Grassroots Motorsports Hankook Ultimate Track Car Challenge

[HankookMMM]

Congratulations to all of the invitees. Just a reminder. Since this is a NASA Time Trial Event, Hankook Contingency can be claimed. So if you do the Time Trial on Friday and both races on Saturday and Sunday, you will have three chances to claim contingency! Why not make it worth your while?

 

http://www.hankooktireusa.com/motor/mot … _forms.asp

 

Decals will be supplied to each car prior to the event and will be included in your "package."

 

Good luck!! Go fast!!

[thefrush]

Fixed the link for ya.

 

http://www.hankooktireusa.com/motor/motor_contingency_forms.asp

[HankookMMM]

Thanks, I guess it cut off.

[1LapSRT]

Where is a good place in the SE to get some new Z214's. Every place I have seen online is far away and shipping costs add up. Also is heat cycling those tires recommended before any actual track time?

 

See everyone at VIR for the GRM UTCC.

 

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2560756

[Greg G.]

Shipping costs vs. state sales tax is a toss-up usually. At least in California, if we buy on-line/out of state, we pay for shipping, but not sales tax.

[1LapSRT]

Shipping costs vs. state sales tax is a toss-up usually. At least in California, if we buy on-line/out of state, we pay for shipping, but not sales tax.

 

Same here, but if I can find a GA, NC (or similar) supplier to ship to SC it will be less than a CA supplier.

[kbrew8991]

I've always used an autocross or just driven around on my tires on the street to heat cycle them...

[HankookMMM]

http://www.hankooktireusa.com/motor/motor_racetire_distributors.asp

 

Is a list of our dealers. Appalachian Tires can help you in the Southeast.

 

It is recommended that you do a scrub in (heat cycle) with the Z214 BUT NOT ON THE PUBLIC ROADS. True the tire is a DOT tire, but they are not intended for highway use. Scrub in can always be done during a practice session.

 

Information on scrubbing can be found here:

 

http://www.hankooktireusa.com/motor/motor_techinfo.asp

[L98Terror]

Can I even get the tire to run on my Z06

 

305 or 295 /18 rear

 

275-295 / 17 fronts

[HankookMMM]

Sorry not yet. I think they are working on it. Demand needs to increase a little first to make it viable.

[L98Terror]

Sorry not yet. I think they are working on it. Demand needs to increase a little first to make it viable.

 

Not enough Vettes running out there???? My last NCCC event had over 150 vette and there were 8 C5 Z06s in my class alone.

 

If your looking for someone to help create demand I would be willing, currently Vette owners only see Kumho or Hoosier as the only competitive option. I was the only person running Nitto at any of these events and even though it is looked down upon as an inferior tire I was able set multiple track records on the NT-01, now even I have caved and started running Hoosiers but am yet to be convinced that other tires can't be as competitive.

 

 

How do the Hankooks compare to say Nitto, Kuhmo & Hoosier? Have there been any tests done? I for one would like to run a tire that supports the events I'm competing in because I feel I can win on almost any tire.

 

 

Please let me know when a tire is available that would fit my car.

[HankookMMM]

I did not say that there were not enough Vettes out there, just not enough saying they will buy the Hankook tires. Like I said, demand for the tire needs to increase as it would be with any new sizes. I will forward your feedback.

[Mr PS]

I was the only person running Nitto at any of these events and even though it is looked down upon as an inferior tire I was able set multiple track records on the NT-01,...

 

 

I concur. The BMW scene is pretty the same; looking down on NT-01 and Hankook (sorry Jeff but it's the truth, check BMW club racing). I too have a lot of fun with NT-01. As long as it's r-comp, I am in. Who cares what brand.

 

 

How do the Hankooks compare to say Nitto, Kuhmo & Hoosier?

 

If you want to compare NT01, I think Z211 is fit for that comparison since both are *drivable* on the streets. I like Z211 a tad bit better than NT-01. But keep in mind, Z211 has a UTQG of 50 compared to NT-01 UTQG of 100. NASA pt wise: +7 for Z211 and +5 for NT-01. No comments about Z214 though...

[HankookMMM]

The Z214 is not meant to compare to the Nitto, Kumho or Toyo. Our Testing has shown that it is faster than the Hoosier and as fast as the Goodyear. When we developed the Z214 we had the best and fastest tires in mind. In all honesty most people are just not aware of the Hankook Venntus Race Tires. But those that have tried them seem to be very happy.

[kbrew8991]

if they see that they are indeed as fast or faster than the top tires, but there isn't a size available... kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy that they won't buy Hankook...

[HankookMMM]

Yes that is true. You cannot sell out of an empty cart. Meanwhile if we have the size you need, why not try them out? In the grand scheme of things race tire sales is a loss or a small blip on the radar screen, until that changes it is difficult to get anything changed. But in the short time we have been making race tires, we have come quite a long way.

[Lemming]

Do you have any data or information on longevity of the tire vs the R6?

 

Edit - specifically related to your C50 compound tire.

[HankookMMM]

Unconfirmed and confirmed data seems to indicate that it lasts as long or longer than the Hoosier. Racers tell me that it does not fall off as fast. I have heard of as many as 12 heat cycles from a Z214. Please be aware, every event is different, every driver, every driving style, ambient temp, track temp. track surface, car set up, tire pressures and on and on. If you see someone at the track on Hankooks ask them what they think. Do your own research. If it is as good as the best and $20-$40 less per tire, why not try them?

