How do you get your track tires to the track?
 

For the past few years I have used the kindness of friends to sometimes get my track tires to the track for me. However, since I enjoy events that may be far away, or events where local support may be limited, I am looking into new ways to get my tires around.

The car is a 911 SC. The car has a rollbar, and so far, the only way to fit them in the car is to remove the passenger seat. This is unacceptable. I have been thinking of trying a "roof rack" system, as I have seen others do this with some sucess. Are there any folks out here who use this method? If so, any advice to share?

While I will likely drive on my track tires to Summit Point, I would prefer to preserve them for the larger/farther tracks.

I saw some pictures once on Pelican of Jack Olsen's 72 widebody with a tire rack on the roof. Apparently he drove to the track sans trailer, all his stuff (including a fresh set of tires) in or on the car.

We bought a 15 ft. trailer right after I lost it in T-9 at SP & contacted the tyre wall. This was shortly after me completing a small tyre trailer, getting a hitch for the SC, but before we had an opportunity to use it. Shortly after being extracted from the wall, I experienced an epiphany about what if this had happened in Lexington OH

Linda is my “tire support crew”, I’m hers when she runs.

:idea: Low mileage (like in never been used) tyre trailer w/hitch for SH 911 available for $500.

:(


How did you figure out the hitch mount points? I've seen a few "early" cars where the hitch bar attaches under the motor. Frankly I'd be afraid of catching the hitch on a bad man hole and riping the car apart (then again, I lived with that fear with my 914 for 8 years and nothing ever happened ;) )

We also have a hitch for a LH. The flat stock that runs under the engine would likely act as a skid plate if you hit anything. One option for mounting hitches to SH bumpers is right in the center where the plate is located.

For three years, I drove to the track on my track tires.

I did a ton of DE events in the 911, particularly in the second and third years, and drove to places like Watkins Glen, Mid Ohio, VIR etc on Proxes RA-1 R compound tires. Never had a problem, although they had a pronounced tendency to aquaplane in heavy rain.

This season my tires are loaded on my trailer [often along with a set of Marc's], although the tire support crew is also the mechanical, strategic, tactical and motivational support crew [ and driver].

I've never actually had a problem driving to or from events on R compounds. I was just looking for a way to limit the (albeit small) wear on the tires going to and from events. Plus, I have on several occasions been happy to have my "streets" available due to blistered or belt showings on the track tires and also for use on truly wet track days.

After destroying two tires at Watkins Glen this year, I vowed to never be without a spare set of tires. I went to VIR with two tires in the trunk and two in the passenger seat, strapped in with the seat belt. This isn't workable if Lu is going with me to an event. I have a roof rack, but am interested in a hitch and getting a small tire trailer. Of course, I have more pressing needs like getting an engine built and back into the car. :roll: :wink:

Did a couple of years driving to the track on Toyo proxes RA1s never had a problem except they were my only tyres.Did several trips to the Glen and Mid Ohio, let alone a bunch to Sumit Point (150miles each way)By winter they were useable as track tyres but not for street. When I got my track set I built a small Northern Tools trailer and attached a hitch to the 2 tow plates on the "88 Targa. yoke was attached with 2 pins, so dropped everything off at the track or home with less than 2 lbs weight permanently on the back. Now have a dedicated track car so had to buy a trailer which meant I had to buy a puller.
Dirk

Forgot to mention, one Potomac member drives his 73 T to all the tracks with tyres on the roof and has been in the red run group since Porsches were really V.W. parts. Now also brings his wife to away events. A regular racer at Potomac's club races does the same and I think he is from Connecticut or somewhere. Never seen anyone stranded at an away event yet, even when their tow vehicle was wrecked. PCA members don't leave their fallen comrades for the vultures( we might strip them of their usefull parts before they stop moving if they are terminal) :wink:
Dirk