Getting Started: Choosing Tires

When it comes time to choose your tires, you have a few options depending on the class or classes you decide to enter and whether or not you'll be racing outdoors at Ready to Run Raceway or indoors at Overgeared Racing

Here are the current tire rules for the two clubs...be sure to check the rules again before purchasing tires to make sure this is still current and correct:

NOTE:  Before you purchase tires, be sure to check the most recent rules at your chosen track(s) as tire rules change from time to time

Tires:
Ready to Run Raceway (Outdoor):

• Scale Spec Class:  Gravity RC / Ride USGT treaded tires or HPI/Protoform VTA treaded tires.  This means you have to use treaded tires from Gravity RC, Ride, HPI or Protoform.  The Gravity RC tire is the most common and best performing tire.  This is the tire I offer for sale as well.  Do NOT purchase a belted tire for outdoor racing.  A non-belted tire will perform much better.
• Touring Stock Class:  Open 32-36 shore tires.  Open means you can run any brand of tire you'd like.  Be careful though as tires make a HUGE difference in the performance of your car.  If you are on a budget, you can start with some used tires (likely free from a racer that doesn't want them).  Avoid cheap "on-road" tires from the internet as they won't provide the grip required for your car to drive well.  32-36 shore is in reference to the hardness of the tire with 32 being softer than 36.  Others are available such as 28 and 40 but to be within the rules, stick with a 32 or a 36.  I often will use a 32 at the start and end of the season when the temperatures are cooler and mostly use a 36 during warmer weather

Overgeared Racing (Indoor):

• ​Scale Spec Class:  Tire rules for scale spec at Overgeared have loosened a little recently.  Be sure to check the most current rules but as of last season, any brand of USGT treaded tire is permitted including the Gravity RC tires that are used at Ready to Run Raceway.  You can choose a belted tire or a non-belted.  Both have positive and negative attributes - ask me if you're interested
• Touring Stock Class:  Gravity RC Type-C only.  Unlike Ready to Run Raceway where tires are open in stock touring, at Overgeared Racing, there is only one spec tire that is permitted and it's called a Gravity RC Type-C

Tire Sauce / Additive:
In addition to purchasing tires, you're going to need some tire additive or "sauce".  We use tire additive to soften the tire and dramatically improve the grip of the tire.

Ready to Run Raceway (Outdoor):

• Scale Spec Class:  Open tire sauce.  You can use any sauce you'd like.  Some popular choices include Mighty Gripper Red, Mighty Gripper Yellow and 1up Cruz Missile.  Another good one if you can find it is called Paragon FXII but it's proving to be difficult to get
• Touring Stock Class:  Open tire sauce.  You can use any sauce you'd like.  Some popular choices include Mighty Gripper Yellow and 1up Cruz Missile and Paragon FXII

Overgeared Racing (Indoor):

• ​Scale Spec Class:  Only one sauce is permitted and it is called TDK
• Touring Stock Class:  Only one sauce is permitted and it is called TDK

​Tire Prep:
Tires are among the most important items on your car.  Preparing your tires correctly will make a big difference in the performance of your car.  Feel free to ask me for some pointers on tire prep or you can check out the "HOW TO" page for a few articles and videos I've gathered from the internet
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Where to buy:
I sell Gravity RC and Sweep tires primarily.  I also stock the appropriate tire additives and cleaners that you'll need at our local tracks.  Your local hobby store may be able to get some tires and additives but it's not likely that they'll stock these items unless they are associated with an on-road racing track.  Please try to support those that support our hobby whenever possible

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