A group of my friends and I are talking about running the NASA track day this coming November at Infineon Raceway. I'm a little concerned that my Bridgestone RE 050s might be the wrong tire to run at the track during late fall/early winter. I'm keen on keeping the car on the track and would rather stay home than run the event with the wrong tires. Does anyone know if the RE 050s would perform well or should I be looking at a different set of tires?

- Rob

EDIT: In case anyone else was interested, here is the link.

https://www.nasaproracing.com/event/864

 

I've run track days on equivalent tires before. If you are just out there to have fun then 050s will suit you fine. 050s won't be the fastest or grippiest tire out there but they are adequate. I've run similar tires in December track days before.

You won't have to worry about leaving the track unless you are driving beyond your abilities. Also, I'm guessing it will be one of your first events so u'll definitely have an instructor with you who can reign you in if you start doing something foolish.

 

they're fine.

 

They do well. Speed and ability to handle the heat will be somewhat dependent on how much tread you have.

 

It's quite likely that I will have brand new tires purchased and mounted a couple of weeks before the event. I just want to make sure the car is properly prepared. I don't plan on pushing my limits at all unless I am going in a straight line. But as most of you may know, Infineon doesn't have much in the way of a straight away.

Anyhow, thanks for the feedback guys. Sounds like I should be just fine.

 

Brand new 050's will overheat and chunk if pushed hard, due to the small, tall tread blocks, but generally speaking, you should be fine.

If you need your car tech inspected, bring it out to our weekly Friday Milpitas meet and my roommate, who is a NASA tech inspector can do it for you. Just let me know in advance.