05 May 2011 HDJ

The Hero
Driver’s
Journal
May 2011
The Hero Driver’s Journal – May 2011 1
The Furrin Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 1665, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-1665
Nic Boris
616-459-0349
1340 Penn Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505-5265
Vice President
[email protected]
Dave Vanderschaaf
616-453-0073
541 Collindale Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-4626
Treasurer
[email protected]
Blake Forslund II
616-813-6021
643 Marietta NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Secretary
[email protected]
Mary Savage
616-364-4563
2308 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505-4251
Membership
[email protected]
Eric Anderson
231-740-1279
2530 Wisconsin Ave, Muskegon, MI 49445
Member at Large
[email protected]
Eric Duram
404 Avery, Lowell, MI 49331
Past President
[email protected]
Jason Porritt
616-453-0704
1118 Parmelee Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Resident Agent
[email protected]
Bob Shedd
616-243-2109
1506 Johnston SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507-2831
Journal/Mailing
[email protected]
Matthew Huizing
616-676-0236
2357 Grand Valley Dr. NE, Ada, MI 49301-9264
Points
[email protected]
Suzy Beauvais
616-754-9583
12974 Beardslee, Greenville, MI 48838-9315
Rally Committee
[email protected]
Jeff Boris
616-364-9677
320 Eleanor NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505-4077
Nic Boris
616-459-0349
1340 Penn Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505-5265
[email protected]
Speed Committee
[email protected]
616-897-4050
[email protected]
Curt Rosenstengel
616-460-9581
4787 W. Goodemoot Dr., Lake Odessa, MI 48849
Dave Vanderschaaf
616-453-0073
541 Collindale Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-4626
Jason Porritt
616-453-0704
1118 Parmalee Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Mark Wiser
616-257-7899
2501 Byron Center Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49509
Social Chair
[email protected]
Mary Savage
616-364-4563
2308 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505-4251
Web Committee
Jason Porritt, Curt Rosenstengel
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.furrin.org
President
[email protected]
The Hero
Driver!!
The Hero Driver’s Journal allows its contibutors the fullest latitude in voice of opinion. Therefore, the views
expressed herein may not be aligned with the Furrin Group, Inc. The H.D.J. is published by the Furrin Group,
Inc. of Grand Rapids , MI.
2 The Hero Driver’s Journal – May 2011
A Brief Buyers’ Guide to Performance Tires
by Matthew Huizing
Tires are the key factor in automotive performance. A modified Porsche on all-seasons will probably handle
worse than a stock Saturn on slicks. Because of this fact the sport of autocross competition often resolves
into who bought the best tires. Of course during normal driving on the street there is little opportunity to
employ the traction limits of any tire. So you are not likely to appreciate the dry traction advantage of slicks
very often on your daily commute while they quickly wear away. The lack of tread can also be disastrous at
highway speeds if it ever happens to rain. Tread is helpful in cutting through any accumulated precipitation
instead of allowing the car to float over it.
Tires designed for road racing such the Hoosier R6 also don‟t perform as well at autocross for the same
reason as race brake pads don‟t necessarily work well in the sport. Instead of heat endurance, the main
requirement in autocross competition are tires and brakes which work well fairly cold. Autocross is a better
simulation of street performance of tires and brakes than road racing performance. The most popular
autocross classes also limit the types of tires allowed. Stock and Street Prepared only allow DOT-approved
tires, while the Street Touring category further limits tires to those with a UTQG treadwear rating of 140 or
above. This guide will focus on street tires that excel in autocross competition, as these are the best
performing street tires.
DOT-Approved R-Compounds
Hoosier A6
Kumho Ecsta V710
Hankook Z214
BFGoodrich g-Force R1
The fastest DOT-approved tires for autocross competition have been the Hoosier A6, the Kumho Ecsta
V710, and the Hankook Ventus Z214 C71. The DOT required measureable “tread” on all three of these
consists of two small, circumferential grooves. A few other companies offer their version of the twin groove
R-compound such as the Avon Tech RA and the BFGoodrich g-Force R1. Goodyear just began shipping
their Eagle RS which has so far performed well against the Hoosiers but is only available in a few sizes in
limited quantities. The proven V710 and A6 come in lots of sizes to fit 13” to 19” diameter wheels.
