Thread: Tire Width?
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Old 04-02-2013, 01:54 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by renfield90 View Post
Maybe I'm misunderstanding you, but geometry and physics say you're wrong - a wider tire has more surface area, and assuming the coefficient of friction remains the same, will generate more grip at optimal operating temperature.

What you say is absolutely true for a competition where you have maybe one warm up lap - the skinnier tire will be in its happy place and the wider tire...not so much. What I would then suggest is a wide tire with a softer tire compound (i.e. with a lower operating temperature range). Depending on tire rules for your series, this may be difficult or even impossible to accomplish.
It's all about finding the right balance for the fastest lap time, and right now, that balance happens to be at a relatively skinny tire.
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