Track Day Tyre Choice - 12” Wheels

[IvorBiota]

My car currently is currently shod with Yokohama A539 165/60/12 tyres. I have been very happy with them but they are getting a bit worn. So, in order to enhance the fun level of track day driving, I am thinking about trying some competition only tyres. So it’s either Yokohama A048-R 165/55/12 or Nangkang AR-1 165/60/12. As I have no idea which would be better, I would be grateful for the benefit of anyone’s views or experiences with either of these tyres.

Or should I stick with a new set of A539s?

Many thanks.

Robert

[jamiestevens94]

I used to have A048s on my old clubman and performed really well in the dry as they were very sticky but not hard wearing. It was only a dry weather summer car so cannot vouch for them in the wet but when reading about them they aren't as good as the A539's in the wet.

[pad4]

Just watch the video

https://youtu.be/4VA9fWRQy6A?si=O2-wHnG_I-bPLB_9

My heavy rally car on 12” Yoko’s A0 48’s and a lightweight circuit car on slicks - through the corners i think the Yokos did pretty bloody well, OK they got hot , bloody hot as in smoking when i got back to pit but
I like them , the car feels better on them that it does on 10”

The 539’s are way to slidy on track - keep them for the rain

I run 2.5 neg camber up front , 1.5 at rear - no toe in or out anywhere and a thick ARB at the rear

[Pete]

A mate of mine swears by the Nankangs on his sprint car

[spoon.450]

From my experience my (old ) A048’s performed brilliant when warmed up at Blyton, but on a short sprint circuit like Curborough……when cold, really took me by surprise and nearly ended up in a mess !!

[abs]

Just watch the video

https://youtu.be/4VA9fWRQy6A?si=O2-wHnG_I-bPLB_9

My heavy rally car on 12” Yoko’s A0 48’s and a lightweight circuit car on slicks - through the corners i think the Yokos did pretty bloody well, OK they got hot , bloody hot as in smoking when i got back to pit but
I like them , the car feels better on them that it does on 10`s

I have to say I agree those AO 48`s on a 12" wheel take some beating and people who say minis are better on 10`s must never have tried them.

[IvorBiota]

Many thanks for the replies. The video was very impressive.

So I’ll try the A048’s. I’ve got a second set of wheels so I can keep the 539’s for road use.

I’m going to check all the suspension geometry and try to corner weight the car. I want to see how much a 70-80kg driver sitting off centre affects the weight distribution in 550-600kg car.