The next step down in performance is
treaded R-compounds. The Toyo
Proxes RA1 is a popular example. The
greater amount of tread void on these
give up dry grip for much better
hydroplaning resistance making these
tires somewhat practical to use on the
street. Hoosier and Kumho also have
aggressive wet R-compounds in the
Toyo Proxes RA1
Toyo Proxes R888
Nitto NT-01
Radial Wet and the Ecsta W710
respectfully. Toyo also offers a generous amount of sizes. Their new R888 comes in both 225/45R13 and
315/30R20 sizes for example. The Nitto NT-01 is closely related to the R888 but is available in fewer sizes.
The Hero Driver’s Journal – May 2011 3
UTQG Ratings
TW
Trac Temp Rim Sizes
Ultra High Performance Summer
Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 Dunlop Z1 Star Spec
Falken Azenis RT-615K
Bridgestone RE-11 180
A
A
15” - 19”
Dunlop Z1*
200
A
A
14” - 18”
Falken RT-615K
200
A
A
14” - 18”
Hankook R-S3
140
A
A
15” - 19”
Kumho XS
180
AA
A
15” - 19”
Toyo R1R
140
AA
A
15” - 18”
Yokohama AD08
180
AA
A
15” - 19”
AA
A
13” - 20”
Treaded R-Compound
Toyo RA1/R888
100
Autocross R-Compound
Hankook Ventus R-S3
Kumho Ecsta XS
Toyo Proxes R1R
Hankook Z214
40
C
A
13” - 18”
Hoosier A6
40
C
A
13” - 19”
Kumho V710
30
C
A
13” - 19”
Ultra High Performance Street Tires
Yokohama Neova AD08
Best Performing
Street Tires by
Vehicle Weight
Heavy cars: Dunlop,
Bridgestone,
Hankook,
Yokohama
Light cars: Toyo,
Kumho, Hankook
Now we get to true street tires. While quite a few UHP all-seasons have been
released recently, the all-seasons are not top performers except perhaps at near
freezing temperatures. The UHP summer tires also vary widely causing the Tire
Rack to further subdivide them into max performance and extreme performance
categories. Some of the tires in the former category outperform tires in the latter
category in wet conditions. For example Grassroots Motorsports did a recent test
where Continental ExtremeContact DW was faster than the Toyo R1R in the wet.
The top performing street tires for autocrossing in the dry are the ones shown
above. Light cars like Miatas and Civics seem to perform best on the smallest size
Toyo R1Rs. The R1Rs heat up quickly and handle water the best of these. Heavier
STX cars seem to perform best with the Star Specs. The Kumho and Falkens are
particularly poor in wet conditions. As the charts on the following pages will show,
the Hankooks tend to be the most affordable especially in the larger sizes.
Sherman Williams
Memorial Ad
4 The Hero Driver’s Journal – May 2011
The chart at the top of the previous page lists the UTQG ratings for the tires being discussed. The UTQG
ratings are not very reliable for determining performance characteristics, but they at least establish a ball
park estimate. The UTQG traction rating (AA, A, B, or C) is supposed to indicate wet stopping traction for
example, but it doesn‟t necessarily correspond to a tire‟s wet handling performance.
Choosing a Rim Size
The question of what tire to get often rests on what wheels you have to put them on. If you want to
autocross in the Stock category you have to use wheels that are stock-sized. Otherwise you can buy some
wider and/or larger diameter wheels to fit better tires. There is a lot of positive buzz surrounding a rumor
that the SCCA may move the Stock autocross classes to a similar treadwear rating requirement as Street
Touring currently uses.
Most of the Street Touring classes also limit tread widths and wheel widths, with ST and STS allowing 7.5"
wide rims and 225 mm width tires, STR and STX allowing 9" wide rims and 255 mm and 265 mm wide
tires respectfully for two wheel drive cars. It turns out that rim width is rather important making 15x7.5"
rims the de facto standard for ST and STS, and 17x9" rims the de facto standard for STX and STR. It is
clear that competitors would go faster with wider rims if they could use them. Rim width is more important
than wheel weight for performance.
