Tire Tests... Goodyears, Dunlops, & Hoosiers

By Phil Cull

While participating in the final Monoposto Racing Series Event, conducted by HSR at Roebling Road near Savannah last November, I experienced two neat things. Acquiring enough points to clinch the Monoposto Racing Class Championship was a real blessing as I was working with Hoosier to test their new 5.00-15 "Vintage TD" race tire.

I started Vintage Vee racing on 165 street radials, switched to 5.00-15 Goodyear Blue Streaks and then changed to Dunlop 135/620-15's & 120/590-15's for dry weather racing. At Roebling Road, Bob Woodman dismounted my Blue Streak rains and installed the Hoosiers on the 4 1/2" chrome Monoposto legal rims. During the Friday practice sessions I supported Hoosier product manager Bruce Foss in his evaluation of the new tires.

It was pretty exciting, having an official of a major race tire manufacturer doing pyrometer and durometer checking and seeking my opinion during our testing. At the end of the day, Bruce was satisfied enough to telephone the factory in Indiana with his choice of compound and sidewall stiffness so they could start molding tires.

Our Monoposto Racing group included four Formula Vees, all with Dunlops. The weather was fine... dry with temperatures ranging between 60 and 70. Ideal racing conditions. The Hoosiers were great. I like them allot. In fact after checking with the other Vee guys I ran the Sunday race on them and won after a very tough battle with a new friend, Grant Reynolds.

It is hard to make determinations after such a short and limited opportunity for evaluation. However, at this point I feel that those choosing Hoosiers will not be disappointed. During the weekend I switched back and forth between the Hoosiers and Dunlops turning very similar lap times with either. The Hoosiers did not seem to wear excessively.

It is my intention to continue my assessment during the 1995 season with a strong interest in obtaining short track and wet weather experience.

As the attached chart indicates, the Hoosiers are taller and heavier, but cost less. Probably they will prove more effective than the Dunlops in the rain and as Dewey (Dellinger) stated, they have the "Vintage Look". If they are comparable to the Goodyear Blue Streaks in wet weather conditions, Hoosier might very well be the answer for those wanting the lowest cost, most versatile tire.

I'll be happy to update the VVR membership later in the season. However I'm certain that many of you will be forming your own opinions soon. Needless to say, none of us will give up our Dunlops without a good reason, but it appears as if our options are increasing.

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