Rubber Tire Prep
11-25-2008, 07:07 PM
#16
If you are new to racing find the guys who are your track's veteran racers and ask them for their opinion for your vehicle.
11-25-2008, 07:27 PM
#18
How many people at your carpet track use your method?
11-25-2008, 07:43 PM
#19
Traction compounds are for girls 
Tyre warmers on the other hand are perfectly fine
In fact, I'd go as far to say that warmers are invaluable for rubber tyre racing on carpet where the track doesnt get much of a chance to warm up. Outdoors on asphalt its not so much of an issue as the track tends to warm up and the tyres get heat from that, but I still use them.
As for tyre prep..
I spray a light coating of WD40 on a cloth and using the moisture wipe off any excess dust, rubber particles or carpet fibres etc. This is usually done at the same time I am prepping my car for the upcoming race day. Some people use it to get extra traction by spraying directly onto the tyre whilst at the track, I do not do this.
Another good item is glycerol. It helps to replace some of the natural oils in rubber. This is very good for reconditioning old dry tyres that havent been stored properly. Just smear it on and leave it for a couple hours. Make sure all excess is wiped off. Again, this is a tyre conditioning treatment, not for traction.
Wintergreen oil (fairly common in traction compounds) is what some would use to prep their tyres. It conditions the rubber and also makes the rubber sticky, hence why it gives extra traction.
-Mark
Ps. There's also nothing wrong with good old detergent and warm water for cleaning tyres!!
Tyre warmers on the other hand are perfectly fine
In fact, I'd go as far to say that warmers are invaluable for rubber tyre racing on carpet where the track doesnt get much of a chance to warm up. Outdoors on asphalt its not so much of an issue as the track tends to warm up and the tyres get heat from that, but I still use them.
As for tyre prep..
I spray a light coating of WD40 on a cloth and using the moisture wipe off any excess dust, rubber particles or carpet fibres etc. This is usually done at the same time I am prepping my car for the upcoming race day. Some people use it to get extra traction by spraying directly onto the tyre whilst at the track, I do not do this.
Another good item is glycerol. It helps to replace some of the natural oils in rubber. This is very good for reconditioning old dry tyres that havent been stored properly. Just smear it on and leave it for a couple hours. Make sure all excess is wiped off. Again, this is a tyre conditioning treatment, not for traction.
Wintergreen oil (fairly common in traction compounds) is what some would use to prep their tyres. It conditions the rubber and also makes the rubber sticky, hence why it gives extra traction.
-Mark
Ps. There's also nothing wrong with good old detergent and warm water for cleaning tyres!!
11-25-2008, 07:48 PM
#20
I do not race on carpet. However, at the track I do race at, its rare that two people use the same method. Using Tuff towels to clean the tires is the most popular however, it does have the side effect of making the tires VERY sticky, however its a sticky that picks up dust and debris, more so than the Trinity Tire Tweak method I use.
11-25-2008, 08:19 PM
#21
i use simple green to clean the tires then wipe them off. they sure make the tires sticky, then apply your favorite tire sauce. 
11-25-2008, 08:28 PM
#22
I do not race on carpet. However, at the track I do race at, its rare that two people use the same method. Using Tuff towels to clean the tires is the most popular however, it does have the side effect of making the tires VERY sticky, however its a sticky that picks up dust and debris, more so than the Trinity Tire Tweak method I use.
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