14” Diameter Rims
The most common size for performance tires for 14” rims is 195/60R14. Only the Star Spec and RT-615K
come in sizes for 14” rims, and both are offered in that size. Neither of these enjoys as much success in ST
as the 195/50R15 Toyos have--perhaps due to a lack of wide 14” wheels. Speaking of Toyo, they offer a
225/40R14 size of their less grippy T1R, which are not really wider than the 195s, but they would be fun on
smaller cars which are hindered by tall gearing.
15” Diameter Rims
One of most popular race tire sizes is 205/50R15 and nearly all the top performing street tires are now also
offered in this size. Most cars with 15” wheels came with taller tires, but the 4” tall sidewalls of a 205/50
will improve the handling feel, so you
might just want to get use to seeing ST/STS Width Performance Tires Common Sizes
15”
16”
17”
larger fender gaps. The RS-3 comes in a Rim Diameter
225/45R15 that should be slightly wider Tire Size
205/50 224/45 215/45 225/50 215/40 215/45 225/45
and shorter. The Toyo R1R comes in
Overall Diameter
23.1”
23.0”
23.6”
24.9”
23.7”
24.6”
25.0”
both a 205/50R15 and a 225/45R15 size.
However, the smaller 195/50R15 R1R is Ultra High Performance Summer
$178
$212
actually more successful in ST and STS. Bridgestone RE-11 $137
The rumor is this smallest R1R has more Dunlop Z1*
$108
$136
$146
$139
$147
of the sticky compound. The 225/45s
Falken RT-615K
$109
$135
$144
$133
$150
$149
also perform much better on wheels
$103
$97
$128
$116
wider than the ST/STS class limit of Hankook R-S3
$93
$107
$127
$128
$140
7.5”. That size becomes a better choice Kumho XS
for early Miatas running STR when Toyo R1R
$123
$138
$151
$166
$177
mounted on 9” wide rims. The A6 and
Yokohama AD08
$120
$159
$184
$176
$198
Z214 R-compounds are also available in
225/45R15 size but are not as sensitive Autocross R-Compound
$146
$170
$159
$173
to rim width. Kumho offers a larger Hankook Z214
225/50R15 size in their V710. A few Hoosier A6
$221
$228
$230
Kumho V710
$196
$228
$232
$219
$216
The Hero Driver’s Journal – May 2011 5
years ago Hoosier released a 275/35R15 size of the A6 which quickly became popular in several autocross
classes.
16” Diameter Rims
STX/STR Width Performance Tires Common Sizes
Rim Diameter
Tire Size
Overall Diameter
16”
17”
$243
The 16" wheel diameter is sort of in the
nowhere land of performance tires. The most
popular performance tire size for 16” rims is
225/50R16. The Kumho XS and Falken RT615K are available in a much smaller overall
diameter 215/45, while Toyo offers a 225/45
R1R. Kumho also offers a much larger
265/45R16 size in both their XS and also their
V710. Though it may be a problem to find
some appropriately wide 16” wheels to mount
those on.
18”
265/45 235/40 245/40 255/50 255/35 265/35
25.4”
24.5”
24.7”
25.0”
25.1”
25.4”
Ultra High Performance Summer
Bridgestone RE-11
$224
$244
$255
$307
$306
Dunlop Z1*
$158
$167
$167
$252
$263
Falken RT-615K
$160
Hankook R-S3
Kumho XS
$194
$173
$139
$119
$153
$160
$293
$235
$212
Toyo R1R
$147
$156
$186
$225
$224
17” Diameter Rims
Yokohama AD08
$189
$209
$209
$267
$263
17”x7” is a popular stock size wheel, but the
extra diameter is probably more of a liability in
such a narrow width. Despite this all the top
performing street tires do come in a 225/45R17
size. Several smaller overall diameter 215 sizes
are also offered in most of the tires.
Autocross R-Compound
Hankook Z214
$185
Hoosier A6
$266
Kumho V710
$255
$195
$315
Wider aftermarket 17” wheels are very popular and appropriate for wider tires. The most popular 17”
performance tire sizes are 245/40R17 and 255/40R17. Grassroots Motorsports/Tire Rack tested both of
those sizes of the Dunlop Z1 Star Specs on their STR MX5 and found that the smaller size was slightly
faster. STX BMW drivers seem to prefer the larger size. It is likely that the 9” wide wheels limit the
effectiveness of the larger size. Dunlop also offers a 265/40R17 Star Spec, while Kumho offers many wider
XS tires for 17” rims up to a 335/35R17 size.
