Well, I am reading in the classifieds section of the SCCA magazine that I get(SportsCar) and I see an ad for "TIRE CLAW" a product to aid in tire stickyness.
It obviously got me thinking about vehicles in a "street tire" class at autox competitions and it's usage. Is a product like this legal for competition use? Is there a rule allowing it or not?


Curious,
Jose
#841 SM
current pts leader CFR region

I have never seen a rule allowing it.

roll it through some dirts before you bring it to the track, I doubt they can prove it :)

Well, not that I would use it. I am currently running 275/40r17 Kuhmo V710s which are plenty grippy for me. My thoughts were on using the product on a shaved street tire to "aid" in grip.
It's just a thought that crossed my mind and was curious if rules were out there specifying the use/disuse of said products.

Of course now that you posted something on a message board the next time you win you will be protested for it... :D

I know people that use it to help aging slicks, I haven't messed with it on street tires, but I do know that local asphalt ovals usually ban the stuff because it will eat up the asphalt.. I would bet that if people did start using it, SCCA would probably put a rule in pretty quick if for nothing else than site preservation. (not to mention "spirit of rules" or cost, etc..)

Jon K

My understanding of the Solo rules:

If the rule for your class says "xxx is/are free" then any substitutions or modifications to that component are legal.

If the rule for your class doesn't say "xxx is/are free" then unless the specific modification is allowed, it isn't legal.

Street tire classes don't say "tires are free", and traction compound isn't specifically allowed, so it's illegal in street tire classes...

ane one

My experience was for race starts and not with the "Claw" stuff so it may be different.
The top layer got greasy so I'd have to squirm the car till the magic happened and then wait for the green.
The effect would only last a short time but long enough to go into the first turn with (percieved?) confidence.
My feeling is that getting the timing right at a solo would be very hard.
rz

"Of course now that you posted something on a message board the next time you win you will be protested for it... "

That, unfortunately, is the way life is. Be it from being a poor loser, to jealously and trying to figure out why I won, who knows. But, if it should happen(getting protested), I know I have nothing to worry about. I've changed my setup throughout last year and this year to comply with the rules.

Jose