Looking for suggestions - tires for the track.

[BLUPSTU]

Question - I'm looking to get an extra set of wheels and tires to run on track days with the Audi Club NW. I'm on my second set of Michelins and it is getting pricey since they are $300p/tire. I'm driving a tank! RS6!! Any thoughts or recommendations? Thanks.

[oldskoolaudi]

Question - I'm looking to get an extra set of wheels and tires to run on track days with the Audi Club NW. I'm on my second set of Michelins and it is getting pricey since they are $300p/tire. I'm driving a tank! RS6!! Any thoughts or recommendations? Thanks.
In the same boat as you but with a b5 a4. Are you planning on running r-compounds? I like nitto nt555's and nitto invo's for street tires, but couldn't compare them to Michelin's that are twice the price. I'd like to go r-compounds but have been advised to learn on street tires before going with r-compounds. As far as r-compound tires I beleive hoosiers are the best.

[ACHAHockey]

for a slick, I'd look at the Hankook C71, or Hoosier A6. I've only used the C71s in a 245/40/17 size on my STi that I autocross. for the track I use the Hoosiers, and have gone as wide as 295/30/18 so far on the 911. both are great tires, and haven't disappointed me yet.

if you were looking at a good street/track-ish tire, look at the Potenza RE070, RE-11, Hankook Ventus k110 V12evo, or Dunlop Direzza Star Spec. I know the Star Specs get mixed reviews, but I found that as long as you stay on cooling the edges after runs, you're fine. I love the RE070, hands down probably the best handling street tire I've ever driven on. I was running faster in street mod on those tires, than most were running on slicks. they were stock on my STi, and I hear they handle track days VERY well.

[BLUPSTU]

I don't know if I will be running r-compounds yet. Like you stated (and I agree) I should learn on street tires first. So I am looking more for the street/track-ish tire. I will look into the REO70. Thanks! I've also been looking at the Hankook Ventus V12evo. Plus the Falken since the price is right for abusing a set of tires. [drive]
The Michelins that I'm running now (255/35/19) are actually the Sport Plus AS PS2. So I know I definitely don't need the all season as my track tire. I appreciate it.

[beemercer]

The Hankook RS3s are a nice step up from the V12, I run the 255/40/17s on my A6 only $500ish a set. Haven't got to track them yet.

[Bettonracing]

If You're willing to tolerate a little less streetability for alot more track performance You may consider a dedicated set of 18" wheels with some Hankook Z214's. I did a set of 245/40 - 18's (C51 compound) at a recent track day and great googly moogly those things are badass. They're also alot more tolerant to heat cycles compared to the typical r-compound. Directly contributed to the [relatively sudden] death of my control arm bushings :-)

With Your wide body You're able to accomodate 275 wide tires so I'd go for the 275/35 - 18's ($218 ea). If You're trying to get a jump on next season then pm me about a test drive on that size...

Regards,

Kurt

[BLUPSTU]

Thanks for the tip on the RS3's (beemercer). Let me know if you get a chance to track them.

Kurt - I really appreciate the offer and info. I will definitely PM you. I didn't know I could run that wide of a tire (275). I am not at a stock height with my coilovers. But it would be interesting to fine out.

Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate all of the info on this thread.

[beemercer]

yeah the widebodys will hold a lot of tire. The RS3s run very wide and the 255/40 on a 8.5" ET20 fits pretty perfect.

[BLUPSTU]

Cool.....I just picked up my second set (dedicated track) wheels. 18" x 8.5" ET 35. So hopefully these will work. Now just need to decide on what tire will be the best without breaking the bank.

[ben916]

Are you on RS6.com?

The Michelin Super Sports are better than the PS2's. (better traction, better life, better heat/wear, combination rubber).
If this is just a dedicated track tire, the cups might be better but if it is a once in a while track tire with mostly street use - Super Sports are the way to go - make sure you get the XL rating...

[BLUPSTU]

No - I'm not on RS6.com (yet). I'm new to these forums so I will need to create an account for that site as well. [:d]

I'm looking for a dedicated track tire. Ideally though, I would like to be able to put the track set on at home and drive there so that way I won't need to haul a ton of stuff in my car. Right now my daily drivers are Michelin AS Sport Plus 255/35/19. Love 'em. Thanks for the tip on the XL rating too. I've learned that my car is a tank and needs the XL rating.