In reply to randyracer :
^ This. Probably the best way ultimately to manage tire qualifications is via categorizing (into 3-5 tiers) based on actual performance in autocross and in time trials through tests like Andy does and then adjusting based on real world (competitive) results. Sounds difficult at first glance, but in reality it isn't. Andy's testing provides reproducible and verifiable results that align with other testing I've seen.
Love this sidebar rundown of 'tire history'! Great reference as development goes on
My former employer used "rolling road" machines to evaluate tire wear. The tire was set up on a driven hub that articulates like car suspension through camber, caster, steering, etc.... The tire is driven against a conveyor belt sort of like a giant belt sander. LOL
They can vary the speed of the tire, the load, cornering forces, slip versus the road, etc... to accomplish highly accelerated wear testing. Of course, they also use high level finite element analysis and other computational tools before a tire ever is physically tested on a machine or a test track.
This was a great read. Thanks for taking the time to develop the relationships needed to investigate the topic and then to write it.
From time to time, the geek in me has wondered if the three major tire manufacturers located here in Texas* that I know about would suffer a tourista like me and let me on their property if only to look around.
Then the realist in me reminds me that these are places of business and they are testing and developing tires not just for their own product line away from prying eyes, but for automotive manufacturers who are also closely guarding their physical and intellectual property.
*Goodyear (north of San Angelo), Continental (south of Uvalde), and Bridgestone/Firestone (west of Fort Stockton).
Based on the lead photo I'm going to wear arm restraints if I ever get the opportunity to autocross a Saturn.
In reply to AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter) :
I worked at Hondo and watched the parade of test cars snake through the airport property.
In reply to Coniglio Rampante :
Eh, it might be worth an ask.. A lot of factories do have tour days and such, maybe they offer something?
The history parallels the motorcycle racing tire shinanagins in the late 80's early 90's. My good friend ran AMA SuperBike as well as AMA/CCS from 87-93. Bought all of his tires on site. His stuff came out of the big stack out front. The big team and factory riders stuff came from inside the trailer.
But all the tires are the same.....
He has a good friend that was one of the chosen few,that friend back doored him a set of of the inside the trailer tires. Within 3 laps he was faster than he normally went on slicks,at the end of the 25 mile race they had cord showing. These were DOT legal tires. As a point for reference he would put new tires on for the race then carry those tires to the next event for practice. The "factory guys" went out on stickers every time.
In reply to WonkoTheSane :
True. Doesn't cost anything to ask.
When I worked for Chrysler/Mitubishi we offered regular tours of the facility.
In reply to Andy Hollis :
That Manx takes me back to mid 60's when Bruce Myers with Corvair power was racing against Cobras at a Pomona CA shopping center parking lot (stores were closed on Sunday back in the day). Got me to build my own VW with Corvair power while in college. Sanctioning in SoCal in those days was SCCSCC, a group of car clubs. Good 'ol' days.
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