So I have been on Dunlop race rubber for the track for the past 4 years. Decided to give the almighty Pirelli race rubber a try this weekend for the last race of the season. SC1 front and rear.
I got setup #s from an HP Engineer for both geometry and DDC. Couple this with a bunch of changes I made in the RCK3 I was expecting yesterday to be more of a test and tune and a day to feel everything out. Haven't been on the track since June so I was sure I was going to be struggling.
First note on the Pirellis as soon as I got to the first corner of the day--SQUISHY. They move around-- a lot. I am used to the rigidity of the Dunlops so it felt freaky the first lap or two.
First practice session cut short after about 4 laps due to a red flag so back to the pits.
Second practice session out and I am back down to my best times that I had with the Dunlops. Bike setup felt great with the HP Support #s and DDC suggestions. A couple of changes throughout the day and bike felt predictable and neutral. Point it where you want to go and it will hold a line.
Front tire had good wear and definitely a track day or 2 left on it. Rear is struggling after a solid practice session, two 10 minute qualifying and 2 sprint races. Probably has 3 track day sessions left on it. Crazy grip but expensive. I think I should have run an SC2 rear instead of the SC1.
I think I will stick with the Pirelli Slicks for now. Want to leave the bike alone while I chase those 2 seconds at my home track. Track day in 2 weeks with a coach so hopefully I can get there before the end of the year.
Two thumbs up on the Pirellis but at my pace any of the race rubber will do what I need. After getting used to the squish I think I prefer the feel of Pirellis over the Dunlops.
Looking at all the data from the day. The datalogger has a bit of a learning curve for sure.
I got setup #s from an HP Engineer for both geometry and DDC. Couple this with a bunch of changes I made in the RCK3 I was expecting yesterday to be more of a test and tune and a day to feel everything out. Haven't been on the track since June so I was sure I was going to be struggling.
First note on the Pirellis as soon as I got to the first corner of the day--SQUISHY. They move around-- a lot. I am used to the rigidity of the Dunlops so it felt freaky the first lap or two.
First practice session cut short after about 4 laps due to a red flag so back to the pits.
Second practice session out and I am back down to my best times that I had with the Dunlops. Bike setup felt great with the HP Support #s and DDC suggestions. A couple of changes throughout the day and bike felt predictable and neutral. Point it where you want to go and it will hold a line.
Front tire had good wear and definitely a track day or 2 left on it. Rear is struggling after a solid practice session, two 10 minute qualifying and 2 sprint races. Probably has 3 track day sessions left on it. Crazy grip but expensive. I think I should have run an SC2 rear instead of the SC1.
I think I will stick with the Pirelli Slicks for now. Want to leave the bike alone while I chase those 2 seconds at my home track. Track day in 2 weeks with a coach so hopefully I can get there before the end of the year.
Two thumbs up on the Pirellis but at my pace any of the race rubber will do what I need. After getting used to the squish I think I prefer the feel of Pirellis over the Dunlops.
Looking at all the data from the day. The datalogger has a bit of a learning curve for sure.