18” and Larger Diameter Rims
There are 215 and 225 wide tires for 18" wheels, but they are definitely not the
best performance options. The most popular size of street tires for autocross on
18” wheels is 265/35R18, and they aren‟t cheap. Some of the companies also offer
performance tires in 19” diameter sizes. And as already noted Toyo offers their
newest treaded R-compound in 20” sizes.
Conclusion
This guide only touches on a small subset of the wide variety of performance tires
available today. Hopefully it will help you make an informed decision about your
next performance tire purchase.
6 The Hero Driver’s Journal – May 2011
Additional Tire
Resources
The Tire Rack
TiresDirect.net (Toyos)
Vulcan Tire (Falkens)
Grassroots Motorsports
Sportscar
SCCAForums
Vorshlag
West Michigan Auto Auction
Autocross #1 & #2
Where: West Michigan Auto Auction, 4758 Division, Moline, MI
(South of Grand Rapids, south of 100th street).
When: Saturday May 14, 2011 and Sunday May 15, 2011
Two separate events, run one day or both!
Time: Registration and Tech 8:30 to 10:00, runs start at 11:00ish.
Setup will be Friday May 13 at 6:30pm, weather permitting.
Info: 4 runs min, 80 cars max. (Furrin Group members not turned away).
Pre-registration suggested at www.Myautoevents.com (go to
clubs list, select „Furrin Group Sportscar Club‟).
Cost: $15 FG members, $20 non-members. ($5 discount for second day)
$10 Exhibition Vintage class (No trophies, 1979 and older cars)
Contact: Curt Rosenstengel at 616-460-9581 or [email protected]
The Furrin Group Presents
US 131 Autocross
Where: US 131 Motorsports Park, 1249 12th Street
Martin, MI 49070 (The fastest autocross track in West Michigan)
When: Sunday June 12, 2010
Time: Setup 8:30am
Registration and Tech 9:00am to 10:30am
Driver meeting/Course ASAP after registration
Info: 4 runs, 80 cars max. (Furrin Group members not turned away).
Preregistration suggested at www.myautoevents.com
Cost: $15 FG members, $20 non-members, $10 Vintage class (older than 1980).
Contact: Curt Rosenstengel at 616-460-9581 or [email protected]
Setup help will be essential to keep this event on time!
This will be a fast and fun autocross! Get your entry in quickly. Entries are limited!
GVSU
Autocross Weekend
Where: GVSU, Allendale, Michigan
When: Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3, 2011
Time: Setup possible on Friday night.
Both days Registration/Tech 9:00am-10:30am.
Cost: $15 FG members or $20 non-members ($5 discount for second day).
$10 Vintage class.
Contact: Curt Rosenstengel at 616-460-9581 or [email protected]
Note: This session will need setup help. Contact Curt if you can be available for setup.
The Hero Driver’s Journal – May 2011 7
Furrin Group General Meeting Minutes, April 19, 2011
Meeting started at 7:40pm
Minutes for March were accepted as printed from the journal.
President – Nic Boris presiding over the rowdy bunch.
Vice President – No report.
Past President – Not present.
Secretary – Not present. Minutes by Curt Rosenstengel. Sponsorships available for Hours and
Seconds.
Treasurer – Not present. Finance report reported by Nic Boris. The club still has money. This
continues to amaze everyone.
Membership – We still have members. In fact, some of them showed up for the meeing!
Journal Editor – Journal for April was mailed and notices were emailed. If you‟ve got
something to print, either club related or auto related, email it to the Editor.
Member at Large – No report. We have the quietest members in the business (sarcastic alert!)
Rally – First rally is June 11, starting/ending at El Barrio. This will be the Alley Rally, less
than 30 miles. Much fun will be had! Also, Turkey Trot is scheduled for November. No date
set at this time.
Speed and Ice – The first three events are ready to go. West Michigan Auto Auction on 14/15,
US 131 June 12, and Grand Valley State University on July 2/3. Watch for more
announcements soon!