 

http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=13435&highlight=hankook

 

I know we have gone way off topic here but I try to respond to any comments or questions.

 

Here are some of the testimonials I have received:

 

The Hankook Z214 is a fantastic tire, able to provide a lot of ultimate grip, as well as durability required to last through a race while turning lap after lap with a consistent pace. A lot of our customers are trying them and most that do are staying with them. The Z214 wins races.

 

The Z214 has become my secret weapon by providing Hoosier level grip with nearly twice the longevity (and at a good price). I’ll be singing the praises of your products and look forward to a successful year racing on them.

 

The Hankook Z214 tire is an exceptional tire for both autocross and road racing. The level of grip given can equal or exceed all competitor tires at the same time giving you very consistent feedback and longevity and lap times do not fall off like many of the competitor’s tires. Not only do you get all this competitiveness but you get it for up to 20% less cost than the competitors. Less cost, equal or better grip, and longevity..........for me it's not a hard decision.

 

 

The Z214 is as fast or faster than any other tire out there. What makes it so good is that it provides the consistency and durability to run fast lap after lap.

 

In the past ten years I've raced on every race tire out there, the Hankook Ventus Z214 is by far the best tire I've raced on and one of the reasons I've never switched back to any other race tire. The Hankook Ventus Z214 is the reason we've won two championships in three years and one 12 Hour Endurance title.

 

When we started racing on Hankook racing tires, very few racers had ever heard of the company. Based somewhat on our success, now everyone has heard of the Hankook Ventus Z214. The Z214 is fast becoming the must-have tire to win races in SCCA and NASA.

 

The Z214 is extremely predictable and quick. The Z214 offers great wear, fast turn-in and consistency through out its life cycle. I like the fact you can select the compound that suits your individual needs on a given weekend. No other manufacture offers that!

[L98Terror]

The Z214 is not meant to compare to the Nitto, Kumho or Toyo. Our Testing has shown that it is faster than the Hoosier and as fast as the Goodyear. When we developed the Z214 we had the best and fastest tires in mind. In all honesty most people are just not aware of the Hankook Venntus Race Tires. But those that have tried them seem to be very happy.

 

This quote make me think Goodyears are faster than Hoosiers yet from what I've seen people that have run Goodyears and switched to Hoosiers ended up being faster on Hoosiers.

 

 

14 Heat cycles LOL my Nittos are at about 50 and my Hoosiers at about 18....yeah..yeah I know they are no where near as fast as they could be I'll be looking for a new set for Nationals

 

Maybe I'll get to run the Hankooks sometime soon.

[HankookMMM]

Some tracks GY is faster, others Hoosier. Results vary so much. Now you as a consumer and racer have a lot of choices.

 

This speaks volumes.

 

http://news.hspn.com/articles/1410/1/Hankook-TireJIC-Magic-Sets-Time-Attack-Record-Places-First-Overall/Page1.html

 

 

Video:

 

We've already broken other track records at Daytona, Houston, Summit Point, Black Hawk Farms and Road Atlanta just to name a few.

[Greg G.]

18 heat cycles on Hoosiers--come on! I've raced and won National Championships on Hoosiers, and I can honestly say that the things are fast for 2, maybe 3 heat cycles. Yes, they cord at 10-20, depending on the abuse, but they are slow, at least on my 3000 lb FWD car. And when I'm talking "fast", I mean that they drop off by a half second a lap on a 2 mile course by the 4th heat cycle.

 

I was very surprised by the Z214's that I started running this year. My car is faster than it was on the Hoosiers!!! They are "fast" for at least as long as the Hoosiers, but it seems that I get an extra heat cycle or two. I still use them for practice after that, but when it's really crunch time, I need them to be within 4-5 heat cycles for my fronts (FWD)--my rears can go to 20+ heat cycles without issues.

[HankookMMM]

Yet another good testimonial, thanks for your support Greg.

[GAC]

In the grand scheme of things race tire sales is a loss or a small blip on the radar screen, until that changes it is difficult to get anything changed. But in the short time we have been making race tires, we have come quite a long way.

 

Perhaps it's true that race tires aren't a margin leader, but in my line of business we call the people who buy such tires "key influencers." These people shape the opinion landscape of the country, of every person they touch, or who touches them. Say I race on Nittos, which I do. Say I like them, which I do. Someone then asks me for a street tire recommendation, knowing me to be their best-informed automotive source. What do I then say when they ask me for an all-season? Well I probably recommend a Nitto, as they have won me over as a key brand proponent and advocate.

 

Difficult to measure, but extremely important, especially to companies still trying to build a strong brand in the U.S.

[HankookMMM]

Totally agree, which is why there are sponsored drivers. This can sometimes be a double edged sword as some people perceive that you like the tire because you are given tires and will say anything to continue to get more tires. (This may not be your case) Hankook has been very selective about who they sponsor and support and in most cases this is based on previous usage. People approach us to be sponsored because they are so impressed with the tires and want to win on something different than what everyone else is using. I know for a fact if I got fired tomorrow, I would still buy and use the race tires. They really do make a good product.

[rrrracer]

Would love to try them based on everyone's input...

 

Unfortunately I can run any tire I like as long as it's Hoosier... until someone else brings out a 275/35-15 (not likely!!)