Used rain tires

[BHerscher]

I have a customer who is looking to replace his ancient rain tires with something that might actually generate some grip. New tires are always a possiblity but hardly necessary. A good set of used tires for a reasonable price should do the trick.
The car is a Ralt RT-5 with 8" front and 10" rear rims.
Any suggestions will be appreciated. (John Bergett does not seem to have what we need)
Thanks
Bill
FormulaCars@msn.com

[Charles Warner]

I disagree. New rain tires are a necessity. Do him a favor. Convince him to buy new rain tires. As little as we drive in the rain we need all the grip and control we can get. If he is simply going to get out and motor around if it rains then convince him to have no rain tires at all and the decision is made for him. If there is any spray off the cars on the track then he stays in the paddock. If he is going to be on track then he should be trying his best, and that requires the best tires possible. And, also, as little as we race in the rain, if cared for, they will last a long time. The difference between a new set of rain tires (I like Hoosier) and a used set that is a couple of years old is tremendous.

[Jim Gustafson]

It's hard to argue with Charles here, but I will say that in racing there is Penske's budget, a guy with an FV on an open trailer budget, and a lot in between. Older rains that have never been on the track but taken care of would be a good alternative. Lightly used rains would be another. Old used up trash, wait 'till the Sun comes out.
Jim

[RussMcB]

New are good (obviously), but used rain tires shouldn't be disregarded completely.

A couple of years ago I was fortunate to get some non-new hand grooved Hoosiers from my good friend Kevin Roberts. Cost was $175 and they were fantastic. I still have the qualifying sheet from the day I used them. I didn't think I was driving that well, but I was way fast compared to others. Most credit was due to the tires, I'm sure.

[BHerscher]

Hey guys, I appreciate your responses and completely understand them!
My customer and I have discussed this issue at length for many years. (this has been an issue for quite some time!!!!!!!)We both have enough time under our belts regarding these types of things to know exactly what we are looking for.
While it would be ideal from the competitive , safety, and comfort, point of view to have a brand new set of sticky-back rains to compete on , they truely would be wasted along with the price tag that goes wth them. We need something the big time guys don't wan't any more.
In fact we are working a lead at this time!!
Thank you for your replies and any more info you can provide.

Bill

FormulaCars@msn.com

[Charles Warner]

It's hard to argue with Charles here, but I will say that in racing there is Penske's budget, a guy with an FV on an open trailer budget, and a lot in between.

And which budget can stand the loss of a chassis better? This can easily be a case of false economy. I understand the frustration of seeing an $800 set of rain tires that stay in the trailer and are not used all season. I have a set of brand new Hoosiers I have had for two years and they have never left the trailer. However, I was most happy to have a new set of rains at Fundadora Park in February.

Another issue is the major difference in performance between a new set of rains and a set that has been run in and used by a pro team for a year or so. Believe it or not, you can feel the increased grip from a new set of rains. Older tires have trouble getting and retaining the heat which is critical in rain tires.

Racing in the wet doesn't have to be a scary experience. It will be, though, if the tires are not up to speed (pun intended.)

[Jim Gustafson]

Having less than new rains on the car shouldn't mean you are going to end up in the fence. You are just going to be slower. This fellow with the 20+ year old RT-5 is probably not aiming for the Run-Offs, nor is he likely to go out and really attack in the wet.
Jim

[Charles Warner]

Having less than new rains on the car shouldn't mean you are going to end up in the fence.

You are absolutely right. But the odds he may end up in the fence will be different depending on the tires used. It's all a matter of maximizing safety where possible.

[D.T. Benner]

One time old rains make sense is when you are trying to win a local points championship. Dosen't sound like this guy is going to the Runoffs but maybe driving for a finish to get points when others avoid the rain could be the difference between being the points leader and DFL. Our first race this year was wet and 20 of 41 entries in the formula/sports racer group either went home or never showed up at all! Yea-I'm the guy with the $100 set of 4 year old rains) Yes I was just doing what the Brits call "Making up the numbers" but before the track dried out I was not as slow as you mite expect.

[BHerscher]

Hey guys , we are still looking for a set of good used rain tires. 8" fronts and 10" rears. We are not terribly brand specific. We are however, dealing with a very small budget. We don't need killer compound this or that because even with really good stuff we are still slower than we want to be! We just want to be able to enjoy racing in any type of weather for the last few races we might have left in us.! ( brings tears to your eyes , doesn't it!!!)
Thanks
Bill
FormulaCars@msn.com