SCCA Road Tire (RT) classes to require 180 treadwear in 2013

[jrj512]

Looks like on a National level, the SCCA is going to require 180 treadwear for RT (not ST) classes in 2013. Should the local Texas Region require it, too, for the Tire class? The NTAXS will stay with 140, and I imagine BMW and PCA will, too.

Note that the August Fastrack says it is effective immediately, but a Facebook post from SoloMatters says that is a mistake and it is 2013.

[Robert]

I would really like SCCA, NTAXS, and PCA to use the same standard.

I do think SCCA should go with the National rule set, as much as I will miss my RS-3's. I also like the Dunlop so not a biggie.

[jrj512]

The NTAXS, BMW, and PCA rule sets cater more to modified cars than cars that would be eligible for the SCCA RT class. Staying with the ST wear requirements fit the club's classing structures better.

[Robert]

Good point, I thought about that after I posted. It would have been nice if SCCA kept the ST and RT tire rules the same. I have a spare set of wheels that I can use if I really want to run RS-3’s at NTAXS events.

[sammm]

Stupid autocross...I'm going to become a trunk junky!

[OZMDD]

Yep, ST classes will not change to 180 anytime soon; the letter writing campaign was pretty overwhelming. The other clubs also cater to simpler rules that are affordable. The 140 options fit that bill. I really don't get why RT changed, but I think they may have killed the idea of the class before it ever really got going.

Maybe not, but at least they didn't kill the golden goose of ST*.

[jrj512]

I think the goal was to require tires that truly are street tires with acceptable wear. Really, daily driving the current crop of ST tires would get expensive. I am actually kind of down with this requirement for RT because it fits the class concept better.

[Robert]

I think the goal was to require tires that truly are street tires with acceptable wear. Really, daily driving the current crop of ST tires would get expensive. I am actually kind of down with this requirement for RT because it fits the class concept better.

So am I, the R1R and RS-3’s may have crossed the line of a “street tire”. If thay had gone to 200 TW I would not be happy.

[ken o]

Stock Class will go to 140 that is why they went to 180 for RT.

[jrj512]

Stock Class will go to 140 that is why they went to 180 for RT.

Not too sure about that. SS, AS, and FS would be virtually useless on street rubber.

[ken o]

Not too sure about that. SS, AS, and FS would be virtually useless on street rubber.

Sucks to be them. I also heard you will need to drive with a live Cougar in the car.

[BMcCann]

Ken, If that ever came down in regards to stock classes, I'm sure the pitchforks and torches would be marching on SCCA hq insanely fast.

[OZMDD]

Actually, I know a certain national-level SS driver who has considered prepping for RTR once the class becomes permanent, so I'm not sure R-comps are the only good choice for high HP cars. KenO seems to do alright on them.

I agree that UHP tires are not ideal for daily driving, but the R1R and RS3 are very streetable. I used a half tread set of R1R's for 6 months of street driving last fall, and I drove to CO and back on the RS3's. My only complaints had to do with road noise and firmness of the ride, not excessive wear. Granted, my car is not heavy. For comparison, my Hankook V12 DD tires are wearing out at around 20K.

[wrx74]

This may be old news now but: Link