update on goodyear v. hoosier

[wannabe]

I've been talking to several different fm drivers about their choice of tires. Obviously the majority of those running in the national events seem to be running Goodyear although some run Hoosier. Some say that the G's last longer at the same performance level and that H's while they handle better than Gs for many laps, don't hold the same consistent performance level throughout the race. I also understand that Hoosier has different compound levels available but don't offer them unless requested. I only find old discussion in the blogs and wonder if anybody has any real test or comparison results that are recent...or still good whichever the case may be.

[dalz]

Both tires boast FM regular National race winners and Runoffs champs. It's about car setup with either tire...and it IS quite different between the two.

Dale V.

[Raceworks]

I've been talking to several different fm drivers about their choice of tires. Obviously the majority of those running in the national events seem to be running Goodyear although some run Hoosier. Some say that the G's last longer at the same performance level and that H's while they handle better than Gs for many laps, don't hold the same consistent performance level throughout the race. I also understand that Hoosier has different compound levels available but don't offer them unless requested. I only find old discussion in the blogs and wonder if anybody has any real test or comparison results that are recent...or still good whichever the case may be.

Are you looking for specific set-ups or just an overview of what tire to run?

I've run on both Goodyears & Hoosiers: went from Goodyear to Hoosier in 2006, then back to Goodyear in 2009.

The Hoosier is probably faster in absolute speed, but doesn't seem to be as consistent as the Goodyears based on my personal data. Keep in mind we're talking a difference of a tenth or two. Hoosiers did have longer "tread life" if you're on a tight budget & want to minimize tire purchases.

Sidewall construction is different between the two brands, and the Hoosier has a lower profile on the rears (which affects gearing). I don't have the setup sheets in front of me but we usually ran lower, stiffer, and less camber with the Hoosiers than the Goodyears.

As far as compound choices go most of the vendors only stock the ones they sell most often: this is typically R430 Goodyears and (I think) the R35 Hoosiers. When I want to run the harder R475 Goodyears (typically on double national weekends where I'm stretching my tire budget), I need to make sure to order them ahead of time.