So, I just got a brand new set of R888's, drove them 50 miles each way to an autocross to break them in. Got second fastest time of the day too. And like a kick to the nuts of my ego, I found a screw in one of the rear tires.

Dumb question I probably know the answer to - it's probably not a good idea to get it patched and then take it to the track right? I'd really like to salvage it since they're not exactly cheap...but obviously I don't want to put myself in any remote chance of danger.

 

I think as long as it's patched right it should be fine.

 

The same thing happened to my last set of RA-1's. I patched the tire and it was never an issue.

 

As long as it is in the tread (and the closer to centerline the better) I wouldn't hesitate to use it once properly plugged.

 

Good to hear guys. Do you think any tire shop (NTB, Firestone, etc.) could do it or should I drive the hour and a half to a race tire shop?

 

The tire shop is as good as anybody else - just let them know you drive the car HARD so they will do the job as though they might actually care; specifically no dangling plug ends&c.

 

Patched from the INSIDE. Not just a plug from the outside.

 

What exactly is the difference between a plug and a patch?

 

A plug is just that, a piece of rubber/black tar substance that you shove into the hole and plugs it. A patch is when they take the tire off the wheel and apply a patch from the inside to seal the hole. I ran an autocross test and tune on a plugged A048 tire as I found a screw halfway through. After that I went and got it patched and it was fine. I would definitely NOT run a plugged tire on a road course though.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I'll head out to a tire shop today and plug and patch the tire. Then I'll seriously look into getting a tire trailer.