Drillbit

iTrader: (2)

I was at the local races this weeknd and the guy next to me would spray WD-40 on his foam tires before each heat. Can someone explain to me the reason behind this?

Winner's Circle

iTrader: (2)

WD-40 when rubbed and worked into the tires and then wiped off can cause the tires to have much more traction than untreated out of the box tires.

There are some really unusual things that will also do the same thing = Coppertone 15, waterless hand cleaner, and even STP. Also some solvent based materials and oil of wintergreen will soften and tires and improve traction too.

After rubbing these materials into the tires let them sit for a while and then use a rag to get the excess out of the tires. You will notice a dramatic improvement in traction.

This is a good way to revive old dried out tires.

Lee

Goodesta

iTrader: (6)

WD-40? isn't that a lubricant?

sdphilips

iTrader: (37)

We always used to use GoJo original hand cleaner.

Scott

Drillbit

iTrader: (2)

I figured thats what it was but I wasnt sure. Would that make a difference even if they spray the track with VHT at the beginning of the day.

DS Motorsport

iTrader: (2)

There are a lot of ways to treat a tire to have more traction, but you have to remember on most official events this is illegal, you can't treat the tires.

Winner's Circle

iTrader: (2)

treating the tires with WD40 or the other items listed above will help traction on any pavement surface. The tire wear will be slightly higher but that is the price you pay.

Lee

Nickd18

iTrader: (4)

Yes, but me who used to be a dirtoval kart guy had it onced explained to me like this, it breaks the rubber down and softens the compound, hence making it sticky,

ive all so used simple green, scrubbing bubles toiletbowl cleanser, take and spray motor cleaner on the tire, catchi it on fire. it will condition the tire, allotta diffrent tricks out there.

rmdhawaii

iTrader: (4)

For local club races, in the absence of strigent tech or any tech at all, some people get away with it. If everyone is doing it, then that's fine, but if only a few people are doing it covertly, then that's not cool at all.

Francis M.

iTrader: (2)

I don't think Traction Compound is illegal in any of the sanctioning bodies or atleast it's not in the written rule... If the organizer does not specify traction compound as illegal then it should be considered legal.

rmdhawaii

iTrader: (4)

ROAR 2010 rule book:

7.3.8 The use of commercially available traction compounds and/or tire cleaners at any ROAR event is at the discretion of the Race Director and any bans or special requirements must be disclosed in advertising, on race entry forms, and in track rules.

Francis M.

iTrader: (2)

Like I said it's not illegal unless specified by the race organizers.... You don't need permission to use it... They need to let you know if it is illegal for the event.... I also beleive that really is for indoor carpet tracks where paragon is banned and some people insist on using it....

JRGTR

no wd-40 is a solvent, put some rusty screws on it and you see how the rust tears apart.

el salvador

iTrader: (7)

W(ater)D(isplacement)-40(parts per million)

Pass the Tanning Butter!

cheROK1212

iTrader: (13)

40= 40th try @ formula