I'm back!!

[ice/solo racer]

My phone was knocked late last weekend and I've been having the shakes since not being able to keep up to date all this week.
I was interested by the comments on the cheater tire thread I started,since are sport tends to revolve around tires and costs that go along with them.I don't know what kind of course GRM would have used for the comparo but at least the results would be a good indication of each tire types performance.Yes our courses do tend to be tighter but I would think that the extra turning,braking etc. would increase tire temps not decrease.
With regards to ole yeller,one thing that may have influenced the results(other than being out driven) besides only having one driver that day was the fact my corolla has a short 1st gear and tall 2nd.That course on saturday had me shifting 9 times per run(tried it running against the limiter once and by leaving it in second once to cut shifts to about 4 per).
S2000 and type R's have a 9000 and 8400 rpm redlines to play with and could have been a factor in itself?.In the end one course that works for me may not work for another,isn't that what keeps us coming back,if every course was the same we could all pick the right combo!!.
My shakes are starting to get better,my long week is finally over!.

[AndyC]

Eh Tom--are you coming to the Shoot Out on Saturday? Lets mix it up with no street tire bonus.

[ice/solo racer]

Hi Andy,my main goal this year was to get to the shootout.I have a set of used khumo's from Patrick Yorke which I haven't been all that happy with yet.I have 3 prep points left so with nothing to lose its time to pull out all the stops!.
I did some math last night and if the course is around 70 seconds and I outrun Robb by 1 second he out paxes me by about 1 3/4 seconds!!,I also need to outrun Wes and Ryan by a little over 2 seconds!!so far this season those guys are able to keep pace with me if not beat me.
So even though I think my chance of advancing are very slim I will be there giving everything my car/myself can give.
Can't wait till Saturday to wrap this season up(my all wheel drive turbo celica ice racer needs alot of work!)

[ShaneG]

Tom, this is a little off topic but I am curious about the longevity of the Aziens as compared to an R compound...I am told that just doing Solo II with maybe 1 or 2 lapping days one year / season is about all that can be expected from an R compound. Between you and your wife you are doing, essentially double the number of runs per year. How are the Aziens holding up? Do you make it through the year on 1 set? do you do the extra lapping days, Solo I days/weekends?...
I am trying to decide what to do next year...I want to have a chance to win or come close ( If I am capable) but right now costs are a larger priority. I have done a grand total of 2 autox's and can't afford to drop close to $1000.00 per year on tires. I am wondering if the Aziens would get me, maybe 2 years. My priority has to be seat time right now.
Thanks

[ice/solo racer]

Hi Shane,with regards to azenis tire wear I can say they wear very well.My car is never street driven(trailer queen)but with 8 or so events with 2 drivers the tires could pass as nearly new!not bad for cheap tire.
A friend of mine has a prelude powered accord and he has a set of azenis,he drives very hard and also went to the east coast towing a tent trailer.I inspected the tires when he got back and I wouldnt think they'd gone more than around the block.
If you were only auto Xing than two seasons is no problem(heat cycling would likely effect grip)I also don't know how well the shoulders hold up if used on stock suspension(accord has race springs,my corolla's also kinda stiff and light)
I use 205-50-15,don't know what size you need,but if you'd like I could sell you mine to try.How's $350 for the set sound?.I'll be at the shootout at mosport on saturday and will not be using them unless it rains like hell!

[ShaneG]

Hi Tom
I am interested... the size is perfect...but... I can't do anything right now as I am moving at the end of the month...Untill the purchase and sale have gone through, lawyers, taxes and everyone else have been paid. I'll be able to see if my nose is above water.
If my carefully planned budget was not so carefully planned and I don't have the $$ after the sale...and If you still have them in the spring, I'll be ready then