Tire Experts please...?

Funny story here... So I purchased this 348 Challenge in 2005 to experience the great tracks in America, and do it as the gentleman racers once did; to drive, race, and drive home. This resulting in some amazing drives and over 50,000 miles over the years. I had long drives to Daytona, Sebring, Indianapolis, Watkins Glen, VIR, Road Atlanta, Mosport and many other FCA International meets and events. Most of these were hundreds of miles, with a couple being right at 1000 in one day. The Toronto /Mosport event brings me to the topic of tires. I know this sounds crazy, but unless I changed them and forgot, I have the same Sumitomos I had on in 2008, and they still look pretty good. They still have some tread but I am thinking of replacing them. The car is climate controlled, so no dry rotting, etc. How I got the Sumitomos is a quirky story. I was scheduled to go to the 2008 FCA Toronto/Mosport event and just a few days prior to leaving thought I had better look at the tires. Wouldn't you know the Pilots were bald. No problem, just order some more. No one had any, but I did find some Sumitomos, but I thought these can't be any good, they're so cheap! One hundred twenty five for the front and a buck sixty five for the rear, somethings not right. Let me call Ferrari of Toronto, maybe I can get there ok even though it is suppose to pour rain along the route and have them install some Pilots there. I called, and parts said, we don't have the Pilots, but we have these excellent Sumitomos for 375 per tire. So I promptly ordered the Sumitomos from Tire Rack, had them installed and went on my way. And did it ever rain, it poured.

The thing I like about my car, other than it being the first 348 Challenge converted, and wining the last 348 series, and being very visceral overall, are the wheels. Glen Marquis and Arnie Poundstone informed me it still has the Sebring setup, so it's a little better on the road as Sebring is bumpy. The car just has the right stance, and the rears look just right at 315/35/17.

So here are the tires: 245/40/17 and 315/35/17. Here is the issue, I can only find so far Nitto, Mickey Thompson, Toyo and maybe some Pilots. I've run Toyos before, but they really were track oriented and very loud. By the time I got home from Watkins Glenn they were not only about done, I had "done burnt up" my drop gears gear box! That sucked. The car is so loud with the straight Challenge race pipe I could not hear it whining. But Sumitomos, I would buy again if they made them.

Question: Anyone had experience with Nitto or Mickey Thompson? Seems like MT would be more likely associated with drag racing, but what do I know. Sport Pilot probably would be my choice, but Nitto sounds like and option. Hard to find much in the 315/35/17 range. Your experience with these would be appreciated, or if you know of another summer or performance tire I can get in the sizes I need, please advise. Thanks!


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Thanks guys and round is right, square for while if it sits too long...