Points – Not present. Curt is taking attendance. So if you were here, you got points!
Social – Not present. Actually, that‟s not true….there was plenty of socializing.
Old Business – Graham Porter Memorial Karting event is less than 3 weeks away. Number of
entries is lower than expected so far. Ricky has not shaken the entry list from last year yet.
This event will go on regardless of the weather; neither rain, snow, sleet, tsunami, earthquake,
darkening of the skies due to the end of the world, and even if it‟s sunny! All are welcome. FG
members and non-members!
New Business – None.
Announcements – Colin McClery decided to join us with his presence! VSCDA at Gingerman
is April 29/30/May 1. They could use help with corners, grid, tower, cleaning bathrooms, etc.
Come show your support for their club. Curt R. is a new father! He‟s had a set of twin kids,
goats that is. Nic and Jeff participated in Moonlight Monte SCCA rally on the east side of the
state with Jeff‟s new MR2. They finished 5th overall. And last but not least, the 2010 Ron
Savage Year End award was awarded to Jeff Boris! Time to start getting points for 2011!
Meeting adjourned at 7:58pm
Submitted enchantingly by,
Curt Rosenstengel
8 The Hero Driver’s Journal – May 2011
Membership & HDJ Advertisement Information
2011 Membership Rates:
Single Membership
New $17.00 (Renew $12.00)
Family Membership
New $27.00 (Renew $17.00)
(Renewals must be received by March 31st, 2011)
(Membership rates are reduced 50% after 10/1/2011)
2011 Hero Driver‟s Journal Advertising Rates for one year
2”x3.5” = 30.00 Half Page = $60.00
Furrin Group General Meetings are held
the third Tuesday of every month. Our new
permanent General Meeting location is
El Barrio Mexican Grill restaurant at
545 Michigan St., Grand Rapids, just
east of College, 616-301-0010. There is
plenty of parking behind the building.
Meetings start about 7:30pm, come
earlier for dinner and drinks. El Barrio
is affiliated with the Beltline Bar and has
excellent burritos! Full menu listing is
available on the internet. Come see what
our club is all about!
The Hero Driver’s Journal – May 2011 9
May 14/15
May 17
May 22
May 30
June 4
June 4-5
June 5
June 11
June 12
June 17-19
June 17-19
June 18
June 19
June 21
June 24-26
July 2/3
July 9/10
July 15-17
July 16
August 6/7
August 13
August 13/14
August 14
August 19-21
August 26/27
September 5
September 11
September 9-11
September 17
September 18
October 2
November 5
Autocross at West Michigan Auto Auction
General meeting 7:30p.m. at El Barrio Mexican Grill
SVR SCCA Solo at Nexteer
Detroit SCCA Solo at Silverdome
SBR SCCA Solo at Grissom
BMWCCA Autocross at Tire Rack
SVR SCCA Solo at Nexteer
Alley Rally (gimmick rally)
Autocross at US131 MotorSports Park
Detroit SCCA Pro Solo at Wurtsmith
VSCDA at Blackhawk Farms Raceway
BMWCCA Autocross at Tire Rack
Porsche Club Autocross at Tire Rack
General meeting 7:30p.m. at El Barrio Mexican Grill
Great Lakes Divisional SCCA Solo at Wurtsmith
Autocross at GVSU
WMR SCCA Solo at MSU
Detroit SCCA Solo at Wurtsmith
BMWCCA Autocross at Tire Rack
Autocross at MSU (date has changed!)
SVR SCCA Solo at Barstow
WMR SCCA Solo at MSU
Detroit SCCA Solo at Belle Is.
VSCDA at Grattan Raceway
Possible autocross in conjunction with GR Metro Cruise
WMR SCCA Solo at Grattan
Bikers for Babies autocross/drag event
VSCDA at Road America
Autocross at My Auto Import Center
SVR SCCA Solo at Barstow
WMR SCCA Solo at Lansing Community College
Autocross at US131 MotorSports Park
All dates and locations are tentative. Please check with the
chairperson or the website/email list for up to date information.
2011 Local Event Schedule
Matthew Huizing, Editor
The Furrin Group
2357 Grand Valley Dr NE.
Ada, MI 49301-9264
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10 The Hero Driver’s Journal – May 2011