rlaifatt

The only time I recall seeing scuffs routinely used in F1 is in the third qualifying session to burn off fuel, where laptime doesn't count. If scuffs were better other than in the first two laps, most teams would use only scuffs in a race. Even in Nascar it seems they use new tires almost all the time. Perhaps the few that freely choose to use scuffs over new tires in a race are persistent believers in a myth? I'd guess a sport like motor racing probably has more myths (and even superstitions) than any other sport (even golf?) as a team and driver struggle to find a winning formula, especially in the days before sophisticated testing technology.

(I'm bored so I feel like arguing.)

PedalFaster

F1 and NASCAR tires may be made differently, but civilian R-compound tires need some scuffing before they come in -- presumably to wear off the mold release compound.

rlaifatt

Even if shaved?

Borbor

Toyo has a specific RA1 break-in procedure. Google it up and use it.

rlaifatt

Can't find any such info. Could you post a link?

mikegarrison

I think it's clear that the conventional wisdom used to be correct. Whether it still is or not, you would have to ask the race team and tire engineers.

PedalFaster

No idea -- none of the current autocross tires require shaving.

Borbor

crikey I swear I saw it somewhere before.

Anyway, this site is pretty good as well.

http://www.toyo.com.au/Pit%20Lane.htm

Conversion from C to F is:

take degrees in C, multiply by 1.8 and then add 32.

rlaifatt

Thanks Borbor, that's a great link. Wish I knew of it earlier. This will be useful for all users of RA1's, so many on this forum.

Anyway, I've read it but it doesn't say anything about scrubbing in tires except for wet conditions:
"It is recommended that tyres used on wet or damp tracks are given a short "scrubbing-in" session before they are used competitively to remove the layer of mould release on the new tyres. Without "scrubbing-in" the tyres will be slippery until this layer of mould release agent is worn away."
There is no mention of heat cycling.
In the link on "buffing" (same as shaving), there was also no mention of scrubbing in or heat cycling. So it seems, at least for RA1's, there is no need to scrub them in or to heat cycle them.

jguerdat

100 miles is what Tire Rack has recommended, I think based on an old BFG recommendation. Nowadays it's more about bringing the tire up to temperature, with light scuffing, and then remove and let them sit for at least 24 hours. Driving on them is an easy way to do this when you don't have a track or skidpad to do this without police intervention...