Spec Focus to Switch Tires in 2008

[Ted7rns]

NASA Spec Focus will be switching to the new Toyo R888s tires for 2008. The size will be 215/45x17. The 2007 Spec tire Toyo 205/40x17 RA1s will still be allowed in Spec Focus until June 1, 2008. After that date including NASA National Championship all Spec Focus must use the 215/45x17 R888s.

So it's triple eights in 08 for Spec Focus.


http://www.toyo.com/docs/tires/tires...&category=comp

I beat you to it Mark

[Ted7rns]

R888's Stats

Tire Size: 215/45ZR17 91W RD
Product Code: 168160
Rim Width: 7.0-8.0
Tire Wt: 22 lbs
Tread Depth: 6
Inflated Dimension (Dia): 24.6”
Inflated Dimension (Width): 8.5”
Static Loaded Radius: 11.5”
Max Load: 1,356lbs
Max PSI: 50 PSI
Revs Per Mile: 846
Operating Temperature: 140°F to 220°F, optimum around 200°F
Recommended Hot Inflation Pressures: High 30s to Low 40s (psi)

Spec Focus Test Stats:

Size: 215/45-17
Circumference at 34psi: 78.50”
Diameter at 34psi: 24.64”
Tread Depth: Full @ 6/32”

[Matt Marks]

To add some additional information - Leo and Ford spent a week running these tires back to back with the RA-1's. The consensus was that the R888's have better overall grip and much reduced wear characteristics, especially on the shoulders.

Price increase per tire at my local guy is about $5/tire.

Plus - they really fill up the wheel wells and look a lot better

[sleeperlove]

Great to hear there is more contact patch coming as well as more wheel protection, and better looks Are they less responsive due to the increased sidewall?

[Matt Marks]

Some of that should be offset by the increased sidewall stiffness vs. the RA1. Once people determine what the optimum setup and pressures are, I suspect that much of this can be dialed out.

[Ted7rns]

Originally Posted by Matt Marks

Some of that should be offset by the increased sidewall stiffness vs. the RA1. Once people determine what the optimum setup and pressures are, I suspect that much of this can be dialed out.

Yes, like a blend of 50 per cent HFC R404 A and 50 per cent CO2.

[mysvtftoy]

Interested to see what the cost diff vs. same sized NT01s will be. Maybe a HPDE optoin if not too out of whack.

Originally Posted by Ted7rns

Yes, like a blend of 50 per cent HFC R404 A and 50 per cent CO2.

I heard Pep Boys is going to carry that stuff next year. Get ready to fillup your track-side air tanks with HFC R404A, but you gotta mix the CO2 yourself.

[Jefe]

Originally Posted by mysvtftoy

I heard Pep Boys is going to carry that stuff next year. Get ready to fillup your track-side air tanks with HFC R404A, but you gotta mix the CO2 yourself.

I currently fill my tires with 100% C02.

[JB-S1]

Hello, 1:43s at Mid-Ohio!

[brads03zx3]

I watched Lapp run this weekend at BW. He was running the R888's.

I really like the look of the tire.

[lapp]

These tires are awesome!
2:24.250 Buttonwillow #1 CCW

2:32 In the rain! These tires are so impressive, I think if it had been dry sunday I would have a much better time. Both times are from Sunday, it stopped raining after my second session.


And the look! Ill have pictures up soon

[68 Touring Car]

I think everyone will be happy with the boards choice. We have done the testing and raced ( in HPDE) on the tire and the Toyo 888 make the most since for the Spec Focus in the 2008 season. The cost of the tires how it wears, competitor support and supplys where all determining factors in our choice.