Quote Originally Posted by ShadowBolt View Post
So what is the real deal? Gone after 5 or 6 heat cycles or still competitive at 20 heat cycles? It can't be both.


JJ
It probably depends on the load the tire sees. Mike's car with full aero likely puts significantly more load on the tires than a CMC car. A few degree temperature increase due to higher load per heat cycle might make them drop off much more dramatically, just a hypothesis. So when comparing across platforms it could be both. Tyler is seeing potential better life on the Miata.

I'm assuming the tires are 'curing' with heat cycles, (i.e. getting harder, would last longer rubberwise but have less grip). Does the length of the heat cycle matter? If you over cook a set by trying to pass Jerry for 10 laps can you use them up in one race by getting the tire temp to 250*F? If you don't get them up to 220* (max recommended temp) is it a partial cycle? Clearly, I don't understand tire design.

- Josh