Tire warmers and Tires

[wvracer97]

So, here I find myself trying to decide-- Dunlop or Michelin.  It's been four years since I last raced... has much changed?  I initially started with Dulop's in Arizona (CCS), then switched to Michelin's in Texas (CMRA, WERA) and Oregon (OMRRA).  Have these two tires changed for the better or worse in the last few years.  Any reason to go with Michelin's again when the local track champion swears by Dunlop?  How about the price comparison?  Does one tire have better performance/ Life when used with Tire warmers?
And speaking of warmers... what is the recommended way to use them at the track?  Is it better to put them on 15 minutes before your race/ practice or keep them on and heated between races and practices to minimize the heat cycles?  How long do they have to be on to reach optimum temp?  Do you have to wait for the last call for your race and scramble to get them off for them to maintain their heat and advantage?  Does the use of warmers decrease how many races the tires will last vs. not using warmers?
OK, no more questions, I'm outta breath! :P

[lil_thorny]

Yet another thread about tires and warmers ;D
warmers do increase the life of the tires.  Depends on the warmer as to how to use them. Michelins are what I use and I do recomend using the warmers.
Historically, the pilots need to be nice and toasty. But
they have awesome staying power and grip. As far as how long to keep them on, it again depends on the warmers. Keep them on all day with digitals....just let em simmer so to speak.  Get pressures as soon as you get up, then about 45 min to an hour before practice, put on the warmers. Many people raved about the Dunlops last year, and
those many people are using Pirelli this year, everybody is trying to hang with the pilots. a few extra bucs is going to save a whole lotta bucs in the long run.  As far as grip, The Pirelli's got plenty, and the Dunlops work great too.  But the Michelins lasted
about 10 laps more out of 60 for me. Anyway,
welcome back and good luck with your choices.

30.

[Super Dave]

The Michelin's have changed quite a bit from four years ago.  

There are even choices for compounds etc.  

You racing in the CMRA area?  Dave from Island racing can help.  

I've always found that I had great longevity with Michelin's, so the money's well spent.  I think they are all similarly priced.

[wvracer97]

I'm actually on the East Coast now (job relo) and will be racing the CCS Mid- Atlantic series...  thanks for the info so far guys!  Do both Dunlop and Michelin support the tracks at VIR and Summit Point?  If not I have the Dulop # but not the Michelin... and if I go with Michelin again what are the different compounds and which ones are recommended for the two tracks?

[Super Dave]

Can't answer that myself as I haven't been on either track with the current tires.

[1fastmofo]

I know Michelin is at VIR and I believe they are at Summit as well.

[wvracer97]

Anyone have the Michelin distributor number for the mid-atlantic??  Thanks!