The current rule set is infinitely better than the old days of open tyres. Open tyre is very expensive, a logistical nightmare and does not promote close competition. It is even worse now with so many tyre options in 1/10. Everyone is on the same tyre now so the competition is very equal and no-one can claim an advantage.

I agree with some of the issues you raise Darren. I am a well sponsored driver, but these events become very expensive for me as it is very rare that my sponsors tyres are used. And with new tyres able to be used each run, it adds a lot of cost for tyres I cant use anywhere else. Its the same cost for a privateer, and I truly dont know how some people can afford it! I hear that tyres can be used 2 or 3 runs - but its very rare that a 2 or 3 run tyre is as fast as a new tyre, so given that tyres are the most critical part of lap time, it pretty much forces a new set each run. There is also the issue of the tender process, which many criticise for not being very transparent (I dont have a better answer for that one).

On the positive side, it is a very equal playing field, you dont need to bring ranges of tyres, and is still cheaper than having fully open tyres. And the tyre cost limit has been successful.

I like the idea of controlling treads, as it would allow people to promote their brands better, but there are some rules that I believe would be necessary:
- you should nominate your brand tyre in advance of the event (to prevent the case of bringing every tyre to the event and testing which is better).
- Compound should be open (very hard to scrutineer compound, but easy to check tread, and its hard to compare compounds from each manufacturer). But I think the number you use should be limited to say 2 sets for qualifying and 2 sets for finals to limit the number of tyres to save people bringing 30pr of every compound to the track.
- Tyre cost should be guaranteed to $15 as per the current rules.
- CC inserts from the manufacturer of the tyre. Possibly seperate to the $15 rule as these are reusable.

With this rule set I think it would be similar cost to the current rules for privateers, and allow people who are sponsored to promote their products more easily. But I am sure that there are some downsides I havent considered.

I think if the track surface suits bar tyres it would work well, but my experience with pin tyres is that they are more specific for the surface, and it may be harder to select equivalent tyres from each brand.

Earlier this year we ran an Invitational style race at Keilor and we trialled a similar concept. We allowed JConcepts Bar Codes, AKA Rebars, and Proline Suburbs. AKA red CC inserts. Limited sets (3 sets over 6 races) and brand nominated in advance. Compound was controlled, but it was evident that some brands worked better in different temperatures which is where it may be better for open compound.

Personally I reckon this would be great for the open class, where the premise is a more 'open' set of rules and more sponsored drivers, but I don't know if it is the correct direction for stock. Cue flaming.


Interested to hear feedback.

Ray