I had a great day at Summit Point's Seat Time last Thursday, although I'm getting tired of these stock tires.

Thursday was the nicest day I've had at the track, weather-wise, since I got the car last year. As I've mentioned in previous posts, practically every one of the 12 track days I've had in the Z so far has been cold, wet, hot, or some combination. Thursday was a perfect day: mid-70s, sunny, no sign of rain.

Traffic was also very light: only 17 cars in my group. Unlike the August FATT, there were no other Zs there. But there were a bunch of interesting vintage cars there for the weekend's activities.

My problem is that my tires have had it. There's still a fair amount of tread left, but they've been through so many heat cycles they get greasy and slippery. I squeal and slide through almost every turn. As long as I keep the pressure around 40 psi hot, they're not too unmanageable, but I'm still drifting so much I feel like I should sign up for the WRC.

Despite that, I was able to set a new personal record: 1:32.3. In fact, almost every lap I ran all day was better than my previous record of 1:34.44, set in August (temps in the 90s). Thursday's best lap was set in the last session, when it was overcast and the track had cooled a little.

One key to my improvement was picking up the speed through Turn 4, which has always been the hardest one on the track for me. It's not easy to keep in the gas as you head down that hill. I made an effort, but I also found the limit, at least with these tires. On one lap, as I passed the apex of 4, the rear end slid out to the left. I corrected, swung around to the right, and managed to gather it up in time to take Turn 5 only a little wider than usual. I'll tell you, it got my attention! And I took it a little slower after that. I think with good tires, laps around 1:25 should be within reach. (My car is bone stock.)

I hope to get in at least two or three more sessions this fall, and I'm really tempted to get some S03s before the next one. I had been thinking I'd wait until this winter, because I was told that Toyo or other manufacturers may offer some better tires in our size. But I'm not sure I want to run even two more sessions on these tires. I'll decide in the next couple of weeks

I hope I'll see some of you at the October 17 FATT. I also hope someone else will move up to Group 2 soon, so I can run with another Z in my group.

See you there.

 

I'm glad you had a great time James!

It definitely sounds like you'll be needing new tires. As it is, there's a lot of variables that could go wrong when we're running and of those, our tires are the first things we'd like to avoid going bad on us.

I won't be at the October 17th FATT unfortunately. I'm signed up for the November 21st FATT event. I don't think I'll be ready for group 2 anytime soon though, but I hope someone does move up so that you have some company.

- Thai

 

James, nice review of your weekend....wish I could write as well! Congrats on setting a personal best!

I've only run 6 events but I've shared your weather. Rain going to or at every event but 1, and that one was hot as hell! Heck, they cancelled both days of afternoon sessions at RA this weekend.

I face the same delimma with tires. I'm leaning towards Falken Azenis....but as of now, they only come in 225/45 & 245/45ZR17's. I want wider for wider/lighter 17 in rims. Their factory rep at the Mazda Rev-It-Up said they were updating the compound soon and offering more sizes. I'd say wait till spring. BUT......a lot of FAST people were running SO3's this weekend at Road America and they all were happy with their choice. I like how it has continuous tread blocks......these RO40's are embarrassingly noisy!