Hoosier releases new D.O.T. spec rain tire

[Rx3]

Quick question for one of the Tire Rack lurkers (Luke and friends) or anyone that has already (doubt it, but worth a shot) bought these tires, or plans to buy them:


http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Hoosier&tireModel=Radial+Wet



Are these tires limited to track (road race) use only? Or are they useable as auto-x tires as well? How much heat do you need in these tires to get them to hook up? Can I use them similar to what I would use say a Yokohama A032 tire (i.e. my lazy ass doesn't have to swap tires when it starts raining) ?

 

[jtmcinder]

If these tires really were just released, then they are not eligible for SCCA autoXing this year, since they missed the deadline.

- Jtoby

ps. your question is better posted on SCCAForums

 

[Sponge Bob]

http://www.hoosiertire.com/default.htm

States certain sizes did make the SCCA Solo eligibility cut off. From what I have read they are for wet conditions only. And autocross appears to be one of their intended uses along with road racing. Taken from the Tire Rack link you provided:

"Hoosier Sports Car D.O.T. Radial Wet tires were developed for drivers who participate in autocross and road racing events in moderate to heavy rain. While all Hoosier Sports Car D.O.T. Radial Wet tires have passed DOT requirements, they feature a special tread compound to facilitate racing in wet conditions. Due to this special compound, these tires are not suitable for highway use as the expected miles of wear is greatly reduced."

Looks like a wet only condition tire.


Bob

 

[ACM]

Hoosier DOT Wets are legal for Solo II JT, they just made the cutoff.

I have a set, 245/45.16 - they are race only, treadwear (iirc) 30.
Regardless of TWI, once they get a little heat into them they are softer
than fresh chewing gum. If you run these in the dry you'll wear them out
immediately. They are softer and stickier and wear faster than Dirt Stockers.

Drive them 5-10 miles - slowly ! - when you get them, then only use them in
very cold or wet conditions.

A032Rs are soft street or track tyres. Even the Softs are not as good as a
full-depth V700 ECSTA or VictoRacer, wet or dry.

If you want good wets you can drive on, get full-depth V700 Ecstas - I know a few
people in New England that use these as street tyres.

Charles, smarting.