Recommend track tires for 19" Apex SM-10 wheels (9" & 10.5")

[Treemagnet]

Hi, I'm Treemagnet...and I've become a track junkie.

The plan is to keep our '22 BGTS until I'm boxed (no pun intended) and planted, which hopefully means haunting our local tracks for a decades or more. Given the lengthy time frame, I sense (right or wrong) 718 oriented track tires will likely transition from 18's to 19's (e.g. as newer track tires are rolled out there will be more 19" options with better track tire technology) Also felt 9" wide front wheels would add to steering feel, connectivity, and responsiveness, so went Apex SM-10.

There are a variety of 19" 200 treadwear options out there, but few in stock at this time. Wondering if this is another supply chain issue or normal for this time of year? Regardless, my first 2023 track weekend kicks off 2/25 - 26, so I'll need to find something soon.

I'm leaning towards Hankook Ventus R-S4's, due to their slow wear and ability to handle high temperatures (car's dash indicated 120° ambient temp at COTA this summer) for long periods of time. The negative is they don't grip well until they heat up and they're not great in the rain. I'm not yet omfortable tracking in rain, so I'd either bail or revert to my 20" PS4S street wheels and tires.

Other 200 TW options are the Yokohama Advan Neova AD09's (relatively new with few reviews), Continental ExtremeContact Force, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 (220 TW), Kumho Ecsta V730, and Michi Cup 2's (180 & 240 TW).

I won't be chasing time trials or track records, so good serviceable longevity with reasonable adhesion is the ultimate goal.

Based on your collective insight, what tires do you all recommend and why?

Thanks!

[edub]

I used the Cup2's on 20". They've been fine, they do get a little slower after 80% of a typical lapping session, they are not likely the fastest tires out there but they work well enough.

Falken RT660's are what I will try next on 19"

I hear good things about RE-71RS (and that they are coming out with a 305/19 size in 2023)

and the Supercar3's in 19.

You can check out for more possible tires

[blueline]

I used the Cup2's on 20". They've been fine, they do get a little slower after 80% of a typical lapping session, they are not likely the fastest tires out there but they work well enough.

Falken RT660's are what I will try next on 19"

I hear good things about RE-71RS (and that they are coming out with a 305/19 size in 2023)

and the Supercar3's in 19.

Thanks for the spreadsheet.

Std GT4 wheels, 245/35-20 and 295/30-20 for me.

I usually run MPSC2 because they work and I can get them. I've also used Dunlop Sport Maxx Race 2 but the prices soared and availability has been sketchy for 12-18 months now. Both the Dunlops and Michelins are N-spec tires. By the way, is there a reason you didn't include the Dunlops on your list?

[edub]

This sheet isn't mine, but they may not have been included for similar reasons that you cited.

[blueline]

This sheet isn't mine, but they may not have been included for similar reasons that you cited.

Makes sense. Thanks!

[GT4lover]

I have Forgeline 19 inch GS1R wheels for track use for my 981 GT4. (9.0 front, 10.5 rear) I started by using Bridgestone RE-71's until they were discontinued, and then moved over to the Falken RT660's. While they may be a fraction slower I find that they perform well at PSI of 34 or less on track, with excellent grip levels, and with reasonable durability as long as you rotate them in a healthy way between sides (even though they are directional). They are less expensive than the cup2's and may last a bit longer on track purely from what I hear anecdotally. I do prefer Michelin PS4s's, which I put on the stock 20 inch wheels, for rainy days on track, and this system seems to work well for me currently. In a pinch I have used these michelins on dry track days with lots of sliding and lots of noise, which has the advantage of encouraging/forcing one to be a smooth driver and improve in car control with less grip.

This season I have decided to try Hoosiers on the 19 inch rims for some events, and to decide if I want to consider getting a dedicated track car and go racing for a couple seasons. Good luck.

[blueline]

I have Forgeline 19 inch GS1R wheels for track use for my 981 GT4. (9.0 front, 10.5 rear) I started by using Bridgestone RE-71's until they were discontinued, and then moved over to the Falken RT660's. While they may be a fraction slower I find that they perform well at PSI of 34 or less on track, with excellent grip levels, and with reasonable durability as long as you rotate them in a healthy way between sides (even though they are directional). They are less expensive than the cup2's and may last a bit longer on track purely from what I hear anecdotally. I do prefer Michelin PS4s's, which I put on the stock 20 inch wheels, for rainy days on track, and this system seems to work well for me currently. In a pinch I have used these michelins on dry track days with lots of sliding and lots of noise, which has the advantage of encouraging/forcing one to be a smooth driver and improve in car control with less grip.

This season I have decided to try Hoosiers on the 19 inch rims for some events, and to decide if I want to consider getting a dedicated track car and go racing for a couple seasons. Good luck.

I used Hoosier's (A7) for many years on a C-6 Z06 dedicated, non-streetable track car. The Hoosiers were fantastic and yes, I know, most will use R7's but the A7's are almost instantly grippy. They didn't last too long but what tires do?

Well, the Corvette is gone, replaced by the 718 GT4. I keep detailed records, including the exact track miles driven. The most I can get out of a set of Michelins (MPSC2) or Dunlops (DSMR2) is generally 3-days which equates to around 300 track miles on the low end with around 375 being the most. I also rotate side-to-side after every track day. A lot depends on the track and how the car is driven, but I think that's about all I'm ever going to get. A friend told me that you can drive the Dunlops farther into the cords and still get home.

I do have Tarett Engineering's front monoball Race Design camber plates and their rear Motorsport Style toe links which allows for a -2.5 camber, square. That has helped wear considerably.