I'm scheduled to take a one-day high-performance driving course, using my own car, on June 10, but my stock Potenzas are looking pretty bald. I'm planning on buying some Falken Azenis RT-615's to replace them. Should I get them before or after I go to the track? The Potenzas are grippy enough in the dry, but I'm afraid if its wet that day my car will be useless and I'll have wasted my money on the course. On the other hand, I don't want to ruin my new tires at the track, either. What should I do? Can one day at the track taking a novice course do that much damage to the tires? Or should I just hope it doesn't rain?

 

Unless it is more than just damp, the RE030's should be fine. But, you'll love the RT-615's. Racers run tires that you can just barely see the tread. Sometimes they get run too far, down to the steel belts. Then they start sparking.

 

how bout some Hankook Ventus Rs-2

 

Put the new tires on. Put about 500 miles on them before attending the class. Have fun.

 

You can't 'ruin' your new RT-615s at the track. In fact, you'll likely have the best day of their life there when fairly new, as long as you've gone a 100 miles or so to get any 'mold release' agents worn off. Those Falkens will take a whole lot of ah 'punishment' aka track days at full tilt - and barely show wear at all....trust me.

 

Tires are meant to be used....

 

I say put them on. they'll be gone sooner or later, might has well have fun doing it. Especially tires like the 615. They don't last long on the street to begin with (as far as street tires are concern).

Plus, if they are really pretty bald, you may not get though tech...although I've never seen the tech look at my tires.

 

I say put them on, just make sure they're broken in.
Why not some Kumho's?

 

I did one track day with Kook RS2's and they looked like new when done.

I've done 4 open track events on the stock Dunlops and there's still lots more track time left on them.

I typically put new street tires on for track days when the wear bars are flush with the tread.

No worries about abuse. I've seen some tires get mauled up pretty bad- but that's typically with drivers who take their street cars with economy (non UHP, Max or Extreme performance) tires on the track and wonder why their tires are chunking into oblivion.

Enjoy.

 

I do hear the MX wear better...or you can get the SPT. No, not as sticky, but it's only $83 a pop with the rebate at Discount Tire Direct, plus free shipping. Can't beat that. In fact, I'm getting a set in a couple days to replace my stocker. The fronts are gone.

 

Because the RT-615's are already bought and paid for.