Bridgestone tires..

[Jeff]

I haven't bought tires at the track since 2002.  I buy them well ahead of time, most of the time from the trackside vendor, but still I have a few sets if not a season's worth on hand.

I switch my tires myself as I have access to a tire machine.

I have needed SEVERAL tire changes at the track over the last couple years.  When I was running 'lops, the lop guys would change them with no problem.  Now that I'm running stones, I either borrow a machine from one of the vendors if I know them well enough, or have them change them for me for $10/tire, or some beer or whatnot..

(and yes, Tommy & Edgar, I will bring Beer for you to ACC.  If you have any special requests, I need to know by noon today)

Tire vendors will change tires that aren't their brand.  They may very well charge you for it, but it's in their best interest to do this.  If they get to know you, they have a better chance of converting you...  If they decide to be a dick to you, you have no incentive to run their tires or deal with them for anything else...

[Chuck]

recieving contingency just a few weeks after placing is awesome...usually that stuff starts rolling in too late in the season to use it.