GasPedalKid_S4

Hoping Luke or someone picks this up from Tirerack.

I am looking around for a set of 4 tires so I can track my 2001 S4. I've just worn through an old set of Bridgestone Potenza S03 Pole Positions (loved those tires!). I was offered a brand new (still stickered but discontinued model) set of Potenzas (not sure which model) which are stamped as 0202 (2nd week of 2002).

Treadware rating is 340. AA traction.

Is a 7.5 year old tire which has been stored inside a warehouse too old for the track?

Thanks.

GasPedalKid_S4

Update: The tire I have been offered is the Potenza RE750. Anyone have any thoughts about this tire as a track tire? And is it too old? (see above)

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Gary@Tirerack.com

The RE750, when new would have been just fair at best on the track. Given its age I'd pass on this tire for track use. If the tire was in storage the entire period, I would consider using it for a street tire if the price were right.

GasPedalKid_S4

Thanks Gary. I think you're right... the age makes me more nervous about track use.

The price is $60/tire before taxes, mounting, etc. The only other tires I see in that price range for a 225/45/17 are the Sumitomo HTR Z II, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo and the Kumho Ecsta SPT. All with different treadwear numbers... though I am not good enough at the track yet to understand the trade offs of performance vs. durability.

All three of these tires are on Tire Rack. Any thoughts? I am not a racer... just learning how to enjoy my car on the track once a month with a local auto club.

Thanks,
Bill

Gary@Tirerack.com

Between those three the S1 Evo should have the best track handling and durablity for track use while still being a fairly civilized street tire.

Tires
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR8&...ires/index.jsp