Scrubbing In New Tires Before The Track?

[PolishPete]

My first track day is this Saturday at Grattan.  Its actually the teamchicago.tv class, so we'll only have 3 or 4 session out on the track.  I just put new tires on and was wondering if theres a way to get that film off before the trackday?  I don't want to spend a session scrubbing them down or whatever if I don't have to.  I'll only be able to take it around the block or so once a day until then.  Don't want to get in trouble with the police.  Any suggestions?  Thanks.

[Super Dave]

A lot of tires don't have mold release anymore.  Michelin hasn't used any for over fifteen years, I know.  There's probably a good number of experts that have started races on unscrubbed tires front and rear.  You're not gonna get much out of trying to do something on the street that will benefit you on the race track. 

You're gonna have to warm yourself and your suspension up, so just be calm and take your time.  You'll gradually add speed and be fine.

[Monkey_Star]

Dunlops are pretty much ready to go with a nice and smooth warm up lap as long as you've had it on the warmer prior to getting on the track. I usually keep the warmer on fresh tires until the rims are warm to the touch.

[clutch]

I dont scrub Pirelli's when they are new.  Bake them on the warmers and go race pace first lap.  That was riding the SV650 and Duc 800, but corner speed on them is still a lot.

[stickboy274]

I often start my races with brand new tires. I scrub them in on a hard warm up lap and almost everytime last year I was first to turn one.


With that said, it's a trackday. Do like Dave said and take it easy the first lap or two to get yourself sorted. The tires should be fine by then.

[Jason748]

Just take it easy the first couple of laps... beside, you'll need to get a feel for the new bike anyway 

Did you double and tipple check everything on the bike yet?

[PolishPete]

Thanks for the input guys.

Jason- I think I did.  Me and a buddy of mine that I call my mechanic looked over everything we thought might need to be checked...brakes, lube, bolts/fastners, etc.  Anything I need to double check for sure?  Haven't searched yet but figured I'd ask...what should we torque the wheels to?  I should really go to work and download the shop manual...won't print that sucker at home (too long!).

[Jeff]

So long as there is heat in them (from tire warmers), they are basically race ready.  I scrub in tires on the warm-up lap, and have gone right to the grid on shiny slicks, BALLS OUT into T1 praying they would hold and had my prayers answered...

The biggest issue is temp...  You can't rush a cold tire...  Well, you can, but you're rushing it into the crash truck...

[Gixxerblade]

I often start my races with brand new tires.

Must be nice being the "tire guy" :D

[JBraun]

What kind of tires are you running?
Like Dave said, most tire companies don't use mold release on race tires, but street tires can be different.

I ran a set of Pirelli Diablos (not diablo corsa) street tires at a track day a couple years ago.
My entire first session that day was like riding in the rain, maybe worse. Once the tires came in they were surprisingly good.

Race tires; one right, one left, and it's on.

[Spooner]

Yeah the first time you rip it out of the gate on new rubber is nerving for sure!  Kinda like the first time you use tire warmers and you banzai turn one!

[aaronz]

Looks like we gotta get some tire warmers pete