant expenditure by competitors to go to the larger wheel size requested, is not warranted.

In order for this to be true, 15s would have to be inherently faster than 13s.

What data is SCCA using to support that claim?

 

[Matt Brannon]

I asked for the 15" option simply for choice, not competitive advantage. That said, I think the "larger wheel" response was focused on those who would go with the wider 13" if given the chance.

But the answer of "enormous expense burden" is a total red herring, made to sound that wheels are a huge one-time purchase.

While wheels are usually a considered a durable good in racing, they are not a one-time investment like a cage or seat.

In my opinion, anything less than high-end, 3-piece forged billets have a service life that requires preventative replacement in 5-10 years, regardless of visible condition.

And a set of decent quality wheels for a prod car are no more expensive than a mounted set of tires.

...but I digress.

-M

 

[Matt Blehm]

And a set of decent quality wheels for a prod car are no more expensive than a mounted set of tires.

...but I digress.

-M

continuing the digression... Last set of 15x7 wheels I bought a couple months ago cost me $100 for the set, barely used. New would be $150 per wheel or so, so still FAR less than the cost of the tires going onto them every race.

 

[Chris Schaafsma]

And a set of decent quality wheels for a prod car are no more expensive than a mounted set of tires.

...but I digress.

-M

continuing the digression... Last set of 15x7 wheels I bought a couple months ago cost me $100 for the set, barely used. New would be $150 per wheel or so, so still FAR less than the cost of the tires going onto them every race.

Yep - I was discussing this with a friend in the spring. Crazy world where it is cheaper to put brand new WHEELS on the car every event than it is to keep competitive rubber under it.