Tire Company Test Tracks
09-24-2011, 12:21 AM
#1
Tire Company Test Tracks
Curious if anyone here has ever gotten to go play on one of the tire company test tracks in Texas? The BF Goodrich one in particular looks like a really fun road course.
http://www.google.com/maps?q=Pecos,+...&t=h&z=13&om=1
http://www.google.com/maps?q=Pecos,+...&t=h&z=13&om=1
09-24-2011, 01:26 PM
#3
Former Vendor
09-25-2011, 01:07 PM
#4
Rennlist
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Got the chance to run the high-speed "Road Course" circuit at Michelin's Laurens Proving Grounds ten years ago for a Grassroots Motorsports tire test. It was really cool.
Was admonished by Mac Demere that if I went off, the test was done and I would be escorted off the premises. "We're all professionals here. Behave like one!"
I went quickly (250+ degrees F tread temp in two laps from ambient) and was really consistent (within .07-.15 seconds each lap, every test) but I didn't fall off...
Awesome experience and a peek at the tremendous engineering resources required to develop the tires we take for granted every day!
Was admonished by Mac Demere that if I went off, the test was done and I would be escorted off the premises. "We're all professionals here. Behave like one!"
I went quickly (250+ degrees F tread temp in two laps from ambient) and was really consistent (within .07-.15 seconds each lap, every test) but I didn't fall off...
Awesome experience and a peek at the tremendous engineering resources required to develop the tires we take for granted every day!
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-Peter Krause
www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
-Peter Krause
www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
Last edited by ProCoach; 09-26-2011 at 09:09 AM.
09-25-2011, 10:19 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
Curious if anyone here has ever gotten to go play on one of the tire company test tracks in Texas? The BF Goodrich one in particular looks like a really fun road course.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...&t=h&z=13&om=1
http://www.google.com/maps?q=Pecos,+...&t=h&z=13&om=1
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...&t=h&z=13&om=1
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...&t=h&z=13&om=1
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...&t=h&z=15&om=1
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...&t=h&z=13&om=1
http://www.google.com/maps?q=Pecos,+...&t=h&z=13&om=1
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...&t=h&z=13&om=1
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...&t=h&z=13&om=1
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...&t=h&z=15&om=1
09-26-2011, 12:09 PM
#6
Not familiar with BFG facility in Texas (surprised they would actually call it a "BFG" facility when internally everything is Michelin company and things only go brand specific (Michelin, BFG, Uniroyal) when they are talking to the customer) but I've driven at their Laurens, SC facility a couple of times. Pretty neat stuff.
09-26-2011, 12:56 PM
#7
Race Director
But why not run at an actual race track? Tire or car manufacture test tracks are often built with the idea of testing specfic things rather than fun lapping. In some cases they may have fun layout to drive, but would not a proper track be better overall? Sure something is better than nothing, but a proper race track vs "test loop".
