Used tires?

[avmaviator]

I need some quick advice.

I saw this ad:

1 set has 4 practice sessions at the 2008 SKUSA Supernats
1 set has qualifying and 3 heats at SNATS
1 set has the main event at SNATS (TaG Masters)

150 all three.


Are these still useable you think? Could I get one or two practice days out of each set?

[rystar]

For sure you could get some practice out of them. Dont expect to post any quick laps. I guess for a $150 it may be worth it for practice. I go through my fronts in a race day @ Norway in my hpv. Part of it may be set up as I really dont know what I am doing but I see a bunch of other hpv guys and girls in the same boat. Let me know how it works out.

[JET Karting - Andy Finke]

Ryan-

I preface this by saying that without seeing you drive, it's just a really likely chance. There are a couple things that could cause the fronts to burn off faster, but this is by far the most common.

If you are using up the fronts that much faster than the rears, you are likely pushing. The rear of the kart is too 'stuck' to the track, and resist's any turn. Just like pushing the kart around in the grid.

If you loosen up the rear of the kart, it will spin easier, but be less abusive to the fronts. And faster once you settle into the new balance as a driver.

A properly handling and driven kart should wear tires pretty evenly. Its tough to get perfect, but it sounds like we can get better for you this season.

Ask me about it sometime when you are out here.


Andy

[JET Karting - Andy Finke]

AVM-

The most important two issues are making sure the tires 'look' good and you keep them in the 'sets' that they were used in on the track.

To make sure they look good, watch for any un-even wear. Grinding on the inside of the tire. Blistering in a ring around the center of the tread. Anything that would look out of the ordinary.

As for the sets, tires harden slightly every time they get to operating temp. If you mix tires with different numbers of 'heat cycles' on the kart at the same time, you effectively have tires of different compounds. Handling will be poor, and you'll likely blame yourself or try to adjust the chassis to compensate. The real answer would be better tires.

We sell used sets in good shape, marked as a set, for $50 if we have any. We don't right now though. If these sets meet my guidelines from above, they could be a great deal for you, especially early in your karting career. Once you are up to track record speeds, you will have more benefit to new tires.


Andy

[rystar]

Thanks Andy, I will be out there as soon as my motor is ready. Hopefully the end of next week.