SpidarX

iTrader: (3)

I'm just getting into on-road racing at the club level, and I've noticed other drivers carrying their rubber tires in zip lock bags, and cleaning them with Simple Green and what not. What types of maintenance should one do on their racing slicks...i.e. cleaning, traction compound..etc. Thanks

Mark G

iTrader: (7)

Zip lock bags are good; they keep the tries nice and fresh.

There are many ways to do it. But what I do it. But I clean my rubber tires with lighter fluid, It makes them sticker.
The about 2-5 Min before the race I put the traction compound on so that it soaks into the rubber. Hope this helps you
-Mark Gargula

asw7576

They keep the tires in zip lock to keep the rubber soft & sticky, otherwise they become dry and hard.

Here my tips : Buy Paragon traction compound. The night before race, soak the tires with Paragon, and let it soak overnight. Tomorrow morning, on race day, give some paragon again before every heat & final, and wipe it 5 - 10 minutes before your turn to race. Make sure it is dry before racing.

R/C Anonymous

iTrader: (1)

Or you can just do it the easy way. Leave them on the car and just clean them with motor cleaner and apply your favorite traction compound the heat before your race.

padailey

iTrader: (11)

If you are just running at the club level you can just try cleaning them (simple green although WD-40 works cleans a little better) and just run them. Adding the traction compound probably helps some but I can't tell the difference from cleaning/compound to just cleaning them. Might save a little dough on compound even though it doesn't take much with rubber tires.

SpidarX

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the advice. So I should always store my tires in a ziplock bag instead of leaving them on the car itself...or does it matter as long as I clean them before racing?

THE DARKSIDE

iTrader: (2)

The plastic Kraft grated cheese containers make good tire storage containers, semi air tight also. Just be certain to wash them out first

-E

T493

iTrader: (3)

Some clubs like mine do not allow traction compound so what i do is after each race is just wash them off with simple green and them put them back on the car.

Johnny9s

I have been using tennis ball containers. You can store 8 tires in them and they are pretty airtight.

Mr. Shookie

iTrader: (9)

These are the very best containers you can use for Rubber TC tires.
http://www.kraftfoods.com/CRYSTALLIG...uct=4300097199
They hold one set of tires (4) and still fit in this oh so nice tire box...
http://nexusracing.net/product_info....dbe34bc02663c9


OH the Cyrstal Light containers are about $2.39 but you get (4) 2 quart liquid refeshment to go with your tire container.

Side note.
WD40 is the best for cleaning your tires.
You should clean after each run, let air dry if you can.
Apply tire compound however long before your heat.
Clean and store till next race day.

Hope that helps,
-Shookie <><

Tpg racer

Did u say lighter fluid..???

andrewdoherty

iTrader: (49)

Are these tips intended to be used for asphalt racing or carpet or both?

How do you know when a tire is no longer usefull for carpet racing aside from the clock/lap times? Any indicators?

Mr. Shookie

iTrader: (9)

I use WD40 to clean my tires reguardless of what I race on.
I use my tires till they are not consistant anymore.
But for competative racing I usally get 6-8 race days on a set for carpet.
They are at their best the first 3 race days. But I use them a little longer to save some $$$.
Now for asphalt, I use them for 4-6 race days. Once I am done with them, I usally run them for practice a few more times. Then I give them to new guys, as they can use there newer tires to race on and the ones I give them for practice.
I recommend all racers do this. It really help keep the new guys in the hobby.
-Shookie <><

Mark G

iTrader: (7)

Yes, most of the mid west guys use lighter fluid. It gets the tire very sticky