There’s nothing quite like the thrill of barrelling down the straight on a track, and preparing for the turn-in at the corner. The mind is focused ahead, and at its best you can achieve an almost zen-like experience, feeling the vehicle as an extension of yourself. Changes happening almost before you can think of them.
It’s a singular experience and if you’ve tasted that joy, then it’s quite likely that you’re already planning to get your next hit of adrenaline as soon as possible. Getting the most out of a track day is all about preparation, and that includes making sure you’ve got the right tyres for what you’re trying to do.
In a pinch you can probably get by with a set of quality performance tyres, but is that really what you want to do? Get by? Surely we can all agree that the point of a track day is to get ahead, right?
If you’ve got good conditions, with a stable and warm temperature, and no rain, then you’ll probably be wanting to get hold of a set of slicks or semi-slicks to maximise your holding power. Semi-slicks will also work in light rain conditions, although if it gets too wet, you’ll want to adjust again, going with a performance tyre that has good water-clearing tread patterns.
Don’t forget that slicks and semi-slicks are for the track only. You’ll need a different set of shoes for the drive to and from the track (unless you’re bringing your track beast in on a trailer).
It’s always worth consulting with a track expert to find out the latest on what’s available and how it’s likely to perform in various track disciplines. After all, the requirements of drag racing are somewhat different from sprint car racing. If you’re not sure where to start, you can call your local Tyreright store and they’ll be more than happy to help you find the right tyre for your needs.