Hoosiers in 2012??

Is this a done deal for next season? The reason I ask is I am begining to hear a lot of chatter about Hoosiers having significant wear issues and cording after just a few cycles. I am referring to the R80 and R100 compounds specifically, not the truck tires they call Ovals.

I've been loyal to Hoosier for many years myself, love how they feel and availability of sizes, but I've been experiencing my own problems since March of 2011. I thought it was just set-up issues with my Porsche but I was never able to find a problem with the car and then I corded the first set on the 355 CH in 4-5 cycles. And now hearing lots of other complaints from drivers and driving coaches who experienced it with customer cars.

If I were not driving a spec tire, I would be looking at other brands right now as Hoosiers have become too expensive to run due to these issues. Just wondering what 2012 holds for us with FCRA?

 

Interestingly, the Rennlist thread popped up after someone else brought it up at the track this weekend thinking they had a unique problem. Then I recounted my experiences, Dave Scott added his observations, and now that Rennlist thread from a completely different part of the country.

My problems started in March of 2011 and after confirming my suspensions settings on the rack, Hoosier replaced the 3 tires I destroyed that weekend under warranty. I've been chasing early wear problems ever since. As Colin said, this is R80 and R100, no issues on the Oval tires but I really don't like that tire. They seem 'numb' relative to the regular slick.

I really do love Hoosiers. They come up to temp quickly, give great feedback, handle higher slip angles nicely, and they have supported NASA with a contingency program. It's the only tire I've run for the last 5 years or so. But I've gone from getting 10-12 heat cycles to now 4-5.

Im not lobbying for a change here, but if Hoosier is no longer a sponsor then I would love to try a new tire. Maybe Pirelli or Yoko would like to sponsor?

 

I had heard one hypothesis that something happened to the compound and/or construction after the deal with Continental Tire went down. No way to know for sure, Hooiser has never said anything about it. Plus we don't know if we are seeing a specification change or if these are manufacturing defects. But after blaiming myself for a long time, I'm now pretty convinced its the tires and not me.

9-10 cycles would allow me to get 1 race weekend plus a day of practice at the following event, which is what needs to happen. I've budgeted 1 new set per weekend, just like I always did with NASA (until 2011). If that increases to 2 sets I will have to adjust my budget somehow and possibly give up a weekend somewhere.

2011 was a tire disaster. After running out of tires at TWS, at the events that followed I had to ration my laps and skip sessions to ensure I had rubber to race on. One benefit though, I got pretty good at qualifying. When you tell yourself you only have 2 laps to get the job done (in order to save the tires) it creates a sense of urgency that makes you go faster. I out-quali'ed Matus twice this year (he finished 2nd at Nationals) and Klenin on his home track (he took 3rd at Nationals).

With regards to winning races on cycles 5-8, as I've said before, you get more out of a sub-optimal car than anyone I've ever raced with. If you ever spent the time to set-up your car or spent money on tires I'm not sure I'd be able to keep your tail lights in view.

 

Smooth hands and smooth feet have actually always been a strength of mine as well, every coach I have had has commented on that. My driving style is not causing the problem. (BTW, I also got my racing start in a car without ABS)

The video here is a little long, but it was a very exciting race if you choose to watch it.

http://vimeo.com/14916235

 

5 cycles for the 2 race days - 1 practice, 2 quali, 2 race

Then take the set to the next race for 4-5 cycles on the test and tune day. Start next 2 day race cycle on stickers. Lather, Rinse, Repeat.

 

Just got a report from Sebring - a friend was coaching a client out there and had a Hoosier R100 delaminate on the front right while on the back straight. Tore up the car pretty bad.

I put some used Ebay Michelin slicks on my 996 this weekend, the same car that had been eating Hoosiers up. Ran 3 cycles, tires looked great despite already having been used. Hoosiers would have already exhibited wear on the shoulders.

Can anyone answer my original question, is Hoosier still our sponsor in 2012? If not, I am getting off the HoHos and moving to Michelin or Yokohama ASAP.

 

Huh? I'm not asking for the series to change anything, just asking what my options are. If they are a sponsor, I will run them. If they are not, I will pick something else as I think the cost/benefit ratio is better with other brands.

Try not to over complicate things Peter, it was not a difficult qestion that I asked.