GRM (Grass Roots Motorsports) latest issue has a new test of the most streetable track tires. Saw it at the bookstore and noted that they tested:

1 RT-615
2 Bridgestone RE-01R
3 Advan Neova AD07
4 some other ringer (maybe Hankook - can't remember, long day).

RESULTS:

Track
1 RT-615
2 RE-01
3 AD07

Auto-X
1 RT-615
2 AD07
3 RE-01

They said the results for the RT-615 were BORING - because of couse it was the fastest AGAIN both on the HPDE open track AND also in the autocross. :rock: as well as being inexpensive. They said it heated up over time and so times SLOWED down to (nearly as slow) as the AD07s and RE-01s best times.

They thought the RE-01s may be the perfect compromise between street and track.

The Advan showed it soft sidewalls characteristic on track with its mushy feel and slow transient response (compared to the Falkens) and they compared its feel as closer the ringer tire as I remember. Plus of course its an expensive tire. As I remember they thought shaving it might help.

The ringer was soft and mushy but they thought that with shaving and some driving adjustment it could work.

Bottom line, they liked them all (some with reservations). Pls don't take any of this as gospel as I'm remembering this from a quick read at the bookstore.

if only the RT-615's had a tread life longer than 17k miles for me *sigh*

Last tire on the list was a Federal tire which was compared often in the article to the Hankook RS2 Z212 (very grippy with less stiff sidewall and good rain characteristics and similar oh crap break away at its limits).

Also of note, the RT-615 didn't like sustained heat (sustained track lapping), as often mentioned on the internet.

Also of note, the RT-615 didn't like sustained heat (sustained track lapping), as often mentioned on the internet.

I thought that a bit odd, based on my experience, as I've not been able to get the tires THAT hot even after 25 min of hot laps in advanced HPDE groups. Perhaps one could attribute their result to the use of a Saab (aka Subaru) test car, which, as I understand, is notoriously hard on tires due to its strong understeering character.

Our more balanced and lighter car seems to treat tires more reasonably.

I thought that a bit odd, based on my experience, as I've not been able to get the tires THAT hot even after 25 min of hot laps in advanced HPDE groups. Perhaps one could attribute their result to the use of a Saab (aka Subaru) test car, which, as I understand, is notoriously hard on tires due to its strong understeering character.

Our more balanced and lighter car seems to treat tires more reasonably.
I'm pretty familiar with the Saabaru's track traits as I used to HPDE a 9-2x Aero. A performance alignment, a little larger swaybar in back and the car is no longer the understeering pig that it is from the factory......


.....However, it is nowhere near as balanced and neutral as our cars and it is heavier by about 250 lbs (thanks in part to the AWD), so yes the tires will be taxed further based on its platform differences.

funny how their results don't usually pan out at the big events ....

Was there any scrubbing of the tires before they were tested? Scan?

Was there any scrubbing of the tires before they were tested? Scan?

Yes the did I think like 100 miles on street and heat cycled them on track 1st.

Yes the did I think like 100 miles on street and heat cycled them on track 1st.

Only 100 street miles? Everyone here seems to say something like 500 miles...

funny how their results don't usually pan out at the big events ....

+1

I was very surprised to see the RT615 at the top of the list. I think it's been proven many times over that the Advan is the top tire of choice for performance.

+1

I was very surprised to see the RT615 at the top of the list. I think it's been proven many times over that the Advan is the top tire of choice for performance.

If that was the case, how do you explain the multiple test results that show otherwise?

Nothing wrong with Advans, they're just different, and have softer sidewalls than Falkens. Prop dif car characteristics / how they respond to tires and drivers (plus sponsership) could explain why Advans "may" work better on some cars, Falkens on others.

What about the Nitto NT01s?
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup?
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2?
Falken Azenis 215s?

There's lots more tires out there...no?

I guess I'm missing the point.

What about the Nitto NT01s?
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup?
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2?
Falken Azenis 215s?

There's lots more tires out there...no?

I guess I'm missing the point.

I think you may be - the Sport Cup is R-Comp as is the NT-01s. All these tested tires are not, rather they are a newer class of tires - a compromise track/street tire (wear ratings all 140 I think) that you can use on the street and drive to and use on the track - THAT was the point of the test - which did that dual use job best.

Sport PS2 is older design, more a street hi-perf tire.

Azenis 215 is history, no longer produced I don't beleive, replaced by the 615.

I'll let you know on the Nitto - I've got a set of 245/45/17 on my car now - ready for track only duty - it says on the sidewall - NOT for street use!

I believe that the first test grassroots they did in which the rt-615 won, was because the guys car was sponsored by falken and had been set up for the rt-615, hardly fair...

The second test was during colder temps which is not favorable to the AD07.

If that was the case, how do you explain the multiple test results that show otherwise?

Nothing wrong with Advans, they're just different, and have softer sidewalls than Falkens. Prop dif car characteristics / how they respond to tires and drivers (plus sponsership) could explain why Advans "may" work better on some cars, Falkens on others.

Every street tire autocrosser I've met that switched from Falkens to Advans has been very happy, even with the huge price differential. Most of these people are nationally competitive drivers.

If you look at the STU results from Nationals last year, every trophy position except one (12 drivers) was on Yokohamas. One lonely trophy winner on Bridgestones. The top Falken place was 21st.

Yes and I'm sure they all shaved them - as you should if that will be there sole purpose

were the 595RS included in the test?