jxhunte

I've had MT 275/40R17 Drag Radials on order for over a month and was told today if would be at least another 10 weeks before they would be available to ship. I can get the Hoosier DOT Drag Radial 2 in 315/35R17 within a couple of weeks. My current Drag Radial set-up (MT 295/45R17) is no longer offered and is not providing the traction it once did. I need new Drag Radials and would go with the Hoosiers but I have to drive to the track (Bandimere Speedway) which is a 30 mile drive, 60 miles round trip via I70/C470, all interstate driving at 65 mph. While the Hoosiers are DOT approved they say they are not to be driven on the highway or public roads. Anyone driving to and from the track with the Hoosier Drag Radials and if so what has been your experience? I have driving the MT Drag Radials to and from the track for 12 years with no issues, taking it easy when the roads are damp. I stay home if rain is immanent and only drive in the rain if caught by surprise.

SG4247

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...5-40-17-a.html

I can ship these from OKC tomorrow!

Been driving DRs to and from the track for years. 45 miles one way.

My biggest concern is, that running over anything with these will cause a flat.

Then what do you do?

subfloor@centurytrans

While all the regular concerns apply, the additional issue with 315s is the potential for them to make contact with your fenders from a pothole or.dip in the road.

HOXXOH

Until I bought/built a trailer for tires and tools, I put DR's and a jack in the hatch and swapped them at the track. I have, however driven to the track on 275/40/17 Hoosiers several times.

jxhunte

Chris, I was not aware of possible fitment issues with the 315/35R17 drag radials. However, the section width of the 315/35R17's is 8/10" wider than my current configuration (295/45R17) and 1.6" wider than the 275/40R17's. I will probably go with the 275/40R17's. Because I drive to the track, I prefer the MT's over the Hoosiers. I will probably wait on the MT's and live with what I have for now. Thanks for the feedback.

HOXXOH

Keep in mind that MT weigh 27# vs Hoosier at 21#. Since most of the extra weight is in the tread, three things are the result. 1. The tread life is longer. 2. The rotational weight penalty is an extra 15-18 lbs per tire. 3. Because of #2, if you spin at all, it can take more than 3 times longer to recover.

jxhunte

From a performance perspective, the Hoosiers are perhaps the better choice but because I drive to the track and have had good luck with the MT's, I lean towards continuing with what has worked for me over the past 12 years. The 275/40R17 MT's are 6 lbs. lighter than my current 295/45R17 MT's. I expect to see a performance gain with the lighter MT's and most certainly would see even more of a gain with the Hoosiers. If I trailered to the track or if I could get my wife to drive a support vehicle with spare tires and tools, I would go with the Hoosiers.

STLC6

I feel hour pain on the wait on tires. I bought new weld wheels, MT ET S/S for the rear and some MT skinnies for the front. I received everything quickly except the skinnies. I was the eta just went from 7/27 to No ETA at all.

grinder11

My .02, FWIW......I would take the Hoosier statement about driving on the public roadways with a small grain of salt. This is a true statement to a point, but its also an "legal *** covering." Yes, no DR is as safe as a conventional tire in that situation. BUT, nowhere is it a written law you must drive 65-75mph on the way to the track, and back home. Drive 55, or maybe even 50-55mph where it's legal. Plenty of time to go fast at the strip. Again, my .02......

old motorhead

I remember driving to the track with MT 295/45 17' DR's. 20 mile trip. I was taking it easy. I had the tire pressure at about 25 psi. Usually raced at 18. It was Saturday evening and the construction crew working of the highway was gone. They were adding a couple inches of asphalt to one lane at a time. "Uneven Pavement" signs were posted. There was someone in the right lane going slower than I wanted to go. So, I switched lanes to pass. I don't remember if the lane I was transitioning to was higher or lower.... but it was different. That was the most unsettling feeling I've ever had in a Vette. I made it to the track unscathed. Ran a 10 sec qtr, so I was happy. Didn't change lanes on the way home either!

For a short trip to the track, drive it. For a lengthy trip, trailer it.