Tires in the Rain

[EvoFire]

I have a set of half worn Bridgestone S-04 Pole Position that I use on the street.
I also have a set of half worn NT-01 for dry events.

Now I have a track day that will most likely be wet this Saturday. Which would be a better bet?

The Bridgestones are at a point where they don't clear puddles well at 70mph.

[sheston]

I used to have some NT-05s that would hydroplane when the road even looked wet. I can't imaging you would be able to control the NT-01s in the rain

Maybe I just need a driver mod

[CMajor]

Originally Posted by sheston I used to have some NT-05s that would hydroplane when the road even looked wet. I can't imaging you would be able to control the NT-01s in the rain Maybe I just need a driver mod

That's weird, I actually think my NT-05s handle pretty well in the rain haha. I will say if there's a larger puddle I feel my car hydroplane but just moderate/heavy raining I've never had an issues on flat roads.

[EvoFire]

I autocrossed the NT-01 when raining 2 weeks ago, and I can lift a wheel on wet tarmac.

I'm 83% sure that even on wet tarmac, if up to temperature, the NT-01 would out grip the Bridgestones. But my worry is standing water, and from the looks of the weather forecast, there will be LOTS of standing water.

[ChaunceyM]

I tried to run my NT-01s on a cool, wet track (NJMP Thunderbolt) and it was a f'n disaster. Granted they never got up to temp, but I just couldn't trust them to bite in any turn. Straight-line braking was okay, but as soon as I'd turn I'd lose the rear end. Maybe if I softened the rear suspension it'd be better but it just wasn't enjoyable.

[Code Monkey]

^ I have a similar experience.

[EvoFire]

Bridgestone it is

[ChaunceyM]

Originally Posted by Code Monkey ^ I have a similar experience.

Is it sad that I actually smiled reading that Code Monkey validated my experience? Cause that happened.
Yeah, it's been a long year of lessons, both here (asking questions 15 steps beyond where my actual skill is) and the track.

[StevenW]

Curious as to what you ended up running and how they were in the rain. Any news?

[EvoFire]

Originally Posted by StevenW Curious as to what you ended up running and how they were in the rain. Any news?

I ended up running the Bridgestones because I didn't know if the NT-01 would bring any benefit despite all the work of hauling the setup to the track and swapping, and the forecast of up to 2" of rain.

I was a little disappointed in the morning because it was mostly dry, then the heavens opened up at around 11am and didn't stop for the whole day. Glad I didn't swap wheels and tires.

The Bridgestones are close to the wear bars now after the track day, but the only things it lost to were two STi's with newer/better tires than I did. Only in the rain would I be able to thoroughly beat E90 M3s.

In the morning when it was dry I think it would have been great to run the R-comps. When it started raining it was all over.