I think this is well within the spirit of the rules, while perhaps a bit grey in the letter of the rules, so looking for veteran feedback:
We are allowed 4 free tires. I have a plethora of 17x9.5" sawblades that can typically be bought for about $25 apiece. local C4 racer has run 315 A7's on 9.5" sawblades and while it is not optimal, it does work quite well. so, my plan for my 4 free tires was to run new A7's in 275/40R17 front ($366 ea at tirerack.com = $732) and A7's in 315/35R17 rear ($409 ea at tirerack.com = $818), for a total out-of-pocket cost of $1550 and arguably the best possible autocross performance capability.
my local CL has a set of C5 Z06 wheels with lightly-used V710s for $1000 obo. When new, the V710 wasn't as fast as the A7, and in used condition they certainly won't be as fast as they were when new. because they are staggered 17" front and 18" rear, i would have to use the Z06 wheels as well.
i live a Challenge lifestyle. spending less is almost always my first choice. So here's my question:
Rather than spend the $1550 on my "free" tires, I'd like to spend $1000 obo on the used set of wheels and tires, and call the wheels free as well as the tires since the used wheel and tire package is cheaper than what i would spend on "free" tires that have a higher performance envelope. I already have an alternative budget plan that gets the wheels into the budget for free, so not looking for budget advice although i'm sure i'll receive it.
The intent of the free tire rule is to keep people safe and not run on old/dry rotted rubber. I think your interpretation of the rule is not appropriate because it creates precedent for getting wheels "free" if they are well bought and attached to high retail value tires.
IMHO the way to handle this is get an itemized receipt for your wheel/tire purchase with a reasonable balance. The tire value has no impact, the wheels do.
This area is ambiguous enough that GRM may want to consider additional language defining the appropriate value of a tire vs wheel in a combined purchase situation. i.e. purchase price of a wheel and tire package, new or used, is set a 50% value applied to wheels and 50% value applied to tires.
In reply to NordicSaab :
Well-stated, and I totally get the idea, but i think not correct. I think the free tire rule is to allow more radical builds because a $500 E36 M3box with $1500 in sticker A7's could own the autocross, and the magazine's goal is to create interesting editorial versus having a bunch of primer-spotted Civics at the pointy end of the field.
In reply to AngryCorvair :
I mean... sure. I guess that could be part of it too. Regardless, I don't think anyone is going to support an interpretation where you trade value on something budget exempt for something that isn't.
separate the tires and wheels and receipts. Tires will be free wheels will not be. Real ZO6 Wheels in my area gopher about $500 set
Dusterbd13-michael said:
separate the tires and wheels and receipts. Tires will be free wheels will not be. Real ZO6 Wheels in my area gopher about $500 set
This. Plus Z06 wheels are definitely a performance advantage in concourse because they're gorgeous. (Saw blades are played out and ugly)
Robbie
UltimaDork
6/14/19 1:28 p.m.
Every team could spend $1500 on sticker a7s.
Are you saying you think any wheel/tire package less than $1500 should be budget free? What would prevent a team from bringing 8 free wheels and tires under that interpretation? I think there is a significant difference between "4 tires are free" and "your first $1500 in wheels and tires is free".
I agree with getting separate receipts or using fmv for the wheels. Or, find a way to make your saw blades bigger to fit those tires?
NordicSaab said:
In reply to AngryCorvair :
I don't think anyone is going to support an interpretation where you trade value on something budget exempt for something that isn't.
that pretty much nails it.
In reply to Dusterbd13-michael :
dang. there are two sets on detroit CL right now with Hoosiers, at $850 and $750.
Robbie said:
Every team could spend $1500 on sticker a7s.
not all sizes cost that much, but yes they could if they used those sizes.
Are you saying you think any wheel/tire package less than $1500 should be budget free?
I was thinking that it is reasonable, not specifically at $1500 but at whatever dollar amount would cover 4 of the best "free" tires would cost.
What would prevent a team from bringing 8 free wheels and tires under that interpretation?
Understanding the difference between 4 and 8 would be a good start.
Indy-Guy said:
Dusterbd13-michael said:
separate the tires and wheels and receipts. Tires will be free wheels will not be. Real ZO6 Wheels in my area gopher about $500 set
This. Plus Z06 wheels are definitely a performance advantage in concourse because they're gorgeous. (Saw blades are played out and ugly)
are you a concours judge this year?
so, heat-cycled sticker A7's on sawblades it is! i appreciate the discussion.
Robbie
UltimaDork
6/14/19 3:10 p.m.
AngryCorvair said:
so, heat-cycled sticker A7's on sawblades it is! i appreciate the discussion.
I think we just shaved a second or more off your autox time though!
