Sir said OK to this

**Shaun** · 6th November 2008, 21:48

-------Original Message------- From: Andrew StroudDate: 08/14/08 16:33:04To: paul.s@hondamotorcycles.co.nzCc: ceo@mnz.co.nzSubject: Superbike tyre costs Hi Paul/s, I'd just like to put forward the following idea regarding some control on tyre usage to help reduce costs; Last season I used plenty of tyres. Especially if I was looking for the best compound, I could go through 8 - 10 tyres in a single meeting.I get a very good deal on tyres but I can see how it can be tough for the guys who don't. Control idea;- 2 sets max - for Qualifying and both races.- Mark tyres before qualifying season.- These marked tyres must be used also in the first race. ( First race slight shorter - maybe 15mins in duration)- Tyres can be changed for the second race which is a little longer in duration - ( maybe 20mins) This also saves you needing to check for qualifying tyres. This system is used in the Australian 600 Supersport Nationals. Riders tend to do a minimal number of laps in qualifying in order to save their tyres for the first race. Best regards

More to come

**Shaun** · 6th November 2008, 21:49

Tyres‏
From: Andrew Stroud
Sent: Thursday, 6 November 2008 3:57:39 p.m.
To: ttproduction1@msn.com

1 attachment(s)
faint_gra...jpg (1.1 KB)

I also am a fan of using street legal tyres in the future as they are still fine for street riders and way to recover some tyre costs.

**Shaun** · 6th November 2008, 21:51

Tyres‏
From: Andrew Stroud
Sent: Thursday, 6 November 2008 4:53:46 p.m.
To: ttproduction1@msn.com

1 attachment(s)
faint_gra...jpg (1.1 KB)

Re what Ryan mentioned; Really I wouldn't have a problem with that idea either as long as we had tyres that didn't tear up.
When it's an endurance race you make a set of tyres do at least an hour. That equates to Qualifying, Race1 & Race 2. What's the difference?

**Shaun** · 6th November 2008, 21:53

Tyres‏
From: Andrew Stroud
Sent: Thursday, 6 November 2008 4:58:33 p.m.
To: ttproduction1@msn.com

1 attachment(s)
faint_gra...jpg (1.1 KB)

One set for Qualifying and both races would work if we had control tyres that were the harder compounds.
E.g.. People don't generally use SC2 front Pirelli's but through my experience they grip really well and last for ages.

**Shaun** · 6th November 2008, 22:01

Read it ALL! Then make ya post please

Andrew agreed for me to post these emails he has sent places to awnser questions as well as give very experienced input into this mind ---- YANK!

We all have our thoughts and opinions, but FACT is, Ha Ha Ha ( Exscuse me please whilst I play a little) I have been! I have done! OOOOO, and So has Andrew

PLEASE

Tell us why we are wrong

We love what we do, and will do what we can to help it grow.

**CHOPPA** · 6th November 2008, 22:27

Im no expert all i know is tyres are bloody expensive and if you guys find some way to reduce the costs im all for it. i dont care what i ride on to be honest if everyone else is on the same.

**Shaun** · 6th November 2008, 22:49

Originally Posted by CHOPPA

Im no expert all i know is tyres are bloody expensive and if you guys find some way to reduce the costs im all for it. i dont care what i ride on to be honest if everyone else is on the same.

But YOU R good mate. Your out side approach and so on, is great, really enthusiastic, that is why you come across and ride so well dude, you are Focused! and obviously love doing what you do, or you would NOT be as committed as you are.

Keep your input going here on KB mate, it is great for me alone? to read some thing from a nutter of Kind?

**Shaun P** · 6th November 2008, 23:47

I agree with the Pirelli sc2 advice as well, as Andrew told me the same thing! When he told me it made sense 'If the sc 2 gives you 2-3 % more grip than the sc 0, it wont matter when the sc 0 tyre loses 20% grip from tearing over a time period'
Saying that though I agree in reducing the number of available tyres but not having a road based tyre in superbike but maybe in 1000cc category without engine upgrades like Superstock.
Dont know if control tyres are the answer now either but certainly reducing amount would make the harder compounds more desireable.

**speedracerjimmy** · 7th November 2008, 00:11

i think the 600 class should get two sets,that have to do the qualifier and two races.As andrew said they do it in oz.It would cut the cost of one rear a weekend which is a good saving over 5 rounds.It would make qualifying more fun aswell

**ArcherWC** · 7th November 2008, 04:44

I agree with Choppa, tyres are the BIGGEST single cost when running a superbike. I would be very keen to see this reduced as much as possible.

I also think Shaun P is on the money with a more superstock style F1, ie you cant do anything to engine internals, but do what you like externally and with suspension, this would also even the palying field considerably both cost wise and performance wise
An example for me, is if I run the WSB kit in my bike, I get plenty of HP, thus making the bike competative, but I have to rebuild it every 10-15 hours which is just way beyond my budget, and before anyone starts wanking on about HP not being required, try racing a SB at Puke and see what happens to ya down the back straight when you dont have it

both of these things would in the very medium term make for bigger fields and much more exciting racing

**Shaun** · 7th November 2008, 06:16

Originally Posted by speedracerjimmy

i think the 600 class should get two sets,that have to do the qualifier and two races.As andrew said they do it in oz.It would cut the cost of one rear a weekend which is a good saving over 5 rounds.It would make qualifying more fun aswell

Good on ya Jimmy, thanks for your thoughts mate.

**codgyoleracer** · 7th November 2008, 07:18

Good to see Andrew putting pen to paper, - if he can put this argument forward using Pirellis - then for sure it is possible with at least two other brands that have as least as good (if not better) durability than the Pirellis.
Glen W

**Shaun** · 7th November 2008, 08:56

Originally Posted by codgyoleracer

Good to see Andrew putting pen to paper, - if he can put this argument forward using Pirellis - then for sure it is possible with at least two other brands that have as least as good (if not better) durability than the Pirellis.
Glen W

Wells said Glen. What I copied onto here, are emails sent to MNZ etc from Andrew, with his opinion on how things could be

**Robert Taylor** · 7th November 2008, 09:09

Originally Posted by codgyoleracer

Good to see Andrew putting pen to paper, - if he can put this argument forward using Pirellis - then for sure it is possible with at least two other brands that have as least as good (if not better) durability than the Pirellis.
Glen W

It is also not so well known that a lot of the variable performance of certain brands of tyres ( AND widely variable life ) is because of the inconsistency of quality. How many tyres that come in are ''special price'' runouts, ''old'' tyres, second string etc that are a special price to the distributor.

There is a very dark side to a lot of this that racers need to be very aware of. We should demand and expect better. And tighter controls would need to go hand in hand with much improved consistency. Are you getting the same tyre you had last week?

Food for thought, ask questions..........

**Shaun** · 7th November 2008, 10:19

Originally Posted by Robert Taylor

It is also not so well known that a lot of the variable performance of certain brands of tyres ( AND widely variable life ) is because of the inconsistency of quality. How many tyres that come in are ''special price'' runouts, ''old'' tyres, second string etc that are a special price to the distributor.

There is a very dark side to a lot of this that racers need to be very aware of. We should demand and expect better. And tighter controls would need to go hand in hand with much improved consistency. Are you getting the same tyre you had last week?

Food for thought, ask questions..........

Dead write, always check the manufacture date of the build of